The Flex Program
At TOPS, we know every student learns differently, and families have busy, unique schedules. That’s why we offer Flex, an online learning program designed for students who thrive with independence, motivation, and the support of engaged Learning Coaches. Unlike the standard TOPS program, which has a full schedule of live classes, Flex gives students more flexibility to optimize and structure their day around appointments, arts programs, sports practices, or other needs and commitments.
What is the Flex program?
Families in the Flex program follow a daily schedule and pace that maintains the program’s structure and curriculum. Students can access coursework and class recordings anytime, and they’ll connect with a certified teacher throughout their learning journey to ensure they’re staying on track.
It’s important to remember that flexibility doesn’t mean anything goes. Students in this program are still expected to attend all required sessions, including any related to state compliance, testing, special services, or interventions. The flexibility is in when and how your student engages with their assigned learning, not in meeting their core academic responsibilities.
Why Families Choose Flex
There are many reasons to choose Flex to fit your family’s needs. Here are some of the main benefits students enjoy:
Optimize Your Learning Time
Flex lets your child complete most schoolwork when it works best for your family’s routine. Morning person or night owl? Flex makes it easy to optimize your student’s learning time, while still having structured accountability and any required support throughout the week and year.
Stay on Track With Support
Students in the Flex program aren’t required to attend live class sessions, except for specific academic support related to Special Education, English Language Learner (ELL) services, dyslexia support, Career and Technical Education (CTE), or other school-required sessions. They can also attend live virtual classes as needed and transition back to a more traditional online school model at any time.
High-Quality Education, Greater Flexibility
Flex students use the same rigorous curriculum as traditional TOPS students. They attend regular check-ins, participate in assessments, and receive all required special services based on their learning needs. They also have access to a variety of other school programs. Flex ensures that learning and growth continue while giving families the freedom to manage their own routines.
Who thrives in Flex?
Flex is ideal for students who are:
Motivated and independent learners
Able to participate in routine online coursework
Ready to set daily schedules and practice consistent time management
Supported by a Learning Coach at home
Have historically scored Meets or Masters on TX STAAR assessments
Students with IEPs, English Learner plans, or other required services will still have mandatory sessions that are part of their individual plans.
Flex Student Requirements
To succeed, Flex students must follow certain requirements while learning at Texas Online Preparatory School. Students are expected to maintain consistent passing grades, participate in regular check-ins, and respond to school outreach within 48 hours. All students must continue to meet school attendance and compliance expectations, including state testing, special services, interventions, and required IEP or MTSS sessions when applicable. Additional requirements to remain in Flex can include:
- Maintain consistent passing grades
- Regular check-in with assigned teachers and/or advisors
- Respond to school outreach within 48 hours
- Flex student monitoring and interventions
- Attend all required IEP sessions
- Attend all required MTSS sessions
- Maintain school attendance expectations
Questions? Email Matt Maitland, MS/HS Administrator of Engagement Accountability at [email protected].
Flex Learning Coach Expectations
Learning Coaches play a key role in student success by:
- Establishing routines and monitoring learning time
- Supporting academic growth and encouraging problem-solving
- Teaching students to ask for help effectively from teachers
- Celebrating progress while allowing students to learn from productive struggle
- Checking learning coach email daily
- Checking students’ grades weekly
Flex & Graduation
Flex students earn the same TOPS diploma as other students; transcripts do not indicate participation in Flex.
Graduation requirements are identical for all students, as set by the state.
Getting Started With Flex
Ready to explore Flex?
You can let us know during enrollment or reach out to your homeroom teacher.
Questions? Email Matt Maitland, MS/HS Administrator of Engagement Accountability at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Flex different from the standard program?
Flex students manage most of their own schedules with their Learning Coaches. Unlike standard TOPS, Flex doesn’t require daily direct instruction in live online classes unless state requirements dictate otherwise for select courses. Students attend limited live sessions, typically including homeroom and any required additional sessions for support or state compliance. Flex students do, however, have access to all recorded live online sessions, so they can watch them as needed or when it fits their learning schedule. Flex students also set academic and personal growth goals.
Is the curriculum the same as standard TOPS?
Yes! Flex students use the same online platform, curriculum, and grade-level courses as standard TOPS students. They also have access to social emotional learning and may participate in all clubs and social opportunities offered at TOPS and K12.
Can students mix Flex and standard TOPS?
No, students must choose one program. Families should consider how important live online class sessions are to their child’s learning. They should also consider their student’s independence and ability to stay consistently on track without live, in-class support.
Do siblings need to enroll in the same program?
No. Families often have one child in Flex and another in the standard program, depending on individual learning needs.
What if Flex isn’t the right fit?
Students can transition back to a traditional, structured class schedule if Flex isn’t working for them. The change can be requested by the family or initiated by the school. Students who don’t meet the requirements for staying in Flex may also be transitioned back to standard learning.