The following is a news release from the Alpine Charter School Application Team

• Community Seeks Educational Solution After Decades-Long Effort

Alpine, WY – A historic push to establish a much-needed charter school in Alpine is gaining momentum as the application for the American Preparatory Academy (APA) advances toward approval. Alpine, the only known community of its size in Wyoming without a local school, has long endured the hardships of long commutes and limited educational access. After years of effort, local residents believe that the proposed APA charter school could finally bring the education Alpine’s families deserve.

With over 30 years of history attempting to establish a school, Alpine residents have now rallied behind APA, an educational service provider known for its classical education model and successful student outcomes. The Academy has achieved notable successes in student achievement and ACT scores, outperforming state averages and demonstrating its ability to foster high academic standards.

The Alpine application team, which includes residents Dave Jenkins, Steve Funk, Kelly Shackelford, Rod Jensen, and Rob Hagedorn, alongside Wyoming based consultant Jeff Daugherty and APA representatives Carolyn and David Sharette, is working closely with the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). They recently submitted the formal charter school application, which was deemed sufficient by WDE review staff.

The application is currently under review by the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board (WCSAB). Alpine’s journey to a local school has been a long one, and this opportunity has come about following a legislative exemption that allowed for the approval of one charter school in western Wyoming. Local legislators, including Senator Dockstader and Representative Andrew
Byron, championed this provision in the most recent legislative session, helping secure Alpine’s place in the application process.

“This community has been waiting for decades,” said Jeff Daugherty, a consultant working with the application team. “Now, more than ever, the need for a local school is urgent, and the American Preparatory Academy can offer a high-quality education that fits Alpine’s needs.”

• Public Meetings and Land Acquisition Efforts
In preparation for the potential approval, the Town of Alpine is currently considering leasing town-owned land for the school’s construction. A public meeting will be held on September 11, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Alpine Civic Center to discuss the proposed site and receive community input.

In addition, the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board will hold two crucial meetings in Alpine on September 18, 2024. These meetings will include a question-and-answer session in the morning, followed by a public hearing from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Alpine Civic Center, where residents can express their support for the school.

• What’s Next for the American Preparatory Academy in Alpine?
If approved, APA will initially serve students in grades K-8, with plans to eventually expand to K-12. The school will be tuition-free, as charter schools are public schools, and will operate independently of the local school district. However, without state funding for construction, the application will need to identify funding solutions to building a new school facility. The town and
the APA team are actively working to address these financial hurdles.

The school will aim to ease the burden of long commutes for students in Alpine, providing a quality educational experience that allows for stronger family involvement in their children’s education.

• A Call to Action
Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearings to express support. This is the most realistic and serious approach to realizing a school in Alpine to date. In addition to meeting the educational needs of our students, schools serve as centerpieces of communities; as gathering places; they create complete communities. Make your voices heard.

For more information on the application process and how to support the American Preparatory Academy in Alpine, please contact the Alpine Charter School Application Team.

About the American Preparatory Academy
American Preparatory Academy (APA) is a classical education-focused charter school with a history of high student achievement and academic success. The school operates multiple campuses across the country and has become renowned for its rigorous curriculum and high ACT scores. APA fosters an environment that supports academic excellence, character development, and personal responsibility.

About the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board (WCSAB)
The WCSAB is responsible for evaluating and approving charter school applications throughout Wyoming. The Board aims to support innovative educational options for Wyoming students while ensuring accountability and adherence to state standards.