Virtual Academy Course List

Virtual and In-Person Course Listing

(2026–2027 Academic Year)

Important notes

  • Courses labeled “In Person” require on-campus instruction. All other courses are delivered virtually. 
  • Students enrolling in the Northside ISD Virtual Academy may take up to two courses per year in person
  • Parents are responsible for ensuring their students have transportation to and from the campus to attend in person classes. 
  • Additional classes may be added, depending on the demand and the courses available.  

English 1 (Grade 9)
Students focus on vocabulary development, comparing connotation with denotation and identifying word meanings. Reading instruction stresses inference, analysis of character development, and complex figurative language in narrative literature and poetry. Writing exercises emphasize the comparison of multiple perspectives and the evaluation of source materials.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced English 1 (Grade 9)
Students blend literary analysis with creative production. They write and pitch an original narrative as a cinematic movie premiere, analyze historical speeches, and complete a community interview project. Coursework builds evidence-based writing, rhetorical awareness, and reflective communication through project-driven learning.
Length: 2 semesters

English 2 (Grade 10)
Students focus on vocabulary development and word meanings using sentence structure. Reading instruction stresses inference and analysis of complex figurative language in narrative literature. Writing exercises emphasize comparison of ideas and perspectives, while further developing skills in analytical evaluation and the editing process.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced English 2 (Grade 10)
Students study rhetoric, research, and real-world communication. They craft formal speeches, write college-admissions essays, evaluate media bias, and produce multimedia presentations. Projects emphasize persuasive writing, cultural analysis, and authentic voice for modern civic engagement.
Length: 2 semesters

English 3 (Grade 11)
This course focuses on vocabulary instruction regarding cultural and contextual meanings. Reading instruction offers improvement through interaction with various texts, focusing on analysis and interpretation of multiple perspectives. Writing exercises stress synthesis, conclusion-making skills, and the editing process.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced English 3 (Grade 11)
Students integrate classic literature, historical documents, and media literacy through project-based inquiry. They produce multimedia reports, write analytical essays, investigate bias and credibility, and create public-facing service announcements. Students develop sophisticated research skills and college-ready argumentation.
Length: 2 semesters

AP English Literature and Composition
An introductory college-level course where students analyze literature by exploring character, setting, structure, perspective, and figurative language within various literary works.
Length: 2 semesters

AP English Language and Composition
Focuses on critical reading and rhetorical analysis. Students analyze nonfiction texts to understand arguments and convey meaning through analytical, argumentative, and synthesis essays.
Length: 2 semesters

Algebra 1
Students build upon pre-algebra foundations to perform operations and solve problems with real numbers. The course focuses on linear relations, developing fluency with the language and operations of algebra to represent relationships and solve statistical problems.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced Algebra 1
Students connect equations, functions, and quadratic models to real-world decision-making. They analyze community data and design projects using polynomial and factoring skills. Project-based learning emphasizes mathematical reasoning applied to authentic financial and design challenges.
Length: 2 semesters

Geometry
Students explore geometry through inductive and deductive processes, constructions, and algebraic connections. They apply Euclidean geometry theorems and proofs to meaningful problems, using experimentation to discover relationships and formulate conjectures.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced Geometry
Students blend logical reasoning with creative design through project-based applications. They explore proofs, transformations, and trigonometry, culminating in a Geometric Art Installation and a Tiny Home Blueprint project while completing independent research.
Length: 2 semesters

Algebra 2
Students expand their ability to understand and solve problems with real numbers. The course focuses on linear relations, algebraic fluency, and statistical methods to analyze and represent complex relationships.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced Algebra 2
Students extend algebra skills into modeling, data analysis, and advanced functions. They conduct regression projects analyzing quadratic and exponential data and complete a statistics capstone. Emphasis is placed on technology integration and mathematical communication.
Length: 2 semesters

Pre-Calculus
Students expand knowledge of quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions to include power, rational, and trigonometric functions. They investigate mathematical ideas using graphing calculators and software to analyze complex situations.
Length: 2 semesters

College Algebra
Develops fluency with exponents, algebraic expressions, and one-variable equations. Models real-world contexts using linear and quadratic functions.
Length: 2 semesters

Biology
Students study how ecosystems are shaped by interactions between living organisms and their environment. The course explores the composition of organisms, the relationship between organ systems, and the role of DNA in reproduction and genetic expression.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced Biology
Students study the interrelationships of ecosystems and the states of balance in the environment. Units include an exploration of the composition of organisms, organ systems, and the role of DNA in genetic expression through an advanced lens.
Length: 2 semesters

Chemistry
The first semester focuses on properties of matter, atomic structure, and chemical bonding. The second semester introduces basic physics concepts including forces, motion, wave properties, electricity, and magnetism using Newton's laws.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced Chemistry
This course covers physical science principles focusing on the properties of matter, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. The second semester covers physics concepts including Newton’s laws, wave behavior, and electromagnetism with increased rigor.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Chemistry
An introductory college-level course focusing on atomic structure, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics through inquiry-based investigations.
Length: 2 semesters

Physics
Studies matter, energy, magnetism, and motion. Lessons focus on measuring velocity, force, and acceleration and understanding wave properties.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Physics
Explores fundamental principles including motion, forces, energy, and electricity. Students engage in inquiry-based investigations to apply mathematical relationships to real-world phenomena.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Biology
An inquiry-based college-level course exploring evolution, cellular processes, energy transfer, genetic information, and ecology through investigations.
Length: 2 semesters

Environmental Science
Explores environmental systems, conservation, and sustainability.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Environmental Science
Students investigate the interrelationships of the natural world, exploring concepts like energy transfer, earth system interactions, and sustainability through lab work.
Length: 2 semesters

Anatomy & Physiology and Human Disease
Focuses on anatomical structures and the physiology of the human body. Discusses homeostasis and major pathologies, including causes and treatments.
Length: 2 semesters

World Geography
Students explore "the why of the where," evaluating the impact of location, movement, and human/environmental interactions. Emphasis is placed on understanding physical processes and applying geographic knowledge to social and political events.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced World Geography
Students analyze global forces shaping human movement, culture, and economies. Through research-driven projects, they investigate globalization and emerging technologies, connecting global patterns to local solutions through sustainability designs.
Length: 2 semesters

World Civilizations
Students investigate the interrelationships of world peoples and the contributions of influential civilizations. Study includes ancient and classical civilizations, the Middle Ages, and the ages of revolution and industrialism.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced World Civilizations
Students analyze major world turning points and apply lessons to the modern era. Projects include a Time Traveler’s Brochure series, counterfactual explorations, and research investigations connecting community issues to world history.
Length: 2 semesters

AP World History
Examines global history from 1200 CE to the present, focusing on trade networks, political systems, and historical thinking skills like argumentation.
Length: 2 semesters

U.S. History
Students investigate American history from pre-reconstruction to the modern era. The course covers the American Revolution, the structure of the U.S. government, territorial growth, and the significance of the Civil War.
Length: 2 semesters

Advanced U.S. History
Students act as practicing historians through multimedia storytelling and research. They produce research podcasts, design digital exhibits, and conduct primary-source investigations to connect America’s past to modern policy.
Length: 2 semesters

AP U.S. History
Uses thematic learning objectives to put historical events in context. Students analyze historiography, arguments, and evidence to understand historical developments.
Length: 2 semesters

U.S. Government
This course fosters informed participation in public life by exploring the structures, protections, and economic systems of the United States. Emphasis is placed on the U.S. Constitution and the distribution of power.
Length: 1 semester

Advanced U.S. Government
Students prepare for active citizenship through research-driven civic projects. They design community guides to demystify government processes, analyze Supreme Court cases, and craft evidence-based policy arguments.
Length: 1 semester

AP U.S. Government
A college-level course exploring constitutionalism, civic participation, and policy-making interests through the analysis of data and text-based sources.
Length: 1 semester

Economics
Students study economic problems and methods of resolution within the U.S. market economy. The course analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and the impact of historical forces on current resources.
Length: 1 semester

Advanced Economics
Students use market simulations and a stock portfolio challenge to think like economists. They design solutions to community issues, culminating in a formal Community Action Plan grounded in cost–benefit analysis.
Length: 1 semester

AP Human Geography
Introduces the systematic study of patterns and processes shaping human use of Earth's surface, covering population, migration, and urban development.
Length: 2 semesters

Spanish 1
Students learn to engage in conversations, exchange opinions, and express feelings in written and oral Spanish. The course emphasizes the relationship between Hispanic cultural practices and language use for personal enrichment.
Length: 2 semesters

Spanish 2
Students virtually travel through Spanish-speaking regions to broaden vocabulary and grammar. The course strengthens listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while exploring the beauty of shared language and culture.
Length: 2 semesters

Spanish 3
Students develop greater proficiency in communication while engaging with complex texts. The course emphasizes real-world communication and cultural exploration across Spanish-speaking regions with increased accuracy.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Spanish Language and Culture
Equivalent to intermediate college Spanish. Students apply interpersonal and presentational communication modes to explore global challenges and cultural identities.
Length: 2 semesters

Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits
Students develop skills to create and evaluate personal fitness programs. The course covers the relationships between movement, fitness, and nutrition.
Length: 2 semesters

Art Foundations
Students study art tools and materials with an emphasis on studio production. The course develops higher-level thinking and art-related technology skills.
Length: 1 semester

Music Aesthetics
Students explore the body, voice, and instruments as means of musical expression. They improvise and compose music while expanding analysis and evaluation skills.
Length: 1 semester

Professional Communications
Blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based environment. Students develop skills in software applications, editing, and professional research.
Length: 1 semester

Computer Science I
Students design and implement programs through various media. Covers data analysis, task requirements, and digital citizenship.
Length: 2 semesters

Computer Science II
Continues program design and implementation. Students evaluate information to solve problems and research laws regarding digital citizenship.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Computer Science
An introductory college-level course where students cultivate understanding of coding through analyzing and testing concepts like modularity and variables.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Computer Science Principles
An introductory course covering the breadth of computer science, including algorithms, data discovery, and the social impact of computing innovations.
Length: 2 semesters

Banking and Financial Services
Students develop skills for the banking, insurance, and investment industries. They analyze products, calculate losses, and evaluate company performance using ratios.
Length: 2 semesters

Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance
Provides an overview of Business Management, Marketing, and Finance career clusters. Covers leadership, ethics, and fundamentals of the business world.
Length: 2 semesters

Business Management
Explores fundamentals of business management, including hiring, human resources, supply chain management, revenue generation, and risk management.
Length: 2 semesters

Foundations of Business Communication and Technologies
Students apply technical skills to address emerging technologies, including word processing, spreadsheet formulation, and electronic presentations.
Length: 2 semesters

AP Principles of Business and Personal Finance 
AP Business with Personal Finance is an introductory, college-level business and personal finance course. Students explore the business disciplines of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, and management through real-world business application, case studies, and project-based learning. In addition, students learn and apply all the National Standards for Personal Financial Education created by the Council for Economic Education and the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. 
Length: 2 semesters

Foundations of Education
Examines the goals of education, legal/ethical issues, and stakeholder roles. Students determine careers of interest and review state requirements for educators.
Length: 2 semesters

Public Speaking
Students learn to construct and deliver speeches in various settings. Historical speeches are analyzed to evaluate the role of audience and culture.
Length: 1 semester

Social Media Marketing
Explores how marketers integrate social tools into strategy. Students create content for fictitious companies and evaluate various digital platforms.
Length: 1 semester

Web Design
In-depth study of HTML and CSS. Students address web-based protocols and create websites with graphics, links, and tables.
Length: 2 semesters

Medical Terminology
Focuses on medical vocabulary and language construction using roots, suffixes, and prefixes as applied to body structures and health care fields.
Length: 2 semesters

Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness
Explores the role of nutrients in the body and safe food preparation. Connects physical performance and injury prevention to nutritional intake.
Length: 2 semesters

Digital Photography
Students explore the history and basics of photography, camera operations, and design principles. The course covers editing techniques, business practices, and portfolio creation.
Length: 2 semesters

Child Development
An introduction to the emotional, physical, and psychological development of a child, covering developmental models and biological changes from infancy.
Length: 2 semesters

Athletics (All In-Person Delivery, 1 Credit) 

  • Baseball (Boys)
  • Basketball (Boys/Girls)
  • Diving
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Volleyball
  • Soccer (Boys/Girls)
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track (Boys/Girls)
  • Cross Country (Boys/Girls)

In Person Fine Arts (Grades 9-11, 1 Credit)

  • Mariachi Programs (Intermediate, Advanced I–IV) — Offered at Jay and Holmes only
  • Orchestra Programs (Prep, Concert, Symphonic I–IV)
  • Choir Programs (Treble, Tenor Bass, Mixed, Vocal Ensemble)
  • Band Programs (Prep, Concert, Symphonic I–IV)
  • Band Flags Programs I–IV
  • Jazz Band Programs I–IV
  • Theatre Arts I-V
  • JROTC I-IV