Houston ISD Virtual Launchpad admits first cohort of high school students

Who's involved

• Enzo Rodriguez Gomez · sophomore student in Virtual Launchpad, Heights High School soccer team member^[1]
• Dr. Jackson · English II teacher^[1]

The facts

1. Virtual Launchpad accepted its first cohort of ninth and tenth graders in August 2026, with plans to expand to all high school grades in coming years. [1]^[1]
2. Fridays are set aside for students to attend tutorials, participate in small group check-ins, or meet one-on-one with teachers. [1]^[1]
3. Virtual Launchpad students maintain enrollment at their home campus and can still participate in their school's social events and extracurricular activities, including University Interscholastic League (UIL) sports. [1]^[1]
4. Counselors and learning coaches assigned to a student check bi-weekly to ensure that the virtual environment is conducive to the student's learning, and students not progressing would be transitioned back to their home campus. [1]^[1]
5. Virtual Launchpad students can explore college and career pathways through virtual and in-person courses, including dual enrollment at Houston Community College and programs at HISD's Barbara Jordan Career Center. [1]^[1]

Who said what

• Enzo Rodriguez Gomez, sophomore student He became more focused and on-track with school and realized he has more time to do things he loves, including more time to hang out with friends and practice soccer.^[1]
• Enzo Rodriguez Gomez In the online environment, the class stays quiet and organized, and he feels he has more of a connection in the class and gets more help from teachers.^[1]
• Enzo Rodriguez Gomez He is happy with his grades and, since he has more time to work, there is really no excuse on why his grades shouldn't be as good.^[1]