Taylor Swift receives high-school diploma

Singer was homeschooled via private Christian academy

Peter Kramer / AP

Taylor Swift is now a high-school graduate.

updated 4:32 p.m. ET July 27, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - While most of her peers donned caps and gowns to receive their high school diplomas, country star Taylor Swift was strumming a guitar and performing for thousands of fans.

So Swift got her diploma in the mail.

"Education has always been at the forefront of my priorities, so I'm really glad to have my diploma," the 18-year-old singer-songwriter told The Associated Press on Friday.

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Swift attended public school for 9th and 10th grade. But when her career began heating up, she needed more flexibility and switched to Aaron Academy, a private Christian school that offers homeschooling.

"I never expected that my senior year would go the way it has," she said. "There's something really exciting about getting to live your dream and continue your education at the same time."

Swift's self-titled debut album has sold more than 3 million copies and produced hits including "Our Song," "Picture to Burn" and "Teardrops on My Guitar."

Swift, who is on tour with Rascal Flatts, is expected to release a new album this fall.