Tomball ISD to launch Tomball Virtual Academy of Cybersecurity in fall of 2027

THE WOODLANDS, TX — Tomball ISD is expanding opportunities for students through the development of the Tomball Virtual Academy of Cybersecurity, a first-of-its-kind virtual academy in Texas. Current eighth-grade students (Class of 2031) will have the opportunity to apply to join the inaugural cohort in Fall 2027.

Approved by the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees in October 2026, the Tomball Virtual Academy of Cybersecurity will provide students with a virtual pathway focused on cybersecurity education, college readiness, and career preparation. Developed in partnership with Sam Houston State University’s Polytechnic College (SamPoly), this early college program reflects Tomball ISD’s continued commitment to creating innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school.

“In Tomball ISD, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover their passion and find their path to success,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Schools. “Through our partnership with SamPoly, we are proud to launch the first-of-its-kind virtual cybersecurity academy in Texas, creating an innovative opportunity for students to explore an in-demand career field, earn college credit at no cost and build a strong foundation for their future. This is what it means to be a Destination District — opening doors, expanding opportunities and empowering our students to dream big and achieve more.”

The four-year, fully online program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, including up to 60 college credit hours, upon successful completion of the program. This virtual opportunity will be offered at no cost to participating families.

“At Sam Houston State University’s Polytechnic College, we believe partnerships like the one we are building with Tomball ISD represent the future of workforce-aligned higher education,” said Jonathan Thomas, Assistant Vice President of Industry Partnerships & Workforce Pathways. “By connecting high school coursework with college-level cybersecurity education, we are creating an innovative virtual pathway that allows students to earn college credit, develop industry-relevant skills, and work toward meaningful credentials before graduating from high school. This partnership is about more than accelerating educational attainment; it is about removing barriers to higher education, preparing students for high-demand careers, and establishing a seamless pathway from high school to an associate degree and ultimately a bachelor’s degree. We are excited to partner with Tomball ISD to expand opportunities for students and strengthen the cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow.”

The Tomball Virtual Academy of Cybersecurity represents another step in the district’s commitment to expanding access to specialized academic pathways that align with emerging industries and workforce needs. Through this opportunity, students will be able to pursue their interests in cybersecurity while building a foundation for continued education and future career opportunities.

Tomball ISD will also host virtual information sessions to introduce prospective families to the academy and provide an overview of the program. Additional information about program eligibility, enrollment and academic requirements will be shared as the district moves forward with implementation.

To learn more about the program offering, interested parties are invited to attend one of the upcoming Virtual Information Sessions on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., and Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Login links can be obtained by emailing allisonsuarez@tomballisd.net.

Application and Admissions Timeline (2026–2027)
To align with Tomball ISD Early College High School (ECHS) admissions processes, the Tomball Virtual Academy of Cybersecurity will follow the application schedule below:

• Monday, October 26, 2026: Applications open for current Tomball ISD 8th grade students (Class of 2031) through the Home Access Center (HAC).
• Monday, November 30, 2026: Applications open for current 8th grade students (Class of 2031) across Texas.

Through partnerships with higher education institutions and the continued development of innovative learning models, Tomball ISD remains focused on preparing students with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to thrive in an evolving world.