Students Choose Their Pace in Russellville

(Photo provided)

(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.)

Education/ Workforce Development
Winner • Over 20,000

Personalized paths help every student thrive. 

The Challenge

Not all students were thriving in the traditional high school setting in Russellville; some needed greater flexibility due to personal, work or family responsibilities. Others struggled to keep pace in large classrooms, and some needed personalized attention and mentorship to set and achieve goals. Without alternative pathways, many of these students were at risk of not graduating on time, or at all. Access to early college credit and career-focused learning was also limited. Local officials recognized a need for a flexible education model that makes room for every type of student.

The Solution

The new Premier High School of Russellville, a public, tuition-free charter school, opened in August 2024 and has already seen positive results. The school offers an alternative learning environment for students who need flexibility or a more supportive path to graduation. Serving grades 9-12, each student has a personalized learning plan, and small class sizes help ensure every student gets the attention they need. Students can receive Career Technical Education and dual-credit through Arkansas Tech University, and flexible schedules give every student the opportunity to earn their diplomas. 

School Spirit

Russellville’s Premier High School’s second class is 10% bigger than its first, at 56 students. Nine students graduated in the 2024/25 school year.

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