Elementary School Information for Military Students and Families
Texas Online Preparatory School prides itself on supporting military families across Texas. Whether you are a current student, new student, or prospective student, you will find some helpful resources below.
Relocation Information
How to Enroll and Transfer Academic Records
You can find information about the documents required to enroll in TOPS and the steps for providing or obtaining academic records—whether you’re enrolling your child in TOPS or transferring them to another school—in the Enrollment and Registration section of our Military Family Support page. This is also where you can find information regarding free public school pre-kindergarten in Texas.
Introduction to the School Environment
New students are invited to online orientation where they are familiarized with TOPS Elementary School as well as the Online School (OLS) and how to use it. Students will be given a brief overview of the resources they will have as well as expectations for participation in live Class Connects (CCs), our live class sessions.
Extracurriculars and Clubs
- During orientation, students will also have the opportunity to join a social club that meets once a month. Every semester students will be given the opportunity to join a new club. Clubs are hosted by teachers.
- There is a social time specifically for military-connected students that they will be invited to in addition to whatever other club they choose. This is hosted by the campus Military-Family Liaison.
- Extracurricular activities also include being invited to an in-person outing once a month. There are also virtual outings offered for students to participate in too. Students can participate however they feel comfortable from month to month.
Tutoring Opportunities
Tutoring may be offered by teachers as needed. There are also interventionists who provide extra support for struggling students.
Enrollment and Registration
Information regarding the process and requirements for enrollment
- To enroll at TOPS, you must have Texas residency, even if your family is not physically in the state at the time of enrollment. You will need to submit your Military PCS orders during the enrollment process.
- Upon enrolling, parents should submit requested records through the parent portal. Our registrars will follow up with the prior school to obtain the academic file of the student.
- Upon withdrawing from/transferring out of TOPS, parents can submit a request for records – Report Card Link or Transcript Link, or email TOPS info [email protected] with the written request for records. Please make sure to include contact information when emailing.
A list of required documentation needed to enroll at TOPS
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Guardianship (birth certificate or court document)
- Proof of Residency (a bill or government document showing Texas address and dated no older than 60 days; military orders may be used)
- Report Card
- Proof of Prior Public (a report card from the previous school year or military orders indicating they have been transferred to a base in Texas)
- Immunizations Record is a required to stay document and must be received within the first 30 days of enrollment
Eligibility requirements for free public-school pre-kindergarten
- The State of Texas provides free prekindergarten for eligible children at least three years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a three-year-old program is available) or four years of age on or before September 1. Some schools offer tuition-based programs for children who are ineligible for free prekindergarten.
Academic Planning
Schedules, Attending Class, and Completing Coursework
At the elementary school, your classes are chosen for you. Everyone takes reading/language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, and PE/health.
It is required to attend all Class Connects (CCs) that are marked as required. If for some reason you miss a CC, or if you ever want to just review what was covered, CCs are recorded and can be accessed at any time.
It is important to complete coursework on the day that it is due. Lessons can roll over to a subsequent day, but be wary of getting behind as it will affect your grade and progress.
For information about Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, or Career and Technical Education options available at TOPS, please visit the Academic Planning section of the TOPS High School Military Family page.
Supporting Students Who Did Not Pass Last Year’s State Test
Students who did not pass their STAAR test the year before are required by TX State law to receive additional accelerated instruction. At TOPS, all students receive additional accelerated instruction in response to ongoing quizzes and tests. As assessment data throughout the school year shows that students need support to master the content that will be tested on the current year’s STAAR test, teachers hold additional required CCs for those students. If parents are okay with accepting these additional required CCs as the required tutoring, they may sign a waiver to indicate that choice. If the parent would prefer the student receive the required accelerated instruction in a group of 4 or less students, TOPS will provide the student with access to additional educational technology, such as IXL or tutoring though a provider such as K12 Tutoring.
Academic Pathways
If a 4th or 5th grade student selects the “flex” option at the elementary school, there are no required classes other than small groups or interventions, as needed. Students are still required to watch live class video recordings and complete assignments as they are assigned. This allows for a flexible daily schedule. (This is not offered to 3rd graders as an option.)
To remain in the Flex program, students must:
- Maintain passing grades with no failing courses
- Respond to school outreach within 48 hours
- Attend all required IEP sessions
- Attend all required MTSS sessions
- Maintain 100% attendance per school guidelines
Eligible students have the option to take advanced math and advanced reading in 5th grade.
Counseling and Support Services
Navigating school life while dealing with the unique challenges of being part of a military family can be overwhelming. Our student support services are here to support students through transitions, deployments, frequent relocations, and emotional stress. We provide a safe, understanding space where students can express themselves, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. Whether you’re new to your area or adjusting to a recent change, our trained counselors and social worker are here to help you thrive—both emotionally and academically.
The TOPS Social Worker provides individualized resources to each military family based on their zip code.
If your student needs a campus counseling referral, please use this link. If you wish to seek counseling services at your military installation, this link can be used to find all resources available at each TX location.
Karen Gordon, Crisis Counselor
[email protected] | 903.224.6173
Jessica Hooks, Social Worker
[email protected] | 469.232.7228
Elementary School Military Liaison
As your Campus Military Family Liaison, it’s my job to welcome students, help students connect with peers and find a place of belonging at school, facilitate orientation, offer support for academic success, provide social emotional support, provide professional development to staff on the unique needs of military-connected students, and provide opportunities for the school community to learn about and support military families.
Jennifer Overmyer
Hello! My name is Jennifer Overmyer and to let you know a little bit about myself, I served as a Civil Affairs Officer in the US Army Reserves for six years to include a year-long deployment to Iraq as a Civil Affairs Team Leader attached to a US State Department led Provincial Reconstruction Team. Upon my redeployment in 2010 I married my husband who was an active-duty Infantry Officer, and we began to start our family. As a family we have lived at several posts to include Ft. Drum, NY, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, and Ft. Bliss, TX where my husband retired from after 25 years of active duty. Since I had my first child in 2011 my husband deployed 3 times and was away on TDY so many times I lost count. I know what it’s like to need a little bit of extra support and grace, and I am here to help in any way I can. Please, reach out if you need anything!!! You can reach me at [email protected] or 682.282.6392.