Premier High School celebrates 25 years of educational opportunity in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Abilene is a city full of educational opportunities, so much so that some of those opportunities can often go under-recognized. Established in 1999, Abilene’s Premier High School has offered alternative routes to success for generations of Key City graduates. Campus Director Meredith Goodner told KTAB/KRBC that recent years and new programs such as their certified medical assistant courses and entrepreneurship career placement are helping to shift public perception away from the negative stigma often attached to charter schools.

“I don’t think we are well known, but word of mouth is making that a lot bigger thing than it used to be. I think we maybe started, and they thought it was the place where the bad kids go, but it’s really the place where people go to get away from it,” said Goodner.

On Saturday, June 22, Abilene City Council member Shane Price and Texas State District 71 representative Stan Lambert came out to congratulate the school on its 25-year milestone and praise the staff for their proven track record of success. Goodner laid out just a couple of positive statistics that show the school’s educational and career viability for local students.

“You can go to any college out of here. In fact, we have 100% college acceptance at our school…This past year, one of our students applied for a job and was hired contingent on passing. So she was hired before she even finished the program,” Goodner said.

The alternative teaching and learning paths offered allow students who may have struggled in traditional settings to thrive and better navigate their educational courses. Premier also has students who simply want to fast-track graduation without sacrificing educational quality. Premier’s courses meet all TEA and state-required standards.

“We’re not trying to compete. We’re just trying to be the answer for those who need something different… We are not for everybody, and I’ll be really honest about that. But there are some people, and we are the perfect place for them. I want them to know that that option is out there,” said Goodner.

2024 also marks a year of firsts for the school. Goodner said that while historically, their students may not have had a traditional high school experience, additions such as their first student council and first school prom allow them to make those memories they will carry for the rest of their lives.

“I am reaping the rewards of the people before me and the staff that work here. I get to lead people that are amazing at what they do,” Goodner said.

At Saturday’s celebration, Lambert gifted the school a flag that has flown over the Texas State House as a token of its dedication to education and record of success.

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