FAQs
General FAQs
What grades are offered by Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS)?
TOPS offers full-time enrollment for grades 3–12.
What subjects will my child study?
Language arts, math, science, history, music, technology, and art are the core courses. Your child will also take physical education and health classes in grades 3–8. Visit our elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum pages for more details.
Will my child have physical education classes?
For students in grades 3–8, physical education (PE) is a public school requirement. The PE curriculum objectives break down to 30 minutes per day, for a total of 150 minutes per week. The physical activity your student logs must meet the PE Lesson Objectives for that week's assignment.
Does TOPS provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes. We provide the textbooks and instructional materials needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly. The amount and type of materials varies by grade and course. Generally, high school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle school students, due to the different course requirements. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided.
Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?
Yes. TOPS students are public school students, and they earn a high school diploma that is identical to any other diploma awarded by public schools in the state of Texas. Because TOPS is an accredited public school, our graduates have the same rights and privileges extended to them as any other Texas graduates when applying for opportunities at our state and nation's colleges and universities.
Can my child work at their own pace?
While all grades have minimum progress and pacing requirements, some advancement and flexible pacing options exist.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60 percent of their time online. Screen time increases in middle school, and by high school, most of the school day is online.
Do you provide curriculum for children with special needs?
Depending on a child's IEP, we can tailor your child’s learning experience to meet their needs. To discuss your child's needs with us, please contact our office, and we will put you in touch with our special education team.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my advanced learner?
TOPS meets the needs of advanced learners in a variety of ways. The beauty of our elementary and middle school programs is that they're flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. Placement assessments taken online during the enrollment process allow us to place your student in the appropriate level of curriculum. High school students can take honors and AP® courses. And qualified students can participate in our unique relationship with The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) and earn college credit toward both their high school diploma and a postsecondary degree.
How do students interact socially?
Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. We expect local clusters of students and parents to get together on a regular basis in their areas. We also are exploring new ways to interact socially using the powerful reach of the internet. The online Family Directory provides a way for families to network with families in their region of the state. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography and place but on shared interests.
Will this program intrude into my home?
There are no home visits as part of the program, and there are no other intrusions into your home. This school was created to help your child obtain a first-class education and serve your family's needs. If you ever feel that it is not right for your family or your child, you can withdraw at any time.
How do I enroll my student?
Visit our How to Enroll section for information on enrolling your student in Texas Online Preparatory School.
