COPPERAS COVE – Students across Texas will be able to capitalize on a full Copperas Cove ISD experience, including quality academics from the comfort of their own homes.

On Monday, the district announced the launch of Central Texas Innovation Academy, a virtual campus open for a limited number of students in grades 3-12 across Texas beginning in the 2026-27 school year. These students will be able to take part in CCISD’s advanced academic programs from their living rooms, no matter where they are in the state.

“Our administrative team and trustees have worked for years to build up our district’s academic programs, and we know that every parent is looking to create the best opportunity possible for their student,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “We want to help any student in the state that we can, receive a quality education in the manner which best suits them, and I am confident that Central Texas Innovation Academy will help ensure a foundation of excellence and a future of success for everyone who enrolls.”

CTIA is designed specifically for families who need flexible school schedules or who need a more relaxed, comfortable school environment for their students, without sacrificing student opportunity.

Enrolled students will not only earn a high school diploma which meets Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards set by the Texas Education Agency, but they will also be eligible to take part in CCISD’s vast Career & Technical Education program, offering more than 45 career programs to them. These programs range from manufacturing and construction science, to business, marketing, education, digital media and so much more for families who may not have access to all of these programs in their home district.

They will also have access to CCISD’s Dual Credit and Early College programs, with the ability to earn an associate degree or college-level industry certifications for programs like business, criminal justice and agriculture, among others, separating Central Texas Innovation Academy from peer programs offered around the state.

Additionally, students who can provide their transportation to the campuses can participate in extracurricular activities including fine arts and athletics.

“Some districts that are offering a virtual campus are focusing on only the core academic part of education, and that wasn’t the approach we wanted to take,” said CCISD Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Amanda Crawley. “We know that different students learn differently, and we wanted to make sure that every student knows they belong in our Bulldawg family. Whether it’s our vast career programs, extracurricular activities or advanced academics, it was important to our team that we welcome these students entirely into our school community.”

Students who live within the CCISD boundaries will be issued a laptop for their school work through Central Texas Innovation Academy. CTIA students outside the CCISD boundaries will be able to apply for a scholarship to provide a laptop while supplies last.

Central Texas Innovation Academy will follow the Copperas Cove ISD academic calendar for instructional dates, including the start and stop of grading periods and the school year. These students will maintain the ability to fit their schoolwork into their schedule where it’s best for them.

“Dr. Crawley and her team have worked tirelessly to make sure that CTIA isn’t just another virtual school for Texas students,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We want to bring the same, high-quality education and focus on preparing students for exciting college, career and military opportunities after school that our students experience inside our physical classrooms to students who need a virtual experience, and are confident there are plenty of Bulldawgs across the state who will find value in this effort.”

Copperas Cove ISD is the highest-rated district in the greater Fort Hood area, earning a “B” rating from the Texas Education Agency in four consecutive years, including when the state enhanced accountability measures for public schools. The 2025 graduating class from the district was 99% College, Career and Military-Ready, based on TEA guidelines and earned more than $2 million worth of scholarships.

The district offers a variety of award-winning academic programs, including STEM and robotics at every campus, a focused early literacy initiative and expanding Dual Credit offerings, which have provided multi-million-dollar savings to families on college degrees and certifications for their students.

For more information and to apply for a spot in Central Texas Innovation Academy today, while seats are available, parents should visit www.CenTexInnovationAcademy.com.

CCISD announces launch of Central Texas Innovation Academy for 2026-27 school year