The Utah State Charter School Board has authorized American Preparatory Academy to open a new campus in Ephraim. The school will be built on a 5.2-acre site within Ephraim Crossing, a 300-acre master-planned development in southern Sanpete County.

The campus will initially serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade and marks APA’s first location in a rural Utah community.

Expanding educational options

School and development leaders say the new campus is designed to complement existing educational opportunities in the area and provide additional options for local families.

The school will prioritize outreach to homeschool families and others who may be seeking expanded educational resources. APA and the Ephraim Crossing development team have indicated they plan to work collaboratively with the South Sanpete School District and community leaders as planning progresses.

“We look forward to working closely with the South Sanpete School District and community stakeholders to ensure this school serves as a positive resource for everyone in the county,” said Mike Ballard, CEO of Camino Verde Group, the developer of Ephraim Crossing.

Ballard noted that Ephraim Crossing is projected to eventually include more than 1,100 families.

“We believe APA is a wonderful addition to the educational landscape here,” he said.

Phased construction plans

The campus will be developed in phases, beginning with a 35,000-square-foot, two-story building. Phase 1 plans call for 14 classrooms, a gymnasium, breakout learning spaces and administrative offices.

A second phase would add approximately 15,000 square feet, including a multipurpose room, music room and pantry. A potential third phase could further expand enrollment as community needs grow.

The school site is located within Ephraim Crossing, which includes Intermountain Health facilities, commercial development and a mix of residential housing. Ephraim is also a federally designated Opportunity Zone and qualifies for USDA rural development programs.

About American Preparatory Academy

American Preparatory Academy is a public charter school network serving more than 5,400 students at campuses in Draper, West Valley City, Salem and Cedar City.

As a public charter school, APA is tuition-free. Operating costs are funded by the state of Utah, similar to traditional public schools.

The school’s academic model emphasizes a classical, content-rich curriculum, intensive teacher training and two instructors in every classroom. APA serves a significant number of English Language Learner students and has been recognized by Stanford University’s CREDO research center for strong academic outcomes.

With state authorization now in place, planning for the Ephraim campus will move forward, with additional details about construction timelines and enrollment expected in the coming months.

For more information about American Preparatory Academy, visit americanprep.org. For more information about Ephraim Crossing, visit ephraimcrossing.com.