JACKSON (WNE) — Public comments submitted by Alpine residents to the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board were largely critical of the American Preparatory Academy.

Of the 52 written comments submitted to the board at the end of September, only two supported the Utah-based charter school specifically, while a handful supported any charter school in Alpine.

The Authorizing Board will make a decision on Oct. 10 as to whether to approve APA’s application or grant the Cody-based virtual school, Vitalis Charter Academy, the option to operate.

While there is broad support in Alpine for a new public school, even a charter, in recent weeks, residents have raised concerns over the application submitted by American Preparatory Academy Charter School.

Residents have questioned the school’s right-wing political bent, as the organization’s founders have generated controversy with disparaging comments in the past about immigrants and the LGTBQ community.

Community members also highlighted in the written comments that the Academy has a dubious legal history.

“I am not opposed to a charter school in Alpine. I am opposed to the American Preparatory Academy of Alpine,” wrote Jessica Barnhouse, an Alpine resident and parent. “The American Preparatory Academy currently has multiple lawsuits with the ACLU and has been sued by multiple states, including Nevada and Utah. Their educational track record is similarly dismal. I would not send my child to a school run by this organization.”

In its promotional materials, APA touts classical studies, “patriotic education,” small class sizes and no: cellphones; “critical race theory”; diversity, equity and inclusion curriculum; or social-emotional learning. 

The Town of Alpine has given general support for a lease of town-owned property for “a charter school,” but a formal lease agreement has not yet been made.