UT High School's Student Council transforms online education into a genuine community through four active committees and ambitious initiatives led by student representatives from across Texas and internationally. From organizing regional meetups and developing mental health programming to reimagining graduation celebrations for dispersed students, the council ensures every student feels connected regardless of their location. With a 100-member-strong leadership focused on communication, achievements, culture, and graduation, the council proves that physical distance doesn't diminish the power of meaningful student voice and belonging.

UT High School is launching UT Sage, an AI tutoring platform developed at UT Austin, to provide students with 24/7 academic support while teaching them to use artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically. Integrated into a comprehensive curriculum redesign led by Linda Webb, the platform features specialized, scope-controlled tutors for course-specific learning—starting with mathematics and expanding across subjects. With robust safety safeguards designed specifically for students, Sage equips UTHS learners with essential AI skills they'll need for college and careers in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Senior Nawal Rasheed was looking for a way to maintain the multicultural connections she'd experienced at an international school in Lebanon when her family relocated to Pakistan—and found it at UT High School, 11 time zones away. Now serving as Student Council president, she's built meaningful relationships with classmates across Asia and the Middle East, proving that community isn't about geography—it's about finding people who understand your journey, wherever in the world they might be. Through UTHS's flexible online learning environment, Nawal has discovered that a school thousands of miles away can feel like home.

The University of Texas College of Education is pleased to release its inaugural Annual Report for the newly unified PK-12 Schools portfolio, marking a milestone year of transformation and innovation.

UTHS Student Council brings together 100 students from across Texas and around the world to build community and give students a voice in shaping their online school experience. Led by president Nawal Rasheed from Pakistan and operating through four committees, the council transforms virtual learning into genuine connection through clubs, events, and student-driven initiatives.

Sprint freestyler Abigail Halko trains with Nitro Swimming in Cedar Park while balancing academics as a UTHS student. She has achieved Winter Junior and Futures cuts with USA Swimming and is currently working toward qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. UTHS's flexible scheduling allows Abigail to compete across the country and maintain rigorous training without falling behind academically, demonstrating how online learning empowers student-athletes to pursue their goals.

On October 24, leadership teams from UT Elementary, UT University Charter School, and UT High School participated in a transformative professional development session led by Vince Martinez, senior partner with Culture Partners and Master Trainer in Developmental Coaching. The interactive workshop introduced school leaders to a novel approach to feedback using the Results Pyramid framework, emphasizing the power of team-based feedback over individual critiques. UTHS Assistant Superintendent Barry Bascom captured the session's core message: "Feedback is a gift."

UT High School junior Gavin Matias enrolled in the online Texas diploma program to gain flexibility for elite-level track training. Despite not starting track until 8th grade, the Temple resident quickly achieved remarkable success: double area champion, Junior Olympics competitor in the 400m and 800m, AAU national runner-up, and two-time All-American. Now favored to win the 2-3A Texas State championship, Gavin is working toward competing at the Division 1 level and representing Team USA at the Olympics.

UT High School developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan in 2025 through an inclusive process that engaged educators, parents, board members, and community stakeholders over five months. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Melissa Chavez and facilitated by Cathy Doggett of Paradigm Shift, the effort produced three strategic pillars: Connected Community, Instructional Excellence & Curriculum Innovation, and Global Impact & Statewide District Support. What set this process apart was the administration's foundation of trust-building and the strategic decision to have participating teachers and staff present updates to the broader community, creating genuine buy-in around implementing the school's vision of "Opening Doors to Education for a Changing World."

Dr. Michael Caudill officially became superintendent of The University of Texas High School Special District on June 1, bringing three decades of educational experience from leading a one-bus rural district to major suburban systems. Known for his "situational leadership" style and advocacy for alternative learning pathways, Caudill's priorities for UTHS include growth, enhanced student support services, launching a Social Work program, and implementing a five-year strategic plan focused on instructional excellence, community connections, and global impact to serve students worldwide.