Ty Johnson, a Texas Tech K-12 sixth-grader, has time to do all the things he loves, including flying drones.

Building. Fixing. Solving. These things have a commonality in the life of Texas Tech K-12 sixth-grader Ty Johnson. These are what he loves to do the most, and now that he’s taking classes at his own pace, he has more time for each of them. 

The 11-year-old describes himself as the kind of person who loves figuring out how things work and finding ways to fix or improve them. Some of his favorite hobbies are fixing lawnmowers, 3D printing, flying drones and experimenting with technology.

“I really enjoy hands-on projects where I can build something, take it apart, solve a problem and see how everything works,” Ty gushed. “I’m a problem solver, a hands-on learner and a technology fan, and I’m always excited to learn something new.”

Starting the online school in the spring of 2025, Ty was ready for a change – again. 

Up to that point the precocious youngster experienced three diverse school situations. He started kindergarten in a private hybrid school, switched to homeschooling, then went to public school before he and his family found the right fit in Texas Tech K-12.

Ty’s mom, Mallory, a Texas Tech alumna in the College of Education, says having experience with these different types of schools has helped Ty learn what works best for him. Texas Tech K-12 has allowed him to understand more about himself as a person and a learner.  

“I was already familiar with Texas Tech and the opportunities it provides,” Mallory said. “When I learned about its online K-12 program from other homeschool families in the community, I really wanted to give it a try for Ty.  

“As an educator and a dyslexia therapist, I understood the importance of finding the right environment for him. Through research and conversations with others, I became confident that this is a high-quality program that is a great fit for Ty and the way he learns.”

Since enrolling in Texas Tech K-12, Ty is living his best life with his mom, dad Brandon – a pilot for Flexjet with a not-so-typical work schedule, another great reason this choice works for them – little brother Cole and his rescue dog Iris.

“I really thrive from the freedom and flexibility of learning from home,” Ty offered. “I can work at my own pace, and I have more opportunities to be creative with my schoolwork. I also enjoy using technology to learn and complete assignments because it makes school more interesting and lets me use some of the things I’m good at.”

Ty also loves being a Red Raider. He attended the very first Raider Nation Day, and it was “an awesome experience.” He enjoyed being included in the traditions and getting to see what Texas Tech K-12 all is about, giving him the satisfaction of being part of something bigger than himself. 

Mallory hopes Ty finds the confidence to tackle hard things as well as the things he is good at doing. 

“I really like that he has the freedom and time to take the things he is passionate about to a whole new level,” she said.

Mallory values being able to know what Ty is learning each day and staying connected to his education. She appreciates that every assignment has a clear rubric, so both she and Ty know what is expected and there’s no guessing about what he needs to do. 

“I also really value the one-on-one interaction he has with his teachers,” Mallory added. “It has created a partnership between Ty, his teachers and me. I can be involved and support him in learning, while he still has accountability to his teachers and responsibility for completing his work. I feel that balance has not only been good for his education but has also strengthened my relationship with Ty.” 

Ty’s favorite part of learning through Texas Tech K-12 is being able to control his learning pace and how he takes in information. If something is more difficult, he can take his time to really understand it. If he already understands a concept, he can keep moving. It’s an environment he would also recommend to other families.

“I like being able to learn in a way that works for me,” Ty said. “You won’t regret choosing Texas Tech K-12. You will learn a lot, have more time to spend with your family and have more time to explore the things you are interested in outside of school. The sky is the limit, so don’t limit yourself.”

Ty wants to start his own business someday, but the young student is not sure exactly what kind of business he wants to have yet. He is sure it will involve things he enjoys, like technology, fixing things or even creating something new. 

“I’m especially interested in drones and how they can be used in agriculture,” Ty explained. “I think it’s awesome that technology can help farmers monitor crops, save time and make their jobs easier. Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll help create the next big technology used on farms.”

With his focus on the things he loves, like flying drones, Ty is not currently involved in other extracurricular activities. Mallory says he is looking forward to joining Civil Air Patrol when he turns 12, where he hopes to develop leadership skills, discipline and a stronger sense of community. 

Outside of school, one of the pastimes Ty enjoys most is spending time with his little brother. He has always had a special bond with Cole and has played an important role in teaching his little brother how to walk. 

“Ty loves being involved with him, playing together and watching him learn and grow,” Mallory said, beaming with pride in her oldest son. “His patience and willingness to help Cole are qualities that really show the caring and responsible side of who Ty is.”