American Preparatory Schools

Our Story

A Foundation Built On Vision

our_story

Draper 1 2003 Ribbon CuttingThe American Prep story began in 2002 with a small group of dedicated parents who envisioned a school for their children that would help them to flourish and be happy people, and who would grow up and support America’s democratic republic as well-informed citizens.  20 years 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 six campuses in Utah.

 Click here to see the timeline of our school expansion.

Draper 1 – K-6 students        West Valley City 1 – K-6 students

Draper 2 – K-6 students      West Valley City 2 – K-12 students

Salem – K-9 students             Draper 3 – 7 – 12 students

Our Philosophy
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. Our program strongly focuses on rigorous academics, virtuous character development, and college preparation. Click here to learn more about the APA Philosophy and what makes an APA education so important. (more…)

Our Mission

Schoolwide

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.

Executive Team

American Preparatory Schools

Executive Team

Carolyn
Sharette

Executive Director

Thanks to Carolyn's tireless efforts, the American Preparatory Academies have successfully prepared students for whatever may meet them in the future. She organized the original board of parents in 2002, and it was her vision that led the schools to West Valley, Las Vegas, and even Zambia, Africa. She has continued to give her time, her expertise, and her heart to the APA schools.

Catherine Findlay - Character Development Director

Catherine
Findlay

Character Development Director

Catherine has an incredible background in social dance, character building, and service. She brings all of that to the American Prep family. Our teachers and students learn about etiquette, dance, and courtesy in the programs she has developed. Thanks to those programs, our students learn how to change the world for the better.

Casey Crellin

Casey
Crellin

Chief Financial Officer

Casey Crellin has hands-on experience in financial and management leadership from startup to Fortune 500's across a variety of domestic and international for-profit industries. After having lived in the Bay Area and Colorado, Casey is grateful to be back in Utah, climbing the education and regulation learning curve, and supporting outstanding students, educators, and innovators at American Preparatory Academy - where integrity and aspirational ideas matter. Casey is inspiring to those he works with and often says, "I love to work, work to live, and live to enjoy family and outdoor adventures near and far!"

Executive Team

Tim
Evancich

Chief Operations Officer

Tim was one of the original parents and founders of American Prep. He met Carolyn in 2002 at a city meeting as a concerned citizen. Tim is responsible for the smooth operations of all American Prep schools. Tim's calm demeanor and approachable personality allows him to be successful at his job, not to mention his tireless efforts working from sunrise to sunset at the school.

Want to get in touch? Send an email

Testimonials

from Parents

from Teachers

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“ I have sent my child to American Prep for two years and I love everything about it. ”

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Mary Abbington South Jordan, UT

“ I researched many schools before choosing to send my child to American Preparatory Academy. I couldn't be more pleased. ”

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Bryce Bentley Holladay, UT

“ We are so excited and grateful we have the opportunity for Caleb to attend APA! Thanks again. ”

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Mrs. Elliot Las Vegas, NV

“ I wish we would have found APA sooner. ”

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Greatschools.org parent Draper, UT

“ One of my favorite things about this school is that it places emphasis on being a person of good character. ”

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Greatschools.org parent Draper, UT

“ The West Valley campus has maintained a community of academic rigor and strong character development where the staff know each student by name and can guide them toward excellence. ”

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Greatschools.org parent West Valley, UT

“ Today, (Ian) is excelling in school and he is very eager to go. I can see a firm educational foundation being built and not impeded by fear.  ”

–
Jo Anne Robinson Las Vegas, NV
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“ Everything about this school is incredible – especially the students. ”

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Julia Jacobs Salt Lake City, UT

“ Teaching at American Preparatory Academy has changed my life.  ”

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John Jacobs Murray, UT

“ There is a sense of respect on the staff side and the students as well. ”

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Greatschools.org teacher West Valley, UT
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