• American Preparatory Academy Approved by State Board

In a significant development for education in Star Valley, the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board has officially approved the establishment of a new charter school in Alpine. The board voted 6-1 on Thursday, October 24, in favor of the American Preparatory Academy’s application, to enhance educational options for local families.

The decision comes amidst growing interest in charter schools across Wyoming, with supporters advocating for increased educational choice and flexibility. However, the board made it clear that over- sight of taxpayer funds will remain local. A local Alpine-based charter board will take charge of financial decisions for the new school, ensuring that Wyoming taxpayer dollars are managed by residents rather than an out-of-state operator.

The appointed members of this local board include a diverse group of community leaders: Kelly Shackleford, a local realtor; Dave Jenkins, a member of the LCSD No. 2 School Board; Rod Jensen President of Bank of Star Valley; Alpine resident Rob Hagedorn; and developer Steven Funk. Their combined expertise is expected to guide the school toward fulfilling its educational mission while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Alpine Mayor Eric Green expressed optimism about the new school, confirming during a radio interview on Wednesday that no new taxes will be implemented to fund its construction and operation. This assurance has alleviated concerns among residents who may have feared additional financial burdens. Mayor Green also shared, “We are very excited to have a charter school in Alpine. Thank you to the Alpine Charter Board and the Wyoming State Authorizing Board for giving us this opportunity.” He con- tinued by saying, “Now the hard work starts. We have to find a good place for the school and contracts need to be signed to keep up this momentum. The Alpine Charter Board hopes to have the school open in the Fall of 2026. We will do whatever we can to help them make that happen.”

The establishment of the American Preparatory Academy comes at a time when educational choices are critical for families seeking tailored learning envi- ronments for their children. Proponents of the charter system argue that such schools can foster innovation and provide specialized programs that address the unique needs of students.

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, expressing her support for the initiative, stated, “I applaud today’s approval of the American Preparatory Academy of Alpine by the Wyoming Charter School Authorization Board. As a proud product of public school choice in Wyoming, I am thrilled to see another charter school option in our state. This is an excellent example of focusing on what will provide the best opportunity for success to individual students.”

The approval of the American Preparatory Academy marks a pivotal moment for education in Alpine. With local oversight and a commitment to student success, the new charter school aims to enrich the educational landscape of the region and provide fam- ilies with more choices in their children’s education. As the project moves forward, the community will be watching closely to see how it unfolds and impacts the lives of students in Star Valley.