A charter school has officially been approved for the Town of Alpine by the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board. In a 6-1 vote on Thursday, October 24, the state board approved American Preparatory Academy’s application to build a school in northern Star Valley.

Upon approval, the authorizing board stressed that Wyoming taxpayer dollars should not be overseen by an out-of-state school operator. The local Alpine based charter board will be responsible for all financial decision for the school. Board members will consist of the applicants for the charter and include Realtor Kelly Shackleford; Dave Jenkins, who serves on the Lincoln County school board; Rod Jensen with the Bank of Star Valley; Alpine resident Rob Hagedorn; and Alpine developer Steven Funk.

According to Alpine Mayor Eric Green during a radio interview on Wednesday morning, no new taxes are expected to be implemented in order to pay for the school.

Construction of the school is expected to take place in 2026 with an expected cost of roughly $16 million.