“Education has always been at the forefront of my priorities, so I’m really glad to have my diploma,” the 18-year-old star told The Associated Press, July 27.

Taylor attended public school in Hendersonville, Tenn., her first two years, but switched to Aaron Academy for her final two years as her career skyrocketed. The academy is a private Christian school in Hendersonville that offers home schooling. “I never expected that my senior year would go the way it has,” Taylor says. “There’s something really exciting about getting to live your dream and continue your education at the same time.”