Virtual Academy Program

Program Overview

The Plano ISD Virtual Academy PILOT program provides students the flexibility to complete high school coursework in a virtual environment while maintaining academic progress toward graduation. The program supports students who benefit from a more flexible learning structure while ensuring rigorous academic expectations and preparation for college, career, and military readiness (CCMR).

Students may also accelerate their progress toward graduation through self-paced coursework with established target completion dates.

Virtual Academy Overview

Virtual Academy Application Dates and Timelines

Application Status: Closed for Current Plano ISD Students

The application window for currently enrolled Plano ISD students is now closed.
All submitted applications are currently under review. Families will be notified of their student’s status once the review process is complete.

New to Plano ISD?

Enrollment for new-to-district students interested in the Plano ISD Virtual Academy remains open for the 2026–2027 school year.
Please use the application link below to begin the application and enrollment process

Virtual Academy Application

PVA Webinar 4/13/26

Virtual Academy Contact Information

Email Virtual Academy
Plano ISD Administration Building,
2700 W. 15th Street
Plano, Texas 75075

Additional Requirements for External Applicants

Students not currently enrolled in Plano ISD will need to provide:

Current proof of residency (gas, electric, or water bill)
Official attendance records for the 2025–2026 school year
Official transcript including current schedule and grades
Declaration of Student Discipline Form for the 2025–2026 school year signed by a school administrator
Copies of all STAAR/EOC assessment results
Special Education/504 documentation (if applicable)

What Happens Next?

Applications are reviewed based on academic performance, attendance, and assessment data
Eligible students will receive acceptance communication with next steps
Students not selected will remain enrolled in their current campus program

Missed the Deadline? (Current Plano ISD Students Only)

If you are currently enrolled in Plano ISD and missed the application deadline, limited consideration may be available if space opens after the initial review process. Please email virtualacademy@pisd.edu no later than May 29, 2026.
Include the following information:

Student name
Student ID
Current grade level
Preference: Full Virtual or Hybrid
Before emailing, please review the PVA webinar video above.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be enrolled in Plano ISD
Students not currently enrolled may apply for the Virtual Academy Program.
Upon acceptance in the Academy Program the student will be required to enroll in Plano ISD
Successful completion of previous STAAR/EOC assessments
Minimum 95% attendance in the prior school year
No technology violations
Limited accommodations as determined by the ARD committee
Limited language accommodations

Campus administrators or counselors may recommend students who do not meet one or more criteria for district-level review.

Learning Designed for Today's Students

Plano Virtual Academy offers flexible high school learning options for students who need a different approach to how, when, or where learning happens. Whether students are learning online full-time or combining virtual coursework with in-person classes, Plano Virtual Academy is built to support academic progress, connection, and student well-being. Students remain Plano ISD students and are supported by certified district educators, counselors, and campus staff.

How Learning Works

Plano Virtual Academy provides two instructional options for students in grades 9-12

Full-Time Virtual Learning

Students complete their coursework online through structured lessons facilitated by Plano ISD teachers. Courses include regular interaction, clear expectations, and ongoing feedback to help students stay engaged and on pace.

Hybrid Learning

Students split their instructional time between online courses and in-person classes at a Plano ISD campus. This option allows students to maintain campus connections while benefiting from the flexibility of virtual instruction.
Both options are designed to support a wide range of student needs, including academic focus, personal scheduling demands, and individualized learning preferences.

Instruction & Academic Support

Courses are taught by certified Plano ISD teachers using a district-approved online curriculum aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Teachers actively monitor student progress, provide instruction and feedback, and support students throughout the school year.
Support services include:

Academic planning and ongoing progress monitoring
Targeted tutoring and instructional intervention
Special education and Section 504 services
College, career, and wellness counseling
Ongoing technical and platform support

Technology Expectations

Family Communication & Engagement

Enrollment & Eligibility

Who May Apply

Plano Virtual Academy is open to high school students entering grades 9–12 who meet Plano ISD and State of Texas eligibility requirements. Enrollment is based on capacity and program availability.

Residency Requirements

Students must be Texas residents at the time of application
Proof of residency is required and may include:
- A recent utility bill
- A current lease agreement or mortgage statement

Additional Enrollment Considerations

Students must be eligible for enrollment in grades 9–12.
Academic history will be reviewed to ensure readiness.
Attendance history will be considered.
Parent or guardian identification is required as part of the application process.

External Applicants will need to provide:

Current proof of residency (current gas, electric, or water bill)
Official Attendance Records for the 2025-2026 school year
Official transcript w/ current schedule and grades
Declaration of Student Discipline Form for 2025-2026 school year signed by the school administrator.
- (Link to the form here)
Copy of all STAAR/EOC results
- www.texasassessment.gov
Special Education / 504 IEP (if student qualifies for Special Services)

Choosing the Right Path

Plano Virtual Academy is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining structure, accountability, and meaningful educator support.
Students who are successful in the program typically:

Can manage time and coursework independently with guidance
Communicate regularly with teachers and counselors
Are prepared to engage in a structured online environment

Families unsure which option best fits their student’s needs are encouraged to connect with the Plano Virtual Academy team (virtualacademy@pisd.edu) for individualized guidance.

For questions about enrollment, eligibility, or program options, please contact Plano Virtual Academy at virtualacademy@pisd.edu.

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