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Our high school model, 9th to 12th grade.

A classical liberal arts education with real preparation for university, career and citizenship, in a school where students are known and challenged.

Two pillars, through graduation.

Our high school program continues the two pillars of an American Prep education: academic achievement and character development. Students keep up rigorous academic study while developing their talents in music, art, sports, drama and debate.

Our goal is to prepare students for advanced study at the university level and to develop conscientious, confident citizens who think clearly, express their ideas well and take an active part in building and governing society.

American Prep graduates in red caps and gowns at commencement
Two American Prep high school students smiling

Learning that goes deeper.

  1. The best that has been written

    Students read and discuss great books, then connect literature, history, science and the arts into one coherent picture of the world and their place in it.

  2. Ideas, out loud and on paper

    Class discussion, essays, presentations and debate teach students to reason carefully, listen well and make a clear case for what they think.

  3. Known by their teachers

    Teachers know each student by name and by goal. Expectations stay high and help stays close, so students are stretched without being left behind.

  4. Learning with a purpose

    What students study connects to who they are becoming, preparing them for university, meaningful work and an active role in their communities.

What your student will study.

A full liberal arts course of study fills the school year, then Winterim gives students three weeks each January to explore electives of their choosing. Course offerings vary by campus.

9th to 12th grade

Core & Advanced Courses

Students continue a rigorous, honors-level program that prepares them for university study.

  • Core subjects: literature, writing, history, math, science and the arts
  • Advanced Placement: college-level courses with the chance to earn college credit
  • Concurrent enrollment: college classes that count toward both high school and college
  • Online credit: up to six credits a year through Utah’s Statewide Online Education Program
  • Electives: choir, band, orchestra, art, drama and dance

Three weeks each January

Winterim

Right after winter break, secondary students set their regular schedule aside, explore possible careers and learn by doing.

  • Three electives: each student chooses their own courses
  • Five areas: arts, humanities, science & technology, history & culture, and fitness & life skills
  • A semester’s worth: each 14-day course covers about a semester of material
  • A finished project: every course ends with work students can add to a resume or portfolio
  • Real credit: 0.5 elective credit toward graduation for each course passed

Planning for college, year by year.

College preparation starts long before senior year. Families get an update on their student’s progress at our College and Career Readiness Meeting, and each year College Week brings campus tours, a college and career fair, and visits from Utah universities.

  • Build the foundation

    • Strong study habits and a solid first-year transcript
    • Join a team, ensemble, club or production
    • Start a list of activities, service and awards
  • Explore

    • Take on AP or other advanced courses
    • Tour a Utah college campus during College Week
    • Explore interests and careers with UtahFutures
  • Focus

    • Take the ACT at school with your class
    • PSAT/NMSQT in the fall for interested students
    • Consider concurrent enrollment and build a college list
  • Apply and decide

    • Apply to colleges and scholarships with guidance from school staff
    • File the FAFSA as soon as it opens
    • Compare offers and commit by May 1

Helpful resources

  • Scholarships

    Meet every deadline, submit exactly what is asked, and give recommenders about three weeks and a copy of your resume.

  • Financial aid

    The FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, loans and work-study. Gather tax documents early and file soon after it opens.

  • Testing

    Utah juniors take the ACT at school. The PSAT/NMSQT also qualifies juniors for National Merit recognition.

  • Careers & tuition savings

    Explore majors and careers with free assessments, and look into reduced out-of-state tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange.

Room to compete, create and perform.

Teams, ensembles, productions and clubs teach the same discipline and teamwork we value in class, and give every student a place to share what they love.

  • American Prep high school baseball team posing together on the field

    Athletics

    Baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country, track, wrestling and golf build teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity and commitment. Teams vary by campus.

  • American Prep high school students playing violin and cello in an orchestra concert

    Music & Art

    Choir, band, orchestra and art courses let students keep developing their talents and share them with the school community.

  • American Prep students performing a scene from Cyrano de Bergerac on stage

    Stage & Dance

    Drama, musical theater, modern dance and social dance, plus a ballroom dance team, give students a place to perform.

  • American Prep high school student speaking into a microphone at a school assembly

    Debate & Clubs

    Debaters compete at region and state tournaments, and clubs and student government give every student a place to lead.

Character that leads.

Character development continues through graduation. High school students take on real responsibility, lead their peers and serve their community, so the virtues they study become habits they live.

  • Ambassador Council

    Students chosen for strong character and solid academics represent their grade, complete a 12-week leadership course and plan school events.

  • Leadership & government

    Student government and legislative training give students practice leading, debating ideas and serving their peers.

  • Service learning

    Projects on and off campus give students regular practice caring for their school and community.

  • Etiquette & social dance

    Workshops in public speaking, introductions and dining etiquette, plus social dance, build lifelong courtesy and confidence.

Where our graduates go.

American Prep graduates continue to universities across Utah and the country, earn scholarships, and go on to build careers and serve their communities.

  • Accepted near and far. Graduates have been accepted to the University of Utah, BYU, Utah State, NYU, UC Berkeley, Cornell, MIT, USC and UCLA.
  • National Merit recognition. Our students have been named National Merit semifinalists and finalists.
  • Ready for college. U.S. News & World Report ranked American Prep No. 1 in Utah for College Readiness in 2020 and 2021.

Previous stage

Junior High, 7th and 8th grade

Students who finish junior high at American Prep arrive in 9th grade with strong study habits, leadership training and a firm liberal arts foundation.

Questions families ask.

Which campuses offer high school?

High school is offered at our Draper 3 campus (grades 7–12) and our West Valley 2 & 3 campuses (K–12). Our Salem campus serves students through 9th grade. Find a campus.

Is American Prep high school tuition-free?

Yes. American Prep is a public charter school, so there is no tuition for kindergarten through 12th grade.

Can students take AP or college courses?

Yes. Students can take Advanced Placement courses and concurrent enrollment classes for college credit. Specific offerings vary by campus.

What is Winterim?

Winterim is a three-week term right after winter break. Secondary students choose three elective courses, each finishing with a project, and earn 0.5 elective credit for every course they pass.

Does American Prep have sports and activities?

Yes. Teams include baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country, track, wrestling and golf, along with choir, band, orchestra, art, drama, dance, debate, student government and clubs. Offerings vary by campus.

How does the school help with college applications?

Students and families get guidance through the College and Career Readiness Meeting, College Week, and help from school staff with college applications, scholarships and financial aid.

How do I enroll?

Start an application and review the enrollment process. Openings in each grade depend on the campus.

See high school in action.

Tuition-free for kindergarten through 12th grade at eight Utah campuses. A tour is the best way to see what an American Prep classroom feels like.