American Preparatory Academy of Draper

i am a current 7th grade student at APA. I cannot begin to express how much it has helped me. I have always needed to be challenged because I have a sharp mind. APA provides that for me. In every class (except maybe Choir) :) I am pushed to the limit. APA provides activities and subjects that other schools just don't have. I am able to take 8th Grade Honors Algebra, where otherwise my friends in other schools are stuck in 7th grade algebra. Every teacher there cares about you and is willing to make the jump- if you can. I just won the school wide spelling bee, and I have never felt more accepted. At other schools i have been singled out as the 'smart kid', but here it is amazing to be that! Within the first few weeks of my first year, i already had a circle of friends. Everyone is respectful and it's cool to do your best. It's a hard school to get into- surprise!- but you can guess why. As the years goes on, the homework lengthens. One week I stayed up 'till twelve completing homework every day. it's challenging but it is so worth it. If you are considering putting your children in, do it! you'll only benefit from it. i only have this to say- APA rocks!

APA is a really great school---academically, but a lot of the rave reviews on here are how the school USED to be. The past 2 years APA has been more focused on expansion and management of their 3 new schools than on APA. They pulled many of their amazing teachers into the other schools. What they ARE doing with this school seems to be fixing what isn't broken. They have added more rules to an already extremely strict school (my kids have pulled cards for talking *during lunch* and going to the bathroom). I sometimes feel like my kids are suffocating there, like they have no choices or creative expression. There is a LOT of homework. APA loves parental involvement but not input. They do surveys once a year but nothing changes. Their student turnover has been really high this last year. Many people left. If you are interested in this school (especially Jr. high) you may want to ask for those numbers. Still, it offers an above average education with great teachers, which is why my kids are still enrolled. I love the groups and class sizes. It is a good school with AMAZING academic programs...I just wanted to write this review so people know what they are getting into.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. Because the teachers are really awesome and know a lot of things. I have attending for five years now, and I have learned a lot.
--Submitted by a parent

I have thought about what school to put my kids in since they were 2 years old. I tried homeschooling, tried to afford private school, and I put their names in all of the charter schools I could find. When they got picked to attend APA, I was thrilled! The more we are there, the more I love everything about it. It is a commitment, with homework, parent involvement, etc, but that is one of my favorite things. I have such a feeling of pride knowing the get the privilege to attend such an amazing school! What an amazing blessing! Thank you APA!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at APA for 5 years, after two miserable years in our neighborhood elementary. I cannot find the words to say how much we love this school! It is hard work, the students must meet high expectations and behave responsibly and respectfully. There is homework. Every single night. Yet, given the choice each Spring, all of my children choose APA. I have one who struggles with reading and spelling, one who excels in everything, two who do well but need to be challenged, and one who is far behind her classmates. ALL of them thrive at APA. The small groups do wonders for students at all levels, and they are constantly encouraged and expected to give their best. The staff is 100% supportive and helpful, and we have been given every accomodation possible for our children who needed help. We are moving, and I know that we will never find another school like APA. If we find our way back to UT, we WILL return to this school! American Preparatory Academy is a rare gem.
--Submitted by a parent

This school will meet your child exactly where they are academically, even if they're three grades ahead in one subject and two grades behind in another, they will place them in groups that are fluid between grade levels. The groups move at various speeds, depending on what your child needs. I don't know why all schools don't follow this model. These small groups (some meet in tiny little classrooms) are small enough that the teachers really know exactly what each student knows or doesn't know. They use direct instruction, which means that the students use choral responses, to whatever the teacher is teaching. The kids' minds can't wander. They stay focused and testing becomes no big deal because they have been verbally assessed, daily, in a positive, fun environment. I also love the ambassador program at this school. They have activities to teach the students social etiquette and manners. I have never seen a more polite, respectful, kind group of students than the ones at this school. We'll never move because I refuse to take my kids out of this school. It's incredible! I hope that they build American Preparatory High School soon!
--Submitted by a parent

I wanted the best school I could get for my Kindergarten age child. I am so happy that we got her into APA. I am amazed at the quality of education she is getting. I love the main principles of the school, I love to curriculum, I love the 2 teachers, I love the uniforms. Every child is expected to give their best, and as a result, the children succeed. There is a level of respect that is part of the environment that seems to be lost in the rest of the world. I love that the small groups for math and reading allow all children to succeed and learn at their level. APA is one of the best schools in the valley.
--Submitted by a parent

APA has far surpassed our expectations. Not only are the teachers great, and the curriculum amazing, the student body consists of respectful, kind, and hard working students. Every time I enter the school I hear kids offering their classmates words of encouragement. The student body is expected to be respectful and they rise to the occasion. I am very grateful that my children are able to attend such an amazing school. Thank you APA staff for all you do.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended K and half of 1st grade here. We absolutely loved it. Yes, there is homework most every night. But it is worth it. Academically, he has excelled beyond our wildest hopes. We love the small class sizes, and the uniforms. They are committed to academics, but also to values, and caring for each child. I think the small reading and math groups work very well. I would highly recommend this school. I'm so sad that we had to move and leave it.
--Submitted by a parent

I love everything about APA. I love the uniforms, the small class sizes, the teachers, the curriculum, and the break out groups.
--Submitted by a parent