Richardson ISD Weighs Two New Microschools
The district is considering a hybrid program for 4th and 5th graders and a screen-free program for kindergarten and 1st graders.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Primary Education
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Richardson ISD is considering two new microschools that combine classroom instruction and learning from home. The district's executive director of instructional technology and innovation presented the concepts to the school board last month.
Why it matters
Parents are increasingly asking for more flexible educational models, and the district is currently operating with a budget deficit. Officials hope the programs could help attract new students, retain current families and bring students back to the district.
The Studio would serve 4th and 5th graders on a hybrid schedule of three days on campus and two days at home, while Lumen Academy would serve kindergarten and 1st graders as a screen-free program. No enrollment capacity, cost, or staffing figures have been reported, and the district has not said how many students each program would hold.
The players
Richardson ISD
Richardson Independent School District is a public school district in Richardson, Texas, serving students in the surrounding area and overseen by an elected school board.
Tabitha Branum
Tabitha Branum is the superintendent of Richardson ISD, responsible for the district's day-to-day operations and academic programs.
The details
Teachers would continue working on campus five days a week under The Studio's hybrid model, and students could finish their school day once required at-home work is completed. Lumen Academy's schedule would incorporate arts instruction such as piano and life skills including table manners. Both microschools would have to meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards and state accountability requirements, and students would need to live within Richardson ISD boundaries and be selected through an application process. Superintendent Tabitha Branum said the infrastructure for The Studio is in place.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Branum presented infrastructure comments at the board meeting.
December or January: The proposal is expected to return to the board for discussion or a possible vote.
2027-28 school year: Target launch year for the microschools if approved.
Season Trajectory
The proposal extends Richardson ISD's program options while remaining bound by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards that govern every public school in the state. Both microschools would have to meet TEKS and state accountability requirements, so the district's flexibility is limited to how instruction is delivered rather than what is taught.
Families in Richardson ISD who want a hybrid or screen-free option for their child would gain a new choice if the board approves the microschools, though admission would depend on living within district boundaries and passing an application process. The district's aim is to keep current families enrolled and bring students back to the district, so these programs could affect whether local children attend Richardson schools.
The takeaway
Families weighing school options in Richardson should watch the December or January board discussion for details on enrollment, cost, and admission criteria that the current proposal does not yet specify.
What happens next
The proposal is expected to return to the Richardson ISD board for discussion or a possible vote in December or January.
Further reading
Explore more on Primary Education to see how early-grade programs like these are structured.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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