Lubbock ISD announces virtual education program in partnership with Texas Tech K-12
Lubbock, TX – The Lubbock Independent School District (Lubbock ISD) Board of Trustees have approved and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Texas Tech University. The MOU establishes a partnership between the district and Texas Tech K-12 to create Lubbock ISD Virtual Education (LIVE), a flexible, tuition-free online educational program designed to empower students and drive their academic achievement.
“We understand that the very best and most effective way for public education is in a face-to-face traditional school, and the majority of our students fit in that pathway,” said Misty Rieber, Lubbock ISD chief academic officer. “But we also know there are students where a face-to-face education doesn’t work for their family. We are proud to offer this option for them with a partner that has a longstanding history of success in virtual education.”
LIVE will be asynchronous, meaning students will complete their courses online and at the pace that best suits them. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open and will close Aug. 10. Space is limited, and students who are accepted into the program will start the school year on Aug. 12, alongside the district’s in-person students, and follow the district’s academic calendar.
As Lubbock ISD students, those enrolled in LIVE will have access to the district’s in-person support system, whether it be technical assistance, counseling support or academic guidance. High school and middle school students who live within the district are eligible to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities, as well as career and technical education (CTE) courses at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center as space allows.
“LIVE is one more way our district is fulfilling our mission of preparing students for life by nurturing, developing and inspiring every child, every day,” said Lubbock ISD Superintendent Kathy Rollo. “We knew there were families who wanted to be part of our district, who wanted their children to be able to participate in UIL activities or CTE courses at our campuses, but, for one reason or another, traditional Monday through Friday, in-person participation just didn’t work for them. Now, we have a way to welcome them into our district and provide them with an option that meets their needs where they are.”
To be eligible for LIVE, students must:
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Be a Texas resident
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Be able to provide proof that they are reading on grade level
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Have reliable high-speed internet access and adult support in their home
LIVE students will be connected to the district through specific campuses. Elementary students will be registered with either Honey Elementary School or Whiteside Elementary School. Secondary students will be able to register with any middle and high school campus (with the exception of the district’s two secondary magnet schools, Commander William C. McCool Academy and Talkington School for Young Women Leaders). Secondary students who physically reside in the attendance zone of their home campus will be UIL eligible.
Students who choose to participate in UIL activities like athletics or fine arts must meet all of the course requirements, including in-person class attendance, and participating in before and after school practices or rehearsals, and performances, games and competitions.
“Just like any other student, we will have tryouts, and they will have to maintain the academic requirements for participating in UIL,” Rieber said. “Families will have to transport the student to school for the class period, for rehearsals or practices, for games or performances, because if you’re going to be a part of an orchestra, a golf or a swim team, we want to make sure you’re a team member that they can count on and that you’re there on a regular basis.”
Courses will be taught by Texas Tech K-12 certified teachers, with students receiving access to 24/7 tutoring and ongoing academic support resources. Throughout the school year, Lubbock ISD and Texas Tech K-12 will work collaboratively to monitor student progress, engagement and attendance, with Texas Tech K-12 providing regular updates to each student’s home campus. This coordinated approach helps ensure students remain supported, connected and on track for academic success.
Texas Tech K-12, a division of Texas Tech University, has more than 30 years of experience providing accredited virtual education to students across Texas.
“Strong partnerships create stronger opportunities for students,” said Texas Tech K-12 Superintendent Robert Bayard. “Our collaboration with Lubbock ISD reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality virtual education while supporting the diverse needs of students and families. By combining Lubbock ISD’s deep connection to its community with Texas Tech K-12’s longstanding experience in virtual education, we are creating flexible, innovative educational opportunities that empower students to succeed. Together, we are building on our respective strengths to provide an exceptional learning experience with student success at the center of everything we do.”
For more information or to complete an application, please visit www.lubbockisd.org/LIVE.
About Lubbock ISD
Lubbock Independent School District is the largest K-12 public education provider in the surrounding area, educating more than 23,000 students. Its mission is to nurture, develop and inspire every child, every day. Guiding that mission are three leadership pillars – Develop Leaders, Love People and Value Data – which aim to empower staff to their full potential, embrace our community and cultivate student success at every level. With a wide range of academic and career programming, the district has innovated itself to provide growth opportunities for students and staff alike.
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