More than a dozen recent graduates of the university’s fully online high school are extending their time as Red Raiders.

On a sunny but breezy West Texas afternoon in May, over 80 students in Texas Tech High School’s Class of 2025 walked the stage for commencement. These online students attending the in-person graduation ceremony represented more than 175 students who had completed their high school requirements throughout the academic year in the self-paced program. 

Each student in Texas Tech K-12 has a unique story. But for one group of recent graduates, there is a commonality – they’re remaining Red Raiders in the next stage of their educational journey. There are at least15 students in the class planning to attend Texas Tech University in the fall. Here are four who shared their journeys through Texas Tech K-12 and what their plans are for the future.

Ramon Rojas: Laredo, Texas

Hands-on helper. Curious. Future engineer. 

Starting the program his junior year, Ramon thrived with the flexibility of Texas Tech K-12, allowing him to build strong time-management skills and take ownership of his education. Unlike his experience in traditional public school, where he felt the structure was rigid and limiting, the online format gave him space to grow. His family runs an ambulance company, so when he wasn’t completing assignments, he was lending a hand restocking supplies, assisting with patient support or helping his dad, a retired firefighter. He also had time to explore and research, his growing passion for mechanical engineering. 

Finishing high school through Texas Tech K-12 gave him the freedom to pursue real-life responsibilities and engineering interests at the same time. He had time to build discipline, discover college programs and work toward attending Texas Tech. 

“My parents always taught me to stay positive and resilient and anything is possible if you stay focused on your goal. Texas Tech K-12 has been a great place for me to learn and grow,” Ramon said. “My advisor, Shelley Montgomery, was a large part of this support as well. Her dedication showed me what true encouragement looks like, and the structure of the program taught me the value of time management and self-motivation.”

Whether he’s building LEGO vehicle models or researching college clubs like Texas Tech’s student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Red Raider Racing, he stays immersed in pursuing his goal: to become an engineer. He’s hoping to gain hands-on experience soon by working in a mechanic shop. 

After completing prerequisites in Laredo, Ramon will transfer to Texas Tech and major in mechanical engineering.

Cailyn Johns: Bowie, Texas

Uplifting. Ambitious. Future lawyer.

Cailyn transferred to Texas Tech K-12 midway through her senior year and quickly found her rhythm in the program’s flexible and rigorous environment. The program aligned with her needs at the time and offered the best online curriculum to prepare her for college. Doing studies in the morning and extracurriculars and community service in the afternoon, Cailyn has been volunteering at her local library, a mission and food pantry and the animal shelter, just to name a few places. She also participated in student council, National Honor Society, club volleyball, American Sign Language club and Interact – a local service organization.

“Online learning was the right choice because it gave me the flexibility to excel academically while staying involved in the community,” Cailyn said. “Texas Tech K-12 made success possible and helped me feel more prepared for college and life. It gave me the confidence to believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to.” 

Her parents have played a key role in supporting and inspiring her. Cailyn attributes some of her success to them for pushing her, loving her and guiding her. She’s especially proud of how much she learned during her time at Texas Tech K-12, observing that the curriculum challenged her more than public school ever had and expanded her intellectual capacity. During her time with Texas Tech K-12, she grew more confident in navigating independent learning and acknowledged how much the experience opened her eyes to what’s possible.

At Texas Tech, Cailyn will major in psychology with a minor in legal studies before applying to the Texas Tech School of Law to become a corporate lawyer.

Corbin Shearer: Rowlett, Texas

Honest. Determined. Future criminologist.

A resilient self-starter who overcame challenges through online learning and independence, Corbin is able to attend college with the support of scholarships earned through Texas Tech K-12. 

Corbin chose Texas Tech K-12 to explore a learning format that aligned more closely with homeschool, offering structure, flexibility and a chance to qualify for free tuition. Though the shift to self-guided learning came with challenges early on, he adapted and persevered, earning a high school diploma and opening doors to college and scholarships. Online learning helped Corbin grow into an independent learner, overcome personal challenges and build toward college. 

It also proved especially powerful during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping him navigate ADHD and PTSD in a quieter, more focused environment. He recognizes the support of his grandmother and his favorite teacher, Nancy Brown, for guiding him through tough moments and encouraging him to reach his full potential – including his success in earning his high school diploma.

“I enjoyed the investigative work and learning process in forensics class in high school. I think college will be a great opportunity to pursue a career in something that interests me,” Corbin said.  “I plan to get a bachelor’s degree in criminology – it would open up several career paths.”

Outside of school, he is a long-time disc golf player, first picking up the sport at age 12. He also held a part-time job for nearly a year while completing his courses. With clear goals and a strong sense of independence, Corbin is proud of how far he’s come and recommends Texas Tech K-12 to others navigating learning differences. 

Jaida Edwards: Pearland, Texas

Enthusiastic. Giving spirit. Future veterinarian.

Jaida had heard about the self-paced online program through her previous high school counselor and came to Texas Tech K-12 in the second semester of her sophomore year. She had been looking for a more rigorous high school experience. With Texas Tech K-12, she found the time freedom to multitask her school days with cheer practice, an after-school elementary job program, volunteering at the Houston Humane Society and shadowing at a local veterinarian office. 

Online learning was the right choice for Jaida because it accommodated her schedule and allowed for flexibility and experience needed to eventually get to vet school. One thing she is most proud of during her Texas Tech K-12 schooling was the ability to manage her time while still earning top grades to graduate and advance to Texas Tech University. Jaida plans to pursue a career in physical therapy and rehabilitation for companion animals.  

“I have chosen to continue my education and studies at Texas Tech because through high school, it was already my home,” Jaida said. “Also, Texas Tech is the best school for my animal science major in order to get good hands-on experience and a great in-class environment. 

“Texas Tech K-12 has made it possible for me because the classes and the teachers all created an amazing environment for me to both grow and learn. I will be able to achieve all my dreams and goals because of the support of Texas Tech K-12.”