What does tuition-free mean at Texas Virtual Schools?
Tuition-free means you don't need to factor tuition into your budget at all. Here is the full picture:
Tuition: none
Enrollment or application fee: none
Curriculum and course materials: included and built into every course
Teachers, tutoring and student support: included
Computer: provided by your family and should meet our system requirements
Internet: your household service
What supplies does a student need for online school in Texas?
A laptop or computer and reliable internet are all the supplies your student needs for online school in Texas. Our courses are fully web-based, and all materials are embedded within the curriculum. Presentations, videos and other instructional materials are linked and ready when your student logs in.
That means no textbooks, workbooks or course software to buy, and no classroom supply list to shop for in August.
What is the cost difference between online and in-person school?
Even at a free public school, in-person learning comes with out-of-pocket costs that add up over a year. Learning from home removes or reduces many of them:
Transportation: no daily drop-off, pickup or carpool
Clothing: fewer back-to-school shopping trips
Supply lists and classroom donations: materials are built into our courses
Meals and snacks: lunch comes from your own kitchen
Schedule-driven childcare: our program is asynchronous, so the school day can be arranged around your work hours instead of a bell schedule
What technology do students need for TXVS?
A computer and reliable internet are needed for students at TXVS. Before you buy anything, check the laptop or desktop you already own against the system requirements on our curriculum page. The computer you have may already be enough.
Internet is vital. Optional live lessons with teachers are offered daily, and we are adding more live classes this year, so confirm what your internet plan can accommodate and upgrade accordingly. Test the connection in the room where your student will work, at the time they will be working, with everyone else in the house online. If two students will share one computer, map out both schedules first to make sure it works.
Not sure your setup is ready? Call our enrollment team at (817) 529-3657 and describe what you have before you spend anything.
Where can Texas families find help with internet and household costs?
Support is available for families in need. These programs help Texas households with internet access and everyday expenses:
NDIA Honor Roll of low-cost plans: the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's list of affordable home internet plans from providers across the country.
Local libraries and nonprofits: some offer free Wi-Fi, hotspot lending or device repair for students.
2-1-1 Texas: a free Texas Health and Human Services helpline that connects families with housing, utility and emergency support. Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905.
Your Texas Benefits: where Texas families apply for SNAP food benefits, TANF cash help and other state assistance programs.
Our enrollment team is happy to talk through your setup and point you toward the right resource when you call.
Which TXVS school will your student attend?
It depends on grade. TXVS is separated by grade into two schools: eSchool Prep serves grades K–8, and Lone Star Virtual Academy serves grades 9–12. Both are tuition-free public schools, and we are currently enrolling students in grades K–11.
High school opens up more choices. Lone Star students can pursue honors, AP and dual-credit coursework alongside career preparation and industry certifications. If your student is heading into high school, ask our enrollment team how those options fit the courses you are choosing.
What support is included with TXVS enrollment?
Everything on this list is part of enrollment, not an add-on:
State-certified teachers, with standing one-on-one time scheduled into every week
Optional live lessons daily, plus small group sessions and teacher support by email, text and phone
Tutoring, library services and academic skills development
Student support teams who guide your student through enrollment and orientation
A Success Specialist, counselors and career specialists through graduation
A three-week enrollment process built for a smooth start
How much family time does online school take?
For most families, the bigger investment is time, not money. Every student works with a learning coach, the adult at home who helps them stay on pace. A kindergartner needs someone nearby to log in, follow the day's plan and reach out to a teacher with questions. A high schooler mostly needs regular check-ins and a quiet place to work.
When considering our school, talk through who will take on that role and how many hours a week they can realistically give. Here's more information on the role of a learning coach, and our schedule guide shows how families build the school day around work.
How do you build a family budget for online school in Texas?
You don't need to factor tuition into your budget. Instead, consider these:
One-time: a computer, only if the one you own doesn't meet our system requirements
Monthly: your internet service, plus any upgrade your plan needs
Time: learning coach hours, which vary by grade
Savings: the commuting, school meals and supply lists you no longer pay for
Before you decide, get a clear answer to these four questions:
Does the computer we own meet the current system requirements?
Does our internet hold up in the room our student will use, at the hours they will work?
Which school will our student attend: eSchool Prep or Lone Star Virtual Academy?
Who will be our learning coach, and how much time can they give each week?
How do you enroll at Texas Virtual Schools?
Any student who resides in Texas is eligible to enroll. You will need these enrollment documents:
Proof of Texas residency (a recent utility bill, mortgage statement or lease, or a Texas driver's license or state ID)
Proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport
Your student's Social Security card
Immunization records or an approved exemption
Recent report cards (grades 1–8) or a transcript (grades 9–11)
A parent or guardian's government-issued photo ID
