The district is preparing to relaunch online learning through a new initiative called Denton Digital, marking Denton’s return to virtual education after ending its previous virtual K-8 program in 2023.
The move to close in 2023 came after changes in state law limited funding for online schools, prompting districts across Texas to suspend or restructure virtual options. Now, new legislation has created a pathway for districts to offer digital instruction under specific guidelines.
In 2023, Denton ISD closed its virtual academy after two state laws restricted financial support for online campuses. Since then, district leaders have monitored legislative developments and worked to rebuild a compliant program.
The 89th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 569, which outlines requirements for virtual campuses, including approval from the Texas Education Agency commissioner, Mike Morath, a year of planning and minimum enrollment thresholds. The law also allows districts to offer virtual programs that operate alongside traditional campuses.
Assistant Superintendent Lacey Rainey said Denton ISD’s focus is on student success and flexibility.
“When we’re talking about digital and talking about reinstating a virtual program in Denton ISD, we want to frame it in terms of how is this going to help our students be successful,” Rainey said. “We know that not all students learn the same way.”
Rainey added that the district’s experience with its former Denton Virtual Academy helped shape the new model.
“We had a very successful virtual school,” she said. “We know that we can do it, and we can do it well.”
Denton Digital will operate through four separate programs designed to meet different student needs.
Elementary Virtual Program (K–5)
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will enroll at Olive Stephens Elementary School and attend classes full time online. Instruction will combine live virtual lessons with independent coursework aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.
Teachers from Stephens Elementary will staff the program. Some students, including bilingual fifth graders, new second graders and students with individualized education programs, will be assigned to other campuses as their home schools while participating virtually.
Middle and High School Virtual Program (6–12)
Students in grades six through 12 may enroll in a full-time online program with limited opportunities to participate in up to two on-campus classes or activities.
Most coursework will be asynchronous, with scheduled virtual office hours. The program will follow the district calendar, and attendance will be monitored.
Original Credit Program
High school students seeking to accelerate their studies may earn up to two original credits online while remaining enrolled at their home campuses. These courses will be primarily self-paced and will require check-ins with instructors.
Credit Recovery Program
Students who need to retake courses or recover lost credits can complete up to three credits per year online. Coursework will be completed outside regular school hours, with support through virtual office hours.
Families who enroll students in the district’s summer learning program may access credit recovery at no cost.
Supporting Flexible Learning
Superintendent Susannah O’Bara said the program was developed quickly to address the growing need for flexible learning options.
District leaders noted that competitive athletes, performers and students with demanding schedules often struggle to balance training and traditional school attendance.
“I’ve been in our schools, and I’ve seen children that reach that level of competition,” O’Bara said. “They need a virtual option.”
She said Denton Digital will also help students transition back to in-person learning when their circumstances change.
“Options like this will allow them to really never miss a beat at Denton ISD,” O’Bara said. “They’ll be able to roll back into our system.”
Keeping Students in the District
Rainey said one of the district’s goals is to prevent students from leaving for outside virtual schools.
“We want to keep our students in Denton ISD,” she said. “By reinstating a digital program, not a school, but a program, we’ll be able to meet our students’ needs.”
District officials plan to continue refining Denton Digital as enrollment opens and the program launches, with the aim of expanding access to quality online learning while maintaining strong connections to campus-based education.
