Plano ISD's Virtual Academy will offer honors classes for the first time in the 2027-28 school year, the district says, as families weigh applications for its specialized high school programs ahead of a Nov. 10 deadline.
The planned honors courses are English I and II, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry and World History. Which honors and advanced classes are offered can change from year to year, the district's program page notes.
How the virtual program works
The Virtual Academy is open to students entering grades 9 through 12. Students can study fully online or take a hybrid schedule, mixing virtual courses with classes on a Plano ISD campus. Courses are taught by certified district teachers, and students have access to counselors and campus support.
Applicants must be on track for graduation, meet the program's attendance requirement and applicable STAAR end-of-course requirements, and have no disqualifying technology violations. Students who receive special education or Section 504 services need committee approval. The district says the program is not a credit-recovery option, and enrollment is limited by staffing and capacity. Students and parents must attend an orientation before coursework starts.
Current Plano ISD students apply through Skyward Family Access, where the Virtual Academy application is part of the district's academy application. Students new to the district apply online and must provide proof of residency, attendance records, a transcript, a discipline form signed by their current school and STAAR or end-of-course results.
