Amarillo ISD accepting applications for new virtual learning program

The Amarillo Independent School District is now accepting applications for its new virtual learning program, set to launch for the 2026–2027 school year. The initiative will provide students in grades 6 through 12 with more flexible learning options, including fully online and hybrid instruction.

District leaders say the application process is designed to help families explore whether virtual education is the right fit. As part of the process, students and parents complete a readiness profile that evaluates factors such as access to a dedicated workspace and the ability to stay engaged in an online environment. Once submitted, the district will follow up with families about potential enrollment.

Jennifer Wilkerson, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, said the program reflects a growing demand for more personalized education choices. In recent years, Amarillo ISD has seen approximately 700 students leave the district for other schools offering online courses, prompting leaders to rethink how they deliver instruction.

The new program, called Amarillo ISD Online, allows students to choose between full-time virtual learning or a hybrid schedule that blends online coursework with in-person experiences. This flexibility is expected to benefit a wide range of students, including those balancing academic goals with extracurricular commitments or specialized training.

Students enrolled in the program will still have access to many of the district’s traditional offerings. Opportunities through the AmTech Career Academy will remain available, along with fine arts programs such as band, choir, and orchestra. Athletic participation and other school activities will also continue to be an option for virtual learners, helping them stay connected to campus life.

Amarillo ISD officials say the district’s experience with online education stretches back more than a decade through its involvement with the Texas Virtual School Network. However, this new effort significantly expands those offerings, giving students more course choices and scheduling flexibility than ever before.

The development of Amarillo ISD Online was also shaped by lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools rapidly transitioned to remote learning. Educators discovered that recorded lessons and digital tools could enhance understanding, especially when students needed to revisit complex material. Those insights are now being used to build a more structured and effective virtual program.

Courses will be delivered through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction. Students can watch recorded lessons at their convenience, while also participating in live sessions when real-time interaction is necessary. This approach is intended to balance flexibility with meaningful engagement between students and teachers.

To ensure accountability, the district will use secure technology, including a lockdown browser during assignments and exams. In some cases, students will be required to complete tests at designated, supervised locations. Teachers will remain accessible to provide support, answer questions, and monitor progress.

District officials are also preparing for the staffing needs of the new program. Applications for virtual teaching positions are opening this month, and hiring decisions will depend on student enrollment numbers. Some educators will focus on online instruction, while others will continue teaching in traditional classrooms.

With applications now open, Amarillo ISD leaders hope the program will attract both current and returning students by offering a flexible, high-quality education that meets the changing needs of families.