Katy ISD promotes flexible school day program for teens balancing work, family

Katy ISD is reminding families of options for students who can't make a traditional bell schedule work. The district promoted its Optional Flexible School Day program at Raines Academy on X on Aug. 18, telling parents that "education should fit a student's goals, not the other way around."

The Texas Education Agency-approved program, which the Katy ISD Board of Trustees unanimously renewed at its June 22 meeting, lets eligible students attend school between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on an individualized schedule. The minimum requirement is four hours per day. Students take one or two courses at a time, blending teacher-supported instruction with online coursework, and most finish a course within 35 weeks.

The program is housed at 1742 Katyland Drive in Katy.

Who qualifies

Students may be eligible if employment, family responsibilities, credit recovery needs or other TEA-approved circumstances make a traditional schedule unworkable. The program also supports students who have withdrawn from school or are at risk of dropping out. Admission goes through an application and review process at Raines Academy.

How it differs from Legacy Virtual High School

Katy ISD launched Legacy Virtual High School in August with 147 students. That program is fully online and open to any Texas high schooler statewide; full-time Legacy students give up UIL eligibility for sports, band and theater.

The OFSD program, by contrast, is in-person at Raines Academy and limited to Katy ISD students. Participants still earn a Katy ISD diploma and receive personalized graduation planning, credit recovery support and access to district teachers and resources.

District priority

Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski listed strengthening Raines Academy and other Innovative Pathways programs as a district priority for 2026-27, according to Katy Magazine. As of the 2024-25 school year, Raines Academy served roughly 550 to 750 students per year drawn from all 10 Katy ISD high schools and the Miller Career Center, and more than 600 students had graduated since the academy opened in 2022, according to Community Impact.

Principal Kelley Kirila, who took over Raines Academy in January after nearly six years leading the Miller Career & Technology Center, oversees the program under the district's Innovative Pathways umbrella.