Skip to content American Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Utah, offering a classical, liberal arts education that forms both the minds and hearts of our students.
American Prep is a classical, liberal arts school with an aim to educate both the minds and hearts of our students. Human flourishing is the goal of classical education.
That is why our program brings together strong academics, the arts, the daily practice of virtuous character, and careful preparation for college and citizenship. Students learn to think deeply, speak clearly, and act with integrity.
Our school’s mission is to provide a classical, liberal arts education through an orderly, safe and nurturing learning environment wherein content-rich, efficient curriculum and research-based instructional methodologies are utilized to ensure that every student achieves academic success and develops good character based on concrete measurements.
Three ideas from our founding still guide every classroom, on every campus.
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A content-rich classical curriculum: great books, history, science, languages, math and the arts, taught with proven methods so every student builds real knowledge and skill.
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Character is taught on purpose. Students practice honesty, diligence, kindness and respect in an orderly, safe and nurturing environment.
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Our founders wanted children who would grow up to support America’s democratic republic as well-informed citizens. We still prepare students for college, career and civic life.
Ribbon cutting at Draper 1, our first campus, in 2003.
The American Prep story began in 2002 with a small group of dedicated parents who envisioned a school that would help their children flourish and become happy people, and who would grow up to support America’s democratic republic as well-informed citizens.
More than two decades later, we are still excited every day to see our happy students grow and achieve. American Preparatory Academy has become an award-winning public charter school, now serving over 5,000 students at eight campuses in Utah.
American Preparatory Schools (APS) is the charter management organization that provides leadership and oversight to American Preparatory Academy campuses, as well as other charter schools in multiple states. APS is entrusted by APA’s Governing Board to ensure that students receive a world-class education, families receive exceptional support, and schools operate with efficiency and integrity.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Chief Academics Officer
Chief Learning Analytics Officer
American Preparatory Academy’s charter schools are governed by a volunteer board, Utah Charter Academies (UCA). UCA governs our Utah campuses: Draper 1, Draper 2, Draper 3, West Valley 1, West Valley 2 & 3, the Early Learning Center, Salem, Cedar City and Eagle Mountain.
Board members usually serve 3 to 5 years, with no term limit. When a seat opens, the board invites applications through the parent newsletter.
All UCA board meetings are open to the public, and Utah Charter Academies follows the Utah Open Meetings Act.
Find agendas, minutes, materials and audio from past meetings.
Quick answers about who we are, how our schools are governed, and what it costs to attend.
Yes. American Preparatory Academy is a public charter school. Every K–12 campus is tuition-free and open to all Utah families.
Kindergarten through 12th grade is tuition-free. American Prep Preschool in Draper is a tuition-based program for 4-year-olds.
American Prep has eight campuses in Utah: Draper 1, Draper 2, Draper 3, West Valley 1, West Valley 2 & 3, Salem, Cedar City and Eagle Mountain, plus our preschool and Early Learning Center in Draper.
A classical education is a language-rich approach built on great books, history, science, mathematics, languages and the arts. Its goal is human flourishing: students who think clearly, love learning and live with good character.
American Preparatory Academy is governed by a volunteer board, Utah Charter Academies (UCA). The board entrusts American Preparatory Schools (APS), a charter management organization, with day-to-day leadership and oversight of the campuses.
Yes. All Utah Charter Academies board meetings are open to the public. Meetings are typically held on the 4th Thursday of the month, and agendas are posted at least 24 hours in advance on the Utah Public Notice Website.
The best way to understand American Prep is to walk our halls. Find a campus near you and schedule a tour.
