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

Mentoring over Chinese food? It’s possible.

Each faculty member at Asheville School advises approximately 3-6 students. Every Tuesday, students meet with their faculty advisors for conversation and counsel, often over lunch somewhere in town. In addition to serving as the student’s mentor—available to troubleshoot problems, provide a word of encouragement, or just listen after a long day—the advisor acts as the primary liaison between the parents and the school. Along with grades and teacher comments (which are mailed home four times/year), the advisor writes a quarterly report on the student’s overall progress in the classroom and as a member of the community.

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 (Wednesday and Friday), 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, representative from a variety of religious traditions will visit to share their reflections with the community.