TOPS Earns Texas Purple Star Campus Designation for Exceptional Support of Military Families

Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS) is proud to announce that it has been recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as a Texas Purple Star Campus — a special statewide honor awarded to schools that show outstanding commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.

Supporting Students Who Serve Alongside Their Families

Texas is home to nearly 230,000 military-connected students, one of the largest populations in the country. Because these students often move six to nine times throughout their K–12 years, they face unique challenges academically and socially. Many are also in the critical developmental ages of 6 to 11, making consistent educational support especially important.

At TOPS, meeting these needs is a core part of the school’s mission.

“At TOPS, we’re proud to serve families who sacrifice so much for our country,” said Kristina Nanini, Executive Director at TOPS. “Our school military liaisons work hard to ensure every military-connected student and family feels supported academically and emotionally, no matter where they are stationed or how often they move. Receiving the Texas Purple Star Campus designation reflects our dedication to that mission.”

What the Purple Star Designation Means

The Texas Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that go above and beyond to create stability, connection, and resources for military families. This includes helping students navigate transitions during deployments, relocations, and shifts between different school systems.

At TOPS, approximately 2.9% of students come from military families representing all branches: Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force. The school’s flexible, personalized online learning model helps ensure that students can stay on track academically — no matter where military service takes their families.

A Commitment to Stability and Belonging

TOPS’ military liaisons play a central role in providing guidance, community connections, and ongoing support.

“These families face challenges most people can’t imagine,” shared Jennifer Overmyer, MAT, Military Liaison at TOPS. “Whether it’s helping students stay on track during a move or travel, or connecting families with resources, our goal is to make their educational experience as seamless and positive as possible.”

With each student’s needs in mind, TOPS continues to build a welcoming environment where military-connected students can feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.