High School - American Preparatory Schools in Utah

Philosophy

American Prep High School Mission Statement

American Preparatory Academy High School provides an academically rigorous liberal arts education that prepares students for advanced study at the university level, thereby developing conscientious, confident citizens who think clearly, are effective proponents of those thoughts and are actively involved in the building and governing of society.

American Prep’s High School program reflects our commitment to our 2 pillars: Academic Achievement and Character Development. We believe it is important for students to continue rigorous academic study in High School, and that in addition, they have opportunities to develop skills and talents in music, art, sports, drama, and debate. Character development training continues in High School as students have opportunities for service learning, student government, legislative training, and fun social interaction.

Subjects of Study

General Courses

Our dynamic, positive academic and leadership training programs prepare students for success at the University level. Students have access to AP courses, Concurrent enrollment, Choir, Band, Orchestra, and Art. Competitive Sports include Soccer, Volleyball, Track, Cross Country, Wrestling, Basketball, and Golf. Special programs include a strong Musical/Dance/Theater program that includes Drama, Ballroom Dance (and team), Social Dance, and Modern Dance.

Winterim Courses

Secondary Winterim is a three-week term that immediately follows Winter break. Secondary students will have the opportunity to choose three elective courses. Students will explore potential careers and participate in experiential learning opportunities in the Arts, Humanities, Science and Technology, History and Culture, and/or Fitness and Life Skills. By the end of each 14-day course, students will have completed the equivalent of a semester’s worth of curriculum and have a completed, culminating project they can add to their resume or portfolio. In addition to the skills and knowledge gained, 7th-12th grade students who successfully complete a course with a “Pass” grade will receive .50 elective credits toward their high school graduation.

Music
Art
Physical Education
Performances
Clubs
Athletics

Music

Art

Physical Education

Performances

Clubs

Athletics

The goal of the APA athletic program is to promote the education and development of students through athletic participation. Lifelong learning experiences include the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, integrity, discipline, positivity, and commitment.

Character Development

Ambassador Events
Ambassador Council
Social Dance
Leadership Lessons
Service Projects
Builders Assemblies

Ambassador Events

Students participate in themed-workshops that include an opening activity followed by rotating stations where skills are taught and practiced in a hands-on approach. They cover a wide variety of skills such as: dining etiquette, public speaking, proper introductions, cell phone etiquette, appropriate conversation, navigating a buffet line, meet and greet, etc.

Ambassador Council

Ambassador student councils act as a representation of their particular grade at their campus. Students are nominated, interviewed, and chosen based on excellent character and solid academic performance. Council members participate in a hands-on, 12-week, leadership training course. Council members plan and carry out both Ambassador events and student-initiated social programs. They also write the Ambassador newsletter, design bulletin boards, select the Builders of the Month, choose Teacher Accolade awards, welcome students at assemblies, maintain budgets, help with yearbook, manage publicity efforts, attend staff meetings, befriend other students, and represent the student body. Council members learn important skills such as public speaking, volunteer coordination, social programming, communication skills, peer leadership, and participating in agenda-driven council meetings.

Social Dance

Each week students participate in social dance instruction in cha-cha, waltz, foxtrot, swing, etc. Themed dances allow the students to not only dance and interact, but to practice respectful behavior, which is the first priority.

Leadership Lessons

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey is the basis of this program. This course prepares students for the increased demands of high school, college, and adult life. It is an extension of the Builder Program implemented in the elementary grades as it moves from positive character traits to positive life skills.

Service Projects

Students are given the opportunity to do service both on-campus and off-campus. Some of these events include hosting a grandparent luncheon, assisting at elderly care facilities, volunteering at the food bank, participating in donation drives, or mentoring at-risk youth.

Builders Assemblies

Monthly builders themes emphasizing values such as honesty, integrity, and hard work are introduced and emphasized. Staff members watch for students who demonstrate the monthly theme. Monthly and yearly builder awards are presented to students in school assemblies.

College Prep

Timeline
Scholarships
FAFSA
ACT/SAT
University Resources

College Preparation Timeline

You will receive more information about your students progress at the College and Career Readiness Meeting. Make the best plan you can – adjust along the way – and most of all enjoy the journey.

College Prep Timeline- External link to google document (copy and paste the following into your browser) - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e7T2pLv0fcx1mg-vVlOlqA_ikVt4yM60zyCQi6onxNs/edit

More information will be coming soon for the Graduation requirements!

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships can be awarded for anything from academics, to athletics, to talent, performance, diversity, anything! Check out these scholarships tips and links to be successful!

Scholarship 101
Do NOT Miss Deadlines!!
o Student got full tuition scholarship. Did not accept scholarship in time and lost the scholarship.
Ensure all materials are included in the order written on scholarship
o Do not do too much, do not do too little! Submit what they ask for.
Apply for every scholarship!
o Many scholarship go unclaimed so apply, apply, apply!
o 2015 Financial Literacy scholarship, 5 students applied, 5 students received scholarship
Letters of Recommendation and Essays can determine whether you get the scholarship or not

Letter of Recommendation form- link to google document https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yWkmTTufV0VvuWjwQ1dqLs3CaG4x2i2OlM7urx605k/edit
Always give your recommendation about 3 weeks to write your letter. Always attach a resume so your recommender can highlight your accomplishments outside of school as well!

Scholarship Links!
Scholarship Database! – link to google document https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ffqknc928ToBcY084hy_LuI5rjcplYzXhpfzwLtmevw/edit#gid=0

Brigham Young University – link to external website- https://financialaid.byu.edu/section/scholarships
Dixie State University- Link to external website
https://dixie.edu/financial/scholarships/
Snow College- Link to external website
https://www.snow.edu/offices/scholarships/index.html
Southern Utah University- Link to external website
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/index.html
University of Utah- Link to external website
https://financialaid.utah.edu/scholarships/freshman.php
Utah State University- Link to external website
https://www.usu.edu/admissions/scholarships/

Utah Valley University- Link to external website
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
Weber State University- Link to external website
https://www.weber.edu/FinancialAid/apply.html

Westminster College- Link to external website
https://www.westminstercollege.edu/financial_aid_undergraduate/index.cfm?parent=4210&detail=4217&content=4259

FAFSA Information

What is Federal Student Aid?

Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of financial aid in the nation. Federal Student Aid helps millions of low income students across the country pay for higher education who otherwise would not be able to pay for college, by providing more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school.

How does it work?
Federal Student Aid is responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs provide grants, loans, and work-study funds to students attending college or career school.

To be able to file for Financial Aid (FAFSA), you must complete your taxes as soon as possible. Employers are required by law to give each of their employees a W-2 form (indicates their income, social security, and Medicare taxes withheld) by the end of January every year. This should indicate your tax information for the previous year (i.e. 2015 W-2, will be given end of January 2016).

A parent or guardian’s immigration status does not affect your child’s eligibility for Federal Aid. However, parents do need to file taxes. Each household’s income, number of family members, stocks/bonds is taken into consideration to determine your expected family contribution “EFC” and that will dictate how much aid will be awarded.

FAFSA Timeline- 2015-2016*- Link to external website
https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/CollegePlanning/media/pdf/Financial%20Aid_FinAid-Timeline-High-School-Seniors.pdf

January –Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens
Students should apply for the year they will be in college

• I.E. 2015-2016 Senior Year
o File 2016-2017 FAFSA Application (Freshman year of college)

February- Finish your tax returns as soon as possible. Funding is allocated on a first come, first serve basis. The earlier you apply, the more money you will receive for school.

March – June- Financial Aid Award Letters are given out to students for respective colleges
• Compare your financial aid awards
• Communicate any special circumstances to financial aid offices
• Research loans offered and other financing options

May 1 – National College Decision Day
• Pay your enrollment deposit to ensure your spot in the freshman class!

FAFSA Timeline- 2016-2017

July-September- Look up priority deadlines and required forms for colleges of interest.

October 1st, 2016- File the FAFSA for the 2017-2018 school year. FAFSA will use your prior-prior year taxes (i.e. 2015 taxes for the 2017-2018 application)

November-February – Receive acceptance letters from Universities. Be able to access Financial Aid Award letter earlier.

March- May- Financial Aid Award Letters are given out to students from respective colleges
• Compare your financial aid awards
• Communicate any special circumstances to financial aid offices
• Research loans offered and other financing options

Federal Changes to the FAFSA for the 2016-2017 school year- Link to external website

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/fafsa-changes

FAFSA- Link to external website https://fafsa.gov/

Federal Student Aid- Link to external website
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/

Documents Needed for FAFSA- Link to external website
https://fafsa.ed.gov/help/before003.htm

FSA ID- Link to external website
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid
7 Easy Steps to Complete the FAFSA- Link to external website
https://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/fafsasimplification/

IRS Data Retrieval Tool Tutorial – Link to external website. https://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/media/videos/1516/english/irs-data-retrieval.htm

College Testing

ACT – link to external website - https://www.actstudent.org/
The ACT is a college entrance exam that assesses student’s academics readiness for college. The test is typically taken by 11th and 12th grade students and is offered several times throughout the school year. A Free ACT Test will be given to all 11th grade students at American Preparatory Academy on March 1, 2016. No registration required.

If you require a fee waiver to register for an ACT please see your college access advisor at your respective campus.

PLAN- link to external website- https://www.act.org/planstudent/
The PLAN test is a practice test for the ACT typically taken in the 10th grade. A Free PLAN Test will be given to all 10th graders at American Preparatory Academy in October. No registration required.

SAT-link to external website. https://sat.collegeboard.org/home?navid=gh-sat
This is a college entrance exam typically taken by 11th and 12th grade students. The test is offered several times during the school year.

If you require a fee waiver to register for an ACT please see your college access advisor at your respective campus.

PSAT- link to external website https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10
This is a practice exam for the SAT, taken by 10th and 11th graders. This test is also a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program for 11th grade students. Interested students will be offered the PSAT test in October.

Test Prep Links
• Schmoop- Links to external website- https://www.shmoop.com/test-prep/
• Khan Academy- Link to external Website- https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/new-sat

University Resources

Please use the links below to find out more information about college programs to assist students with study abroad opportunities, paying for college and support for college success.

University Links

TRIO: Student Support Services

A federally funded program to provide students with opportunities for academic development, assist with basic college requirements, and motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. SSS also provides scholarship opportunities for participation.

Each University has a TRIO:SSS program at their campus. Find out more information at your University website.

University of Utah- TRIO-Student Support Services
https://trio.utah.edu/

Utah Valley University
https://www.uvu.edu/trio/sss/

Western Undergraduate Exchange Program

Students who are residents of WICHE states are eligible to request a reduced tuition rate of 150% of resident tuition at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state.

Please find a list of Universities/ Colleges that participate in the program here.- Links to external website. https://wiche.edu/wue

National Student Exchange Program

NSE is a study away experience that fits into university initiatives for globalization, diversity and engagement. NSE participants have found their exchanges culturally enriching, academically rewarding, and one of the most significant experiences of their undergraduate education.

Please find out more information here. Link to external website. https://www.nse.org/
Explore College and Careers

Not sure what you want to major in or what career to go into? Utahfuture.org- link to external website https://utahfutures.org/ will provide assessments, tips, and career exploration to ensure you make the right career move for you.

Click on “Careers”, click “Student- Explore College and Careers”. Here you will find detailed information about schools, work environment, resume building, how to pick a career and much more.