Return to Blog

Student Spotlight: How Violet Found Confidence at TOPS

Stories & Spotlights
Violet holding a Stephen F. Austin State University welcome banner outdoors.

For Violet, a senior at Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS), the journey to graduation has been more than just completing assignments, it’s meant regaining her confidence, finding balance and learning in a way that supports her well-being. 

An open journal decorated with stickers and handwritten notes for school and work.

Now in her second year at TOPS, Violet is thriving both academically and socially, managing her schoolwork and her job. Outside of school and work, Violet enjoys hobbies that help her stay grounded and focused. She loves journaling, decorating the pages with stickers, and writing about her day as a way to process her thoughts and stay calm. She also enjoys playing games and spending time with friends. 

These simple routines help Violet manage stress and create balance—something that wasn’t always easy for her in a traditional school setting. 

Making the Switch to TOPS 

Before enrolling at TOPS, Violet attended a public brick-and-mortar school. Around her freshman year, her mental health saw a decline.  

“I was not doing well in a public school just sitting in a classroom all day” Violet shared. “It was so stressful for me.”  

After experiencing issues like bullying and health challenges, Violet’s mom, Andrea, decided it was time for a change. 

“Initially we had some issues at the brick and mortar school—the district was really difficult to deal with in terms of those kinds of problems,” Andrea shared. “I pivoted to TOPS because I read a lot of reviews about how well the system was working, how involved the instructors were, and the kind of support that parents were experiencing.” 

A New Confidence as a Student 

After starting at TOPS, both Violet and her mom saw a huge difference in who she was as a student. 

“I feel like I’m much more confident in my studies” Violet said. “I feel like I’m doing a lot better than how I would back in traditional school.” 

For Violet, being able to learn from the comfort of her home has made all the difference. 

“I’m learning more because it’s all at home, so I feel comfortable doing my learning,” she said. “I feel like I’m better with my studies, I’m more punctual with time in assignments, and I feel like I’m just a lot more motivated.” 

Violet’s mom sees the difference too.  

“The Violet that you see now is not the Violet we had her sophomore year,” Andrea said. “She’s grown by leaps and bounds and matured in ways I’ve never experienced.” 

Feeling Seen and Supported 

One of the biggest things Violet credits for her progress is the level of support she receives at TOPS. 

“TOPS helped me because I had teachers emailing me about stuff, but not just that—I felt like I was more seen,” she shared. 

Instead of feeling like just another student in a crowded classroom, Violet felt like she had a meaningful connection with her teachers. 

“It feels like you have a one-on-one,” she said. “They’re trying to understand why I’m missing the assignment or what I did wrong.” 

That support extends beyond academics. Violet highlighted how much her teachers and counselors consistently check in, offer help, and make themselves available, giving a special shout-out to her counselor, Ms. Wardlow. 

“She has helped me so much through my transition,” Violet said. “Whenever I call her—even if she misses the call—I immediately get a call back. I’m never confused after I call her.” 

Newfound Flexibility 

TOPS’ flexible schedule has also allowed Violet to balance school and her job in ways that would not have been possible with a traditional school schedule.

Violet at her job holding a long receipt in a restaurant kitchen.

 “It totally helped because I do a lot of morning shifts,” she said. “I can do a little bit of schoolwork in the morning and then when I come back from work, I can do more later.” 

That flexibility has reduced stress and allowed Violet to focus fully—whether she’s at work or logged into school. 

For Violet’s mom, flexibility means more time for her to spend with her child. 

“The time that we have as a family has just mushroomed. I’ve gotten so much closer to Violet these last couple years,” she said. “I do think that it really has improved our relationship and has made us stronger as a family.” 

Violet smiling and hugging her mom outdoors.

Looking Ahead to Graduation and Beyond 

A graduation cap decorated with a Superman symbol and the words “Being human is my greatest strength.”

As graduation approaches, Violet feels both proud and excited, noting how much her experience with TOPS has helped her get to this point. 

“It’s really helped me figure out what I want to do,” she said. “I got into college, and I really feel like I am doing stuff that I would not do if I wasn’t at TOPS.” 

Violet will be attending Stephen F. Austin State University, where she plans to major in English Education—with hopes of one day returning to TOPS as a teacher. 

“TOPS is really special to me, and I want to have the connection that my teachers had with me,” she shared. 

Watching Violet move toward college, Andrea feels her daughter is more than prepared to tackle the adult world. 

“Socially, Violet is a different person because of this experience,” Andrea shared. “I think the social skills that she has developed from being able to work and do school has really prepared her for adulting.” 

Advice for Students Considering Online School 

To students who may be struggling or considering a virtual option, Violet offers this thoughtful advice: 

“Think about what you can do at TOPS,” she said. “Because TOPS gives you so much flexibility, you can do so much in your life outside of school.” 

As a parent, Andrea recommends considering the switch as well. 

“I would say it’s well worth the experience,” she said. “The course offerings are stellar; the support is amazing.” 

Violet’s journey is a powerful reminder of how the right learning environment can change everything. At Texas Online Preparatory School, students are supported as individuals—gaining the confidence, flexibility, and encouragement they need to thrive in school and beyond. 

Back to Blog