At just 14 years old, Hope Faith Wiggins is proving that virtual education is a launchpad for ambitious students to reach new heights. While students her age face typical challenges that high school brings, Hope Faith has learned how to balance an extraordinary courseload, a passion for advocacy, and a strong commitment to service. 

Her journey is a testament to the unburdened potential that can be unlocked when students are given the flexibility and support to thrive. Hope Faith recently testified before the Texas Senate Education Committee in support of Senate Bill 569, showcasing her as a rising voice in the fight for school choice.

A Scholar Beyond Her Years

Hope Faith’s story began like many others in virtual education. After the pandemic hit in March of 2020, she pivoted to virtual learning and blossomed in ways she could have never imagined. While enrolled at Texas Online Preparatory School, Hope quickly discovered that online education provided the structure and autonomy she needed to push herself academically.

She hasn’t just kept up with her studies… she has soared. 

With straight A’s and a 4.0 GPA, Hope Faith isn’t just a high school student; she’s also a college student. She recently completed her first semester of college with a perfect 100 in every class. Few students her age can claim such an achievement, and fewer still can balance it with the kind of extracurricular impact she’s making.

A Student, A Leader, and An Advocate

Beyond her impressive academic record, Hope Faith is a leader among her peers. She is president of her school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter, where she initiated NJHS Story Time, a volunteer program reading to elementary school students, in an effort to advocate for Youth Literacy. Additionally, Hope Faith has worked as an Ambassador on the Mental Health Team for the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Education and Youth Engagement (COHMOEDU). In her role as Youth Mental Health Advocate, she has helped to develop the first and second editions of a Comprehensive Mental Guide. 

Hope Faith is also passionate about bringing awareness to childhood cancer, a mission that led her to deliver a TED-Ed Student Talk in 2023. Her impressive Ted Talk broke the complexities of cancer down into digestible, actionable steps that young listeners like herself could understand. 

The culmination of her advocacy came in 2023 when she was honored as one of the State Board of Education’s 15 Student Heroes for her tireless efforts in promoting child literacy. But her work did not stop there. This year, Hope Faith testified before the Texas Senate Education Committee in support of Senate Bill 569, which aims to expand virtual learning options for students across the entire state.

A Voice for the School Choice

Standing before state legislators, Hope Faith delivered a compelling testimony that described how virtual education can unlock a student’s fullest potential.

“I wanted to testify today to show that virtual school options aren’t just for students who struggle in a traditional school setting,” she shared. “It’s also for students like me, who want the flexibility to do more both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Her words resonated with both lawmakers and the audience as she painted a picture of what school choice has truly meant to her. Attending a virtual school has allowed Hope Faith to thrive in her accelerated path while also allowing time to explore her extracurricular passions.

A Parent’s Perspective

Hope Faith’s mother, Maxine, has watched her daughter’s journey unfold with tangible pride. She has no doubt that virtual school has been the right choice for her daughter, and believes that every family deserves the ability to choose the education model that will set their child up for the highest level of success. 

In her testimony for SB 569, Maxine stated “As a parent, I know my children and their learning styles better than anyone. Having a say in the academic setting that best supports their success has been invaluable.”

The Future is Bright

Hope Faith Wiggins is a shining example of the opportunities that can be unlocked when parents can make choices regarding their children’s education. In Hope Faith’s case, the flexibility of online learning has turned her education into a platform for success, advocacy, and service, and her voice is helping shape the future of school choice in Texas.

Her story reminds us once again that education is not a one-size-fits-all model. And with students like Hope Faith leading the way, the future of education looks very bright.