HOUSTON — Houston ISD will now offer a virtual academy for students too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have a compromised immune system..
HISD Superintendent Millard House II announced the launch of the virtual academy Thursday evening.
This virtual academy will be in addition to temporary virtual instruction provided for quarantined students, the superintendent said.
The virtual academy is for students age 11 and under and with a compromised immune system. The virtual academy will be for the fall semester and begins on Monday, Aug. 30.
The superintendent said while state will not provide funding for this instruction, the district will leverage ESSER relief funds to cover the costs.
The virtual academy will be taught by dedicated central staff so that campus teachers can focus on instructing students who are participating in-person, he said.
The superintendent said more details on eligibility and the process to apply for the virtual academy will be posted on the district's website at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20.
The district said parents of eligible students will need to submit an online form and submit medical documentation to their campus by Wednesday, Aug. 25. Parents may also visit any campus beginning Monday, Aug. 23 if they need help completing the online form.
“As we near the start of the new school year, please know that we continue to be focused on one thing — accelerating student learning and fostering social and emotional development in a safe and nurturing environment,” the superintendent said. “I hope this new option helps accomplish that goal for our most vulnerable students.”