New program offers a flexible learning option while keeping students connected to Snyder ISD
SNYDER, Texas — At the July 9, 2026 meeting, the Snyder ISD Board of Trustees voted to extend educational opportunities for students with the Tiger Connect Virtual Learning Academy, a new virtual learning program designed to provide flexibility while maintaining the support, accountability, and opportunities available through Snyder ISD.
Tiger Connect Virtual Learning Academy allows eligible students in grades 9-12 to complete coursework from home while remaining enrolled as Snyder ISD students and working toward a Snyder High School diploma.
The program was developed to meet the needs of families seeking greater flexibility in their child's education while maintaining access to the academic, extracurricular, and support services offered by Snyder ISD. Tiger Connect provides many of the benefits families seek through homeschool or other online programs while ensuring students remain connected to their school district and community.
"Families have shared that they are looking for flexible educational options that still provide structure, accountability, and support," said Superintendent Dr. Jessica Gore. "Tiger Connect allows us to meet those needs while ensuring students continue to receive the opportunities and resources available through Snyder ISD."
Students enrolled in Tiger Connect will complete coursework through Edmentum, an accredited online learning platform aligned to Texas standards and Snyder ISD graduation requirements. Students will follow the same academic calendar, grading periods, graduation requirements, and assessment expectations as students attending Snyder High School.
While learning from home, students will remain connected to Snyder ISD through academic progress monitoring, counseling services, regular communication with program staff, and access to student support services. Coach Christopher Lozano will serve as the Tiger Connect Coordinator and primary point of contact for students and families. Office hours and support opportunities will be available to assist students with academic progress and program success.
Tiger Connect is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining high expectations. Students are expected to complete assignments on time, maintain satisfactory academic progress, meet attendance and engagement requirements, participate in required state and district assessments, and follow all district policies and procedures.
Unlike many virtual learning programs, Tiger Connect allows students to remain connected to the opportunities available through Snyder ISD. Students may continue participating in athletics, UIL activities, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, fine arts, clubs, student organizations, and other extracurricular experiences while completing coursework from home. Students participating in extracurricular activities must meet all district and UIL eligibility requirements.
The district will provide each Tiger Connect student with a district-issued device. Families without reliable internet access may also be eligible to receive a MiFi hotspot to support learning from home.
Admission to Tiger Connect is not automatic. Students must complete an application during the designated application window and participate in a face-to-face interview with district staff. Applications will be reviewed based on academic performance, attendance history, discipline records, graduation progress, readiness for virtual learning, and other relevant student data.
Selection into the program is based on student readiness rather than first-come, first-served enrollment. Acceptance is reviewed annually, and continued participation depends on students meeting academic, attendance, and program expectations.
Tiger Connect is best suited for students who demonstrate responsibility, self-motivation, strong time management skills, and the ability to work independently. Parent and guardian involvement is an important component of student success in the virtual learning environment.
"Flexibility does not mean lower expectations," Gore said. "Tiger Connect students will be held to the same academic, attendance, behavioral, extracurricular, and conduct standards as every other Snyder ISD student. The learning environment may be different, but the expectations remain the same."
Families interested in learning more about the Tiger Connect Virtual Learning Academy are encouraged to visit www.snyderisd.net/tigerconnect.
Important Dates
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄: July 10-22, 2026
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: July 23, 2026
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀: July 24-29, 2026
𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Acceptance or denial notifications will be sent on July 30, 2026