Community Life

Overview

Attending Asheville School is like being part of a small town.

Lasting friendships and a sense of belonging prevail. Students find themselves in a new environment with new people and great opportunities. At first, living away from home can be a little scary. But it doesn't take too long to make friends and thrive in this welcoming environment. Students have a lot of responsibility here, for themselves as well as for the community. They also receive an equal dose of support.

The Honor Code

In our small community, one person's actions affect everyone.

We expect our students to live by high ethical standards. The foundation of ethical behavior is honesty. At Asheville, students agree to uphold an Honor Code. What are the visible signs of the Code in action? Bookbags are strewn about—because students know their belongings will be there when they return. Students "pledge" and sign all independent work. And students constitute the majority of the Honor Council, the educational and disciplinary body which hears all violations of the Code. As a result, our students live with a fair measure of freedom: trusted by the adults and trusting one another.

Advisors

Each student has a faculty advisor who is concerned about the student in all facets of school life. Advisors offer guidance on a range of personal and academic matters, including college planning and summer job opportunities. When grades are sent home, faculty advisors meet with students to discuss their progress at the end of each term and write reports to parents as well. Should a student be required to appear before the Conduct Council, the Student Affairs' Office would inform the appropriate advisor, who accompanies the student during the Council's meeting and supports the student through the process. If an advisor is unavailable, the student may select another faculty member to attend. Similarly, an advisor is a great support to students who are involved in an Honor violation. We encourage students to draw upon the experience of our faculty when they need advice or support.

Health & Wellness

The school offers four community discussions each year as students transition into the community life/residential boarding school program. Outside presenters lead students in workshops that promote healthy relationship building, healthy eating habits, responsible money management, and a positive transition for college-bound seniors. Students also participate in a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program. By actively participating in the school's Health & Wellness program, Asheville School faculty members are committed to teaching healthy life habits to all members of the community.

Spirituality

We all benefit from spiritual time. Required chapel allows students an opportunity to look within and without for answers.

Asheville School is non-denominational, but we do value our Judeo-Christian heritage. During weekday chapel services on Mondays and Thursdays, students share their views on school or life. On Sundays for our boarders, the chaplain generally leads the service, with students and faculty serving as readers, musicians, etc. Often, a representative from a different religious tradition will visit to share their reflections with the community.