Question 1: Is Amarillo ISD Online a "homeschool" program?

No. Amarillo ISD Online is a public school program within Amarillo ISD. Unlike homeschooling, we provide Texas-certified teachers, district-approved curriculum, and a state-recognized high school diploma. Students must still meet state testing (STAAR/EOC) and attendance requirements.

Question 2: My child is currently homeschooled. How is this program different?

Unlike traditional homeschool, Amarillo ISD Online is a public school program that provides AISD-aligned and state-approved curriculum, Texas-certified teachers, and a standard high school diploma. Students are also required to take state-mandated testing (STAAR/EOC) and meet compulsory attendance requirements.

Question 3: Is there a tuition fee to attend Amarillo ISD Online?

No. As part of Amarillo ISD, Amarillo ISD Online is a tuition-free public school option for eligible students residing in Texas or within the Amarillo ISD attendance zone.

Question 4: Is there a tuition fee or any cost to participate?

No. As part of Amarillo ISD, Amarillo ISD Online is a tuition-free public school option for eligible students residing in Texas or within the Amarillo ISD attendance zone.

Question 5: What grades are offered?

Amarillo ISD Online is for secondary students Grades 6 through 12.

Question 6: Who is eligible for admission?

Students must physically reside within the state of Texas and either within Amarillo ISD attendance boundaries or apply through an approved out-of-district transfer. All students must also have up-to-date immunization records.

Question 7: What are the admission/acceptance requirements?

Admission is based on a comprehensive review of prior academic success (passing all core courses), participation in or taking a placement test for state assessments, and being in good standing regarding attendance (90% record) and discipline. All new students are subject to a 6-week "Engagement" Trial period.

Question 8: Can students join mid-year?

Admission will only be considered at the beginning of each semester.

Question 9: If virtual is not working for my student, can we switch mid-year?

Voluntary withdrawal is allowed at the end of a grading period, at which point the student would return to their zoned brick-and-mortar campus.

Question 10: How does it work if I am a transfer student and don’t have an AISD home campus?

Students who do not live within the AISD attendance zone must complete and submit an official AISD Transfer Form to be considered for admission. Students from out-of-state, private school, or homeschool backgrounds are now eligible to apply directly after completing an interest form.

Question 11: How many virtual courses can my child take?

Students will work with campus administrators/counselors to complete a schedule. Typically, a student will take at least 5 courses. High School students, depending on their endorsement, will take an average of 6 to 7 courses per year.

Question 12: Can my student do a combination of virtual and in-person classes?

Yes, Amarillo ISD Online supports a “Hybrid” schedule. Students can take virtual core classes and participate in in-person activities, clubs, athletics, and fine arts at their zoned home campus or at AmTech.

Question 13: Are they considered full-time students?

Yes, students enrolled in the Amarillo ISD Online are considered full-time public school students within Amarillo ISD.

Question 14: Will our virtual calendar align with AISD’s calendar?

Yes.

Question 15: How do virtual students take state assessments?

Virtual students must report to their designated location to complete the state assessments, EOC, SAT, ACT, TSI, etc.

Question 16: When is registration?

Interest Forms will be readily available to complete on March 30, 2026. Within 3 to 4 business days, you will be notified as to whether or not your student is eligible for enrollment and will then receive a link to register via email.

Question 17: What will registration look like?

Families will first complete an Interest Form to help determine if your student is ready for a virtual learning environment. Once the Amarillo ISD Online team receives the Interest Form, families will be notified by phone of the documents required to enroll in Amarillo ISD Online, particularly if transferring from another district. Once all documents have been received, families will receive a link to register for Amarillo ISD Online via email.

Question 18: What if we move during the school year?

If you move, you must contact the Amarillo ISD Online Administration via the Main Office Phone or Principal's Email to update your residency information and review your enrollment status. Students must reside in Texas.

Question 1: Where can I find current information about the virtual program?

Current information is available in the Parent and Student Handbook and can be found by contacting the Main Office or visiting the official Amarillo ISD Online website.

Question 2: When will I be notified of acceptance?

Families will be notified of acceptance once all registration documents have been received. Once all documents have been received, families will be notified by email and phone within 3-4 business days.

Question 3: What courses and electives are available?

A list of courses is included on the webpage.

Question 4: Are there CTE classes?

Yes. Students are encouraged to take advantage of AmTech’s advanced career and technical training. A "Hybrid" schedule can be built to allow for virtual core classes and in-person AmTech blocks.

Question 5: Is this the same curriculum being used in the physical schools?

Yes, the curriculum is AISD-aligned and TEA-approved, which is the standard for the district.

Question 6: If I have a senior, what school is on the diploma?

Students receive a Standard AISD High School Diploma. For the 2026-2027 school year, it will list the home campus they are enrolled in. For the 2027-2028 school year, all students will receive a High School Diploma from Amarillo ISD Online.

Question 7: Can you accommodate the accelerated learning of my advanced learner?

Yes, the virtual program is designed with flexibility to accommodate advanced learners. Students can take advantage of our robust selection of Dual Credit and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Additionally, students identified as Gifted and Talented (GT) in Amarillo ISD will continue to receive differentiated instruction and services aligned with their GT plan through specially designed virtual learning opportunities. If your child is new to AISD, the district's standard GT screening and identification process must be completed after enrollment to determine eligibility for services.

Question 8: Will my child have the same graduation opportunities?

Yes, all students will have the same graduation opportunities as students enrolled in traditional campuses.

Learning Model

Question 1: How will students receive feedback and grades?

Students and Learning Coaches can receive feedback and monitor grades by regularly checking the Learning Management System (LMS) and Skyward Family Access.

Question 2: What is the difference between "Synchronous" and "Asynchronous" learning?

Synchronous learning happens in real-time via live video sessions with a teacher. Asynchronous learning is independent work in which students log in to the LMS (Canvas) to complete modules, watch recordings, and submit assignments on their own schedule.

Question 3: Will courses be synchronous or asynchronous?

Courses utilize a "Structured Flexibility" model, which is a mix of both mandatory synchronous (live video sessions) and asynchronous (independent, self-paced) learning.

Question 4: If it's a mixture, how will I know for family planning purposes?

The Amarillo ISD Online Daily Schedule outlines the balance of live and independent work. Synchronous sessions are scheduled, and the Learning Coach is responsible for checking calendars to ensure both student and parent can see upcoming deadlines.

Question 5: What does a typical day look like?

A typical day follows a "Structured Flexibility" model that includes: a morning launch for announcements, mandatory live synchronous sessions for core subjects, and time for asynchronous independent practice, lab work, and electives. Synchronous sessions will be carefully scheduled so as not to overlap.

Question 6: How much screen time is required?

On days without scheduled live sessions, students must log at least four hours of active work within the Learning Management System (LMS) to meet state funding requirements.

Question 7: Can my child work at their own pace?

The program operates on a "Structured Flexibility" model, not a true "work at your own pace" model. Students have flexibility during asynchronous time, but must attend all mandatory live synchronous sessions and meet daily and weekly deadlines to stay on pace.

Attendance

Question 8: How is attendance taken in a virtual school?

Attendance is based on daily "engagement." A student is marked present by logging into the LMS, attending live Zoom/Teams sessions, and making progress on assignments every school day. Simply logging in for one minute is not enough to be considered "present."

Question 9: Must students enrolled in virtual programs/schools meet compulsory attendance requirements?

Yes, a virtual student must meet the same compulsory attendance requirements as all students do in the brick-and-mortar setting. This means that virtual students must regularly log in and complete assignments, tests, and lessons to stay on pace.

Question 10: Is it flexible (e.g., working at 7:00 pm vs. standard hours)?

You have flexibility for the asynchronous (independent) work, which can be completed on the student's own schedule before 11:59 PM CST. However, attendance for all scheduled synchronous (live) sessions is mandatory and not flexible. Synchronous sessions will be carefully scheduled so as not to overlap.

Question 11: How will we report an absence?

The Learning Coach (parent/guardian) must notify the Attendance Office by 10:00 am via email or phone on the day of the absence and provide required documentation (e.g., a doctor's note) within three days.

Question 12: How will inclement weather days be handled for virtual classes?

Since Amarillo ISD Online is a virtual campus, students will be able to log in and complete coursework, and are generally not affected by inclement weather closures. Therefore, instructional days are typically not missed and do not need to be made up.

Question 1: Does the district provide a computer?

Yes. Every Amarillo ISD Online student is issued a district Chromebook or laptop. While students may use personal devices for some tasks, district-issued devices are required for all proctored exams and state testing to ensure security and software compatibility. However, the district does not provide Internet access or Wi-Fi devices for families.

Question 2: What if our internet goes out?

Reliable internet is the "doorway" to our school. If your home internet fails, we recommend having a backup plan, such as a mobile hotspot or visiting the Amarillo ISD Online Success Center or a local library to continue work.

Question 3: What happens if I have internet connectivity issues?

Reliable internet is required. If your home internet fails, you are expected to have a backup plan, such as using a mobile hotspot, visiting the Amarillo ISD Online Success Center, or a local library. Outages lasting longer than 4 hours must be reported to the technical support line and the teacher immediately.

Question 4: What happens if the technology breaks?

You should reach out to the Amarillo ISD Online Tech Support Desk for hardware issues. The Amarillo ISD Online Success Center also serves as a physical drop-off/exchange site for broken district-issued devices.

Question 5: What is the learning management system (Canvas LMS)?

The Learning Management System (LMS) is the digital classroom hub where students find assignments, submit work, and view grades. The specific system is Canvas.

Question 6: What happens if the digital tools are not working?

For login/password issues or software glitches, you should reach out to the Support Desk via Canvas. Families will be familiarized with this solution during orientation.

Question 7: Will we need to provide physical or instructional materials at home?

Some specialized physical or instructional materials, such as Art or Science kits, will be provided for pickup at the Amarillo ISD Online Success Center. Families are responsible for providing basic home supplies and a dedicated "Power Zone" workspace.

Question 8: How will parents receive virtual program communication?

Parents receive program communication from teachers and administrators via email, phone, and the Learning Management System (LMS) or ParentSquare. The Learning Coach is expected to respond to all communications within 24 business hours.

Question 1: What is the Success Center?

The Success Center is our physical office hub in Amarillo. It is a place where students can come for face-to-face tutoring, pick up science or art kits, and complete state-mandated testing.

Question 2: What is the role of the Learning Coach?

The Learning Coach (usually a parent or guardian) is the adult at home who helps the student stay on schedule. You don't have to be the teacher—our AISD staff handles instruction—but you do need to be a mentor who monitors the student's Power Zone and daily progress.

Question 3: Who are the faculty (teachers/admin)?

Faculty are Texas-certified Amarillo ISD Teachers and district administrators.

Question 4: How accessible will teachers be?

Teachers are highly accessible. They are expected to respond to email or LMS messages within 24 business hours (Monday–Friday). Teachers maintain the same classroom hours as all teachers do.

Question 5: How do students connect with staff?

Students connect with staff via LMS messages, district email, and live video sessions. They can also access one-on-one, face-to-face tutoring by appointment at the Amarillo ISD Online Success Center.

Question 6: Will there be counselors?

Yes, counselors are available. Students should reach out via the "Counselor Connection" link or email for questions regarding course scheduling, graduation requirements, or social-emotional support.

Question 7: What happens if my child struggles in any area?

If a student struggles, an intervention meeting will be held with the Learning Coach and administration to create a plan. Students who do not show academic progress may be administratively placed back at their zoned brick-and-mortar campus to ensure their academic needs are met.

Question 8: How do students stay motivated and on track?

Students stay motivated by taking ownership of their schedule, having a "fail-forward" attitude (asking for help via email/chat when needed), and using their flexibility to pursue local interests. The Learning Coach helps them stay on track by monitoring daily progress and time management.

Question 9: How are IEP and 504 meetings/accommodations handled?

An ARD or 504 committee meeting must be held before enrollment. The committee will determine if Amarillo ISD Online is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and if the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan can be implemented effectively in the virtual setting.

Question 10: Is there support for English Language Learners?

Yes. Students identified as Emergent Bilinguals (EB) will continue to receive English as a Second Language (ESL) support through virtual platforms and targeted sessions through Amarillo ISD Online.

Question 11: How is discipline handled?

Discipline follows a clear progression, especially for academic misconduct. Violations of academic integrity (including unauthorized AI use) can result in a grade of zero, a formal disciplinary referral, and potential removal from Amarillo ISD Online, with a return to the home campus after a third offense.

Question 12: What mental health supports are available?

Students who are feeling overwhelmed or need social-emotional support are encouraged to reach out to the Campus Administration/Counselor via the Counselor Connection link or email.

Question 13: How will hybrid students be informed of safety protocols and active concerns on their home campus?

All students and parents will be notified via ParentSquare and any additional communication platforms as needed.

Question 14: Will each teacher choose their own course structure, or will there be consistency?

Amarillo ISD Online utilizes a consistent "Structured Flexibility" instructional model, and all curriculum is AISD-aligned and TEA-approved, which provides a consistent framework across all courses, extracurriculars & student life.

Question 1: Can my student still play sports or be in the band?

Yes! Because Amarillo ISD Online students remain enrolled in Amarillo ISD, they retain their UIL eligibility. Students can participate in athletics, fine arts, and clubs at their "home" (zoned) campus. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the campus for these activities.

Question 2: Can Amarillo ISD Online students attend AmTech?

Absolutely. We encourage students to take advantage of AmTech's advanced career and technical training. We will work with you to build a Hybrid schedule that allows for virtual core classes and in-person AmTech classes.

Question 3: What extracurricular activities are offered?

Amarillo ISD Online offers virtual clubs and local Amarillo meetups to help students stay connected to the community.

Question 4: How do students interact socially?

Students interact socially by participating in Amarillo ISD Online virtual clubs and local Amarillo meetups. They can also meet at the Amarillo ISD Online Success Center for campus-based clubs or small-group collaborations.

Question 5: Is transportation provided for students participating in on-campus classes, activities, sports, or mandatory testing?

No, transportation is not provided. Parents/Learning Coaches are responsible for transporting students to and from their home campus for activities (sports, clubs) and to the designated physical testing sites (Success Center) for all state-mandated exams (STAAR/EOC).