Middle School Information for Military Students and Families

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.

At TOPS Middle School, we understand the unique challenges that come with relocating as a military-connected student. To ensure a smooth transition, our campus provides a comprehensive virtual transition program that includes:

• A welcome survey sent upon enrollment to identify student needs and interests.
• A frequently updated Smore newsletter with helpful information, resources, and support services.
• Introductions to key staff members, including teachers, advisors, and counselors, to help students feel connected from the start.
• A guided walkthrough of the learning platforms (OLS, OMS, Classkick) so students understand how to access lessons, complete coursework, and submit assignments.
• A designated space in the K12 Zone for military-connected students to connect, share experiences, and build peer relationships.
• Virtual social hours and regular check-ins hosted by the military liaison or counselor to allow students to ask questions, learn about school clubs and enrichment opportunities, and form a sense of community.

This program ensures our military-connected students are welcomed, supported, and set up for success from the moment they join our virtual campus.

• 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 may be offered by teachers as needed.  There are also interventionists who provide extra support for struggling students. 

• TOPS Military Liaisons
• TOPS Contact Guide
• Middle School Staff Directory

Review the Family Handbook/Student Code of Conduct

Students must log in every day for attendance. This is how we track participation in school.

Students must complete all asynchronous lessons in the OMS (Online Middle School platform) daily.

Students must attend live classes to get extra help and better understand their lessons.

Attending class and completing work every day is essential for staying on track and being successful!

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.

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.

In middle school, all students are required to take the four core subjects: English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. In addition to these, students will also have electives based on their grade level and preferences.

Some students may also have additional classes or support services if they have a 504 Plan or an IEP (Individualized Education Program).

Students are required to attend all Class Connects (CCs) marked as required. If a student misses a CC or wants to review the material, recordings are available and can be accessed at any time.

It’s very important to complete coursework on the day it is assigned. While lessons can roll over to the next day, falling behind can impact both grades and progress, so staying on track is essential.

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 6th and 7th graders have the option to take advanced English and math.

Eligible 7th and 8th graders have the option to take Spanish for HS credit and Career Technical Education electives for HS credit.

Eligible 8th graders have the option to take HS English I and HS Algebra I for high school credit.

Review the Interstate Compact Parent Guide