UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G/A Annual As of 12/31/2010 AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC. Common Stock 02913V103 Item 1. a. American Public Education, Inc. b. 111 West Congress Street c. Charles Town, WV 25414 Item 2. a. D.F. Dent & Company, Inc. b. 2 East Read Street, 6th Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21202 c. Incorporated in the State of Maryland d. Common stock e. 02913V103 Item 3. Investment adviser registered under section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 Item 4. a. 1,140,768 b. 6.17% c. 1. 1,140,768 2. 0 3. 1,140,768 4. Item 5. N/A Item 6. N/A Item 7. N/A Item 8. N/A Item 9. N/A