LEWISVILLE, Texas — November 15, 2012 —Responsive Education Solutions (ResponsiveEd), Texas’ largest public charter school holder, announced that they have been approved by the Indiana Charter School Board (ICSB) to open a Premier High School (http://PremierHighSchools.com) in Indianapolis in the Fall of 2013.

“ResponsiveEd is looking forward to bringing our personalized approach of learning to students in Indiana,” said Chuck Cook, CEO of ResponsiveEd. “We are passionate about the education of children in this country, and the opportunity to put that in motion in Indianapolis is exciting to us.”

ResponsiveEd submitted a letter of intent followed by an application detailing academic, operational, and financial plans. Proposals then underwent a thorough analysis that included external and internal reviews. Public hearings were held around the state to allow members of the community to share their perspectives on each proposed school.

“All approved organizers took part in a rigorous evaluation process to ensure the quality of their applications,” said ICSB Executive Director Claire Fiddian-Green in a press release announcing the decision to approve three new applicants. “We believe they are committed and prepared to open schools that will ensure positive academic outcomes for students.”

Premier High Schools are high quality charter schools that provide students with individual attention and an academic program that matches their unique abilities. A foundation of self-directed instruction allows students to work at a reasonable and individually suited pace.

Parents or students interested in Premier High School or how to enroll should call 877.652.0883.
Since 1999, Premier has seen thousands of students succeed and receive a high school diploma, the key to many of the basic opportunities offered in society today. ResponsiveEd believes that every student has the capacity to succeed, and we provide the opportunity for that success.

Parents learned about the academic program in Premier High School of Palmview.

PALMVIEW, TX – November 2, 2012 – Premier High School of Palmview (http://www.premierhighschools.com), held a Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, to teach parents and students about the educational experience at Premier. The staff wanted to ensure that they not only prepare students to succeed academically but also prepare them to be productive citizens in their community.

Parents received a coupon that the teachers signed as they circulated to every station and learned about the different aspects of education at Premier. Staff explained the precursors to student success with KnowledgeUnit progress, homework, Saturday tutorial schedule, attendance, and the night program.

“The event was a great success, and parents did not want to leave,” said Selma Femat, Director of Premier. “It was the wonderful staff that put this day together; together we can make great things happen.”

In addition, the Student Council spoke to the parents about upcoming events, our participation with Cancer Awareness Month, Red Ribbon Week (Drug Awareness), and Holiday plans (toy drive, canned food drive, slightly used coat drive). The coupons were collected at the end for a raffle of a $25 Target gift card.

Cruz – Diligence from ResponsiveEd on Vimeo.

Cruz Cardenas came to Premier High School of Mission looking for a different type of school and found it with the individualized learning style. He wanted to be the best and responded to the push from the school and the teachers. With that push and guidance Cruz became valedictorian of his graduating class. In his speech he says, “Our world is sorely in need of creativity, honor and intelligence. We need less followers and more leaders. I challenge the class of 2012 to take the initiative to find strength with in yourselves to make your dreams a reality. Let the world know you are here to make a difference and be heard.”

Cruz, we cannot wait to see the impact that you have on the world, best of luck.

Fernanda – Determination from ResponsiveEd on Vimeo.

Fernanda Ochoa came to Premier High School (PHS) at the age of 14 with a 3-day old newborn determined to obtain her high school diploma. She was determined to succeed for the sake of her child, and to prove to herself and to others that she could.

With the relentless support and motivation from the teachers and staff, Fernanda graduated in May 2012. Not only did she graduate but she was valedictorian of her class. In her speech she says, “We are living miracles. It is our responsibility and our turn to start making an impact in other peoples’ lives.”

Congratulations Fernanda, your journey has begun.

A graduate of Premier High School of Del Rio, Villarreal enrolled during her junior year at the age of 17. She left her home at the towards the end of her sophomore year at Del Rio High School.

“I had an altercation with my mother and I left home to live with my friend,” she recalled.

She began her junior year at the age of 16 at PHS Del Rio. She said she was surprised to find the school staff motivated her much more than anyone had ever done at her traditional school.

“Once I realized that this was a self-paced school, I knew that I had made the right decision. I had always been a go-getter and the self-paced system allowed me to enhance my potential,” Villarreal said, “It allowed me to quickly finish work on subjects that I was familiar with, and allowed me to more time to work on subjects I wasn’t as strong at. And at the times where I felt stuck, there was always someone nearby to guide me in the right direction.”

Villarreal completed her junior and senior year in one and graduated as her class salutatorian.

“I was beat out of the valedictorian spot by only tenths of our GPA,” she said.

After graduation from the charter school, Villarreal took part of the Bridge to Success program at Texas A&M International University in the summer of 2002. After completing the program, she attended the local junior college.

After spending a year at home, Villarreal decided to join the Army.

“This August I will have been enlisted for eight years now as an intelligence professional,” she said.

She has done a tour in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 and is presently serving in Afghanistan. She also spent time stationed in Hawaii and Miami and have traveled to Korea and Germany.

“As a staff sergeant and am able to use the leadership skills I learned at Premier High School with my soldiers. I inspire and motivate them to always strive for their goals,” she said, “Premier High School helped shape and mold me into a model student and a leader… I have made my mother, my hometown, and my country proud, and it was all thanks to the school staff believing in me and my potential.”

Class of 2011

Photo courtesy of the Laredo Morning Times
Premier High School graduated 58 students on Thursday May 26, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. Alejandra Ortega is the valedictorian and Claudia Castillo is the class salutatorian.

Premier High School in Abilene is one of 23 Premier High Schools across the state focusing on students who have fallen behind in other schools or those who want individualized instruction. The school’s graduates meet Texas Education Agency standards.

Olga Martinez, Willie’s mother, next to her son; Myranda Reiner from Por Vida High School with Senator Leticia Van de Putte; and Desiree Perez, also from Por Vida, during the Senate Education.

Regino, 19, often known at his school as “Willie,” enrolled in PHS North Austin last year. Prior to enrolling in PHS, he had attended his local traditional public high school but felt discouraged. When he left his traditional school, Regino was still considered a freshman by credits earned even though he had attended a school since 2006. He said he tried to go to another school in North Austin but felt overwhelmed to find too many students, not enough teachers, and long school days.

He dropped out and started working in construction with his brother-in-law to help his family. While looking for other forms of employment, he realized he needed his GED or high school diploma to get hired. Soon after, he enrolled in PHS North Austin.

“I have recovered three years worth of credits in a year and a half,” Regino told the members of the Education Committee. Prior to being accepted in PHS, he was first placed on a waiting list for six months.

Regino continued to point out that there were only a couple of dropout recovery high schools in the Austin area, and they all had waiting lists.

“If more schools like Premier High School were available 10 -15 years ago, there would be less dropouts in Austin,” Regino said, explaining the need for more dropout recovery schools.

Regino was born in Austin and raised by his mother who was a single parent. She attended school in Mexico until the 6th-grade. After moving her family to the United States and because she valued education, she completed her GED while she continued to raise Regino and his two siblings.

“My brother dropped out of school, but these kinds of schools weren’t available in his high school years,” Regino said. He further explained that his older brother completed his GED while he was incarcerated.

Now close to graduation, Regino said he felt proud to be the first high school graduate in his family.