Carolyn Sharette

The Right Person to Return Education to Local Control ​

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Carolyn Sharette is an inspiring leader in the field of education, known for her dedication to improving learning opportunities for thousands of children over 25 years.

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2003, Carolyn founded American Preparatory Academy in Utah.  The school's founding vision was to create excellence in academics and unparalleled preparation for a new generation of American citizens - hence the name "American Preparatory Academy."  Under her leadership, her charter school has grown into the largest network of charter schools in the state, with an increasing demand for enrollment and top academic scores. Carolyn's vision and relentless pursuit of educational excellence, civic preparation, innovation, and autonomy has made a lasting impact on thousands of students.

 

 

Standing Firm - Opposition & Adversity

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Carolyn has fought diligently against the status quo to bring parents meaningful school choice and achieve success at American Prep schools. Carolyn is often recognized for her success - by state agencies, national groups,  parent groups, and education research organizations.  Yet she has been persistently attacked for her principled and unapologetic leadership.  Anti-school-choice bias from the media, endemic bureaucracy from the educational establishment, and lawfare from special interests have tried (and failed) to distract Carolyn from her mission to bring educational excellence to every child.  A few examples of these attacks can be found here.  These attacks are viewed by Carolyn's supporters as a badge of honor reflecting the importance of her work and a testament to her ability to succeed in the face of relentless attack.  You can read more here.

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Decades of Dynamic, Results-Driven Leadership​

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As the president of Utah's largest full-service education management company, Carolyn manages annual budgets of over $65,000,000.   She has dedicated 22 years to advancing policies and supporting legislation that prioritizes school autonomy, innovation, and choice for parents. Her work has helped shape the educational environment in Utah, often against strong opposition, ensuring that schools remain responsive to the needs of all students while maintaining high standards of excellence.  ​

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A mother of seven, Carolyn was alarmed at the lack of coherency, relevancy and organization in her children's schools.  She researched effective school models and joined with other parents to start a charter school in 1996.   Carolyn developed her passion for education and an unyielding commitment to doing what is best for students.  Her deep commitment to her family and community, combined with her efforts across five different states, has resulted in her status as a powerful influencer in the world of education freedom and excellence. Through her hard work and her tireless advocacy for better educational opportunities, Carolyn has established herself as a trusted leader in the field of education.  Her ability to balance her roles as a mother and grandmother, business leader, educator and policymaker speaks to her remarkable dedication to the success and well-being of children.  Her vision of the quality education each child deserves is unwavering and she tenaciously demands it for every student in her schools.  Carolyn Sharette's legacy continues to inspire those who believe in the power of choice, innovation, and opportunity in education.