Texas Tech’s online public school is expanding access to needed resources across the state, giving students and districts more educational opportunities.
Texas Tech K-12 is helping more Texas public school districts keep students enrolled locally by providing flexible online learning options that meet diverse student needs while allowing districts to remain the student’s home school.
Rather than replacing traditional education, these academic partnerships with Texas Tech University’s fully online public school complement existing district offerings by creating additional pathways for student success.
Texas Tech K-12's commitment to quality remains at the center of every partnership. For students, the benefits are many: accredited curriculum, experienced Texas-certified teachers, personalized student support, proven online learning expertise and a trusted Texas Tech educational experience.
Within these collaborations, Texas Tech K-12 works alongside districts as a trusted educational partner. Districts maintain relationships with their students while leveraging Texas Tech K-12’s 30-plus years of experience in distance and online education. Each partnership is customized to align with district goals and student needs.
Robert Bayard, superintendent for Texas Tech K-12, emphasizes that strong partnerships create stronger opportunities for students, keeping in mind every district has unique goals.
“Our role is to work together with them to provide flexible, high-quality educational options that expand opportunity while keeping student success at the center of every decision,” Bayard said. “Together, we’re creating pathways that empower students, support families and help districts meet the evolving needs of their communities.”
Growing Across Texas
Texas Tech K-12 has welcomed several new academic alliances this year, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible, innovative educational solutions.
Recent partnerships with independent school districts (ISDs) include Clear Creek, Lubbock-Cooper, Canyon, Memphis, Smithville and Lubbock. There are around a dozen additional districts at various points of commitment, whether in the process of joining, anticipating or discussing partnership opportunities.
Clear Creek ISD, comprising 45 campuses, serves more than 40,000 students in the Clear Lake area and neighboring communities in the Houston-League City area. Its plan, the Clear Tech Virtual Program, will complement the virtual coursework with robust student support services, technology and software tools, and in-person clubs and other activities.
“This groundbreaking virtual education brings together two world-class educational institutions to offer students a rigorous academic program with the added benefits of in-person support and enrichment opportunities,” said Karen Engle, CCISD superintendent of schools.
The Clear Tech Virtual Program is available to elementary, intermediate and high school students across Texas, beginning with a ninth-grade cohort and additional high school grade levels offered in 2027-28.
No Matter the Size
Texas Tech K-12 leaders know every student learns differently, and every district serves unique community needs. These partnerships provide districts with additional options of support:
- Keep students enrolled in their home district.
- Expand academic opportunities without creating new online programs.
- Support students who need flexible learning environments.
- Reduce student transfers to outside virtual schools.
- Provide high-quality online instruction backed by Texas Tech University.
Darryl Flusche is the superintendent of Canyon ISD, located in the Texas Panhandle, serving around 11,590 students across 21 campuses. CISD Choice is the moniker for the district’s partnership with Texas Tech K-12.
“CISD Choice gives us another way to serve students who may need an option beyond the traditional classroom,” Flusche said. “Through our partnership with Texas Tech K-12, we can provide the flexibility students need to continue their education and work toward graduation.
“For some students, having that option can make all the difference. We’re grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to continue empowering lifelong success for every student.”
As interest in virtual education continues to grow, Texas Tech K-12 remains committed to expanding access while maintaining excellence. Future partnerships will continue to focus on innovation, collaboration and student success.
“As more districts join Texas Tech K-12, we’re excited to continue building academic partnerships grounded in trust, innovation and a shared commitment to educational excellence," Bayard added.