Frequently Asked Questions

The CFISD Off-Campus Physical Education (OCPE) program is designed for student-athletes who participate in supervised, professional training at a highly intensive level. This program allows students to earn physical education credit while developing higher-level skills in their specific sport or activity that exceeds what the district can offer.

Students may choose either the first or last period of the school day for their OCPE class. Please note that students are not permitted on campus during this time.

To participate in the OCPE program, students in grades 6-12 must meet the qualifications, submit a completed application, and be approved by the OCPE department.

Approval for the OCPE program is valid for one full school year (Fall and Spring semesters). If the student applies for a single semester, the approval is valid only for the Spring semester.

Not every sport qualifies for OCPE. Individual sports or activities, as well as team sports not offered in the district, may qualify.

For information, parents and students may contact either their campus counselor or the OCPE department. Applications can be requested through the CFISD OCPE website during open application windows; new students to the district should contact the OCPE department directly. As part of the process, students must submit a completed application and upload a letter of recommendation from their coach. This letter, written on the facility's official letterhead, must verify the student's training history, including years with the facility and coach, and confirm they have trained for at least 10 hours per week for the prior 12 months. The letter must also state the student's anticipated weekly training hours, their current level of competition, and their achievements in the sport or activity. Eligibility will be determined using the CFISD Off-Campus PE Eligibility Rubric.

The Off-Campus Physical Education program is student-driven, and the choice of a training facility is a decision made by the parent and student. The OCPE department doesn't provide a list of facilities; instead, participants should work with their current training facility to determine if it meets the program's requirements. Based on the facility indicated on the student application, the department will reach out to the facility directly to begin the application process for approval.

To apply for the upcoming school year, students must submit their applications between mid-March and May 1. Applications for the Spring semester only are due between October 1 and November 1. New students to the district who meet the criteria may apply outside of these windows by contacting the OCPE department.

Once enrolled in the program, students are expected to complete a minimum of 15 hours of highly intensive professional training each week at a single facility under the direct supervision of a highly qualified coach. This training time doesn't include games, competitions, travel time, or teaching others. Students are not permitted on campus during their scheduled OCPE class period. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that their training facility submits all required attendance and grades on time and to notify the OCPE department of any changes to their facility or if they are dismissed from their program.

Students can be removed from the program if they fail to meet the weekly training requirement. Should a student quit the program before the end of the semester without being immediately placed in a campus physical education class, they will not receive credit. CFISD is not responsible for any fees associated with a student's training.
For a complete list of student qualifications, please visit our website or contact the OCPE department at 281-517-2802 or 281-897-4140.

If a student from a particular facility is interested in the OCPE program, the coach should write a letter of recommendation for the student to be uploaded with their application. This letter should be on the facility’s letterhead and verify:

• Number of years associated with the facility
• Number of years with current coach
• Number of training hours per week in the 12 months preceding their application
• Number of anticipated training hours at the specified facility if accepted into the program
• Current rating or level of competition/performance
• List examples of local, area, state, national, or international competitions/performances the student has participated in
• Awards/Achievements in sport/activity

Once a student submits their application and is deemed conditionally qualified, the OCPE department will contact the facility to begin its application for approval. The coach must complete a facility application, provide credentials, and pay an annual, non-refundable, and non-prorated fee of $100.

As part of this process, a list of qualifications and certifications for each instructor who will train CFISD students must be uploaded. These documents should demonstrate that the instructors are highly qualified to provide Olympic-level training.

A participating facility is responsible for providing a minimum of 15 hours per week of supervised, intensive training for each student, ensuring all sessions take place at one location and do not include competitions or travel. It must also maintain accurate records and weekly attendance sheets, and promptly communicate with the OCPE department about any changes in a student's status, including dropping the program, failing to meet the weekly hours, or if an injury occurs. Furthermore, a facility plays a key role in the application process by providing a letter of recommendation for prospective students and by adhering to all program policies.

For a complete list of facility qualifications, please visit our website or contact the OCPE department at 281-517-2802 or 281-897-4140.