PHARR, Texas - Dr. Darcia Cuellar, Region One Education Service Center’s dropout recovery program senior director, has been named founding superintendent of The PossAble Dream Adult High School.
The high school has been created to assist adults aged 18 to 50 who did not receive a high school diploma. It will have campuses in Pharr, Brownsville and Laredo.
The Pharr campus will be housed at the old Pharr Events Center on North Cage, next to I-69C. The City of Pharr has given a $1 million check for the project.
The Brownsville campus will be developed in conjunction with Texas Southmost College. The Laredo campus will be developed in conjunction with Laredo Community College.
The new high school has been made possible thanks to The PossAble Dream Foundation, a non profit corporation set up by Region One ESC Executive Director Daniel P. King.
A press conference was held recently at the old Pharr Events Center to announce the formation of the high school and to receive the City of Pharr check. At the conclusion of the press conference, the Rio Grande Guardian secured an exclusive interview with Dr. Cuellar. Here is a video recording of the interview:
Set to open in Fall 2025, the school’s headquarters will be housed in the former Pharr Events Center. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) -authorized school will serve students ages 18 to 50 from Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata Counties at sites in Pharr, Brownsville and Laredo with satellite locations to open in response to enrollment demand.
Dr. Cuellar said that in its first year, the school aims to enroll 900 students and expand to serve up to 2,000 in its first five years. She said educational partners such as South Texas College, Laredo College, Texas Southmost College, and Texas State Technical College will help deliver dual enrollment opportunities, continuing education, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
The PossAble Dream Adult High School empowers adult learners to earn a high school diploma and pursue college or technical training aligned with in demand occupations through personalized academic and non academic support, including high yield instructional strategies, career counseling and mental health resources, the school fosters an environment where every learner can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their community.
“Empowering adult learners, transforming communities.”
The PossAble Dream Adult High School vision is to expand opportunities and uplift communities through innovative education, fostering lifelong learning and ensuring academic and career success. Guided by our core values, we are building a prosperous South Texas where every learner achieves their dreams and creates a lasting impact for generations to come.
High School Diploma
Child Development/Early Childhood
Computer User Support Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician
Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Heavy & Tractor Trailer Truck Driver (CDL)
Nursing Assistant
Patient Care Technical
Structural Welding
Academic Coaching
College & Career Transitional Counseling
Day care
Digital Literacy
Financial Literacy
Internships/Apprenticeships
Job Placement
Job Readiness Skills
Life Coaching
Mental Wellness
Counseling
Transportation
Work based Learning Opportunities
