An intentionally small co-ed boarding school set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, our supportive community is a place where all are known and valued.
In their time on our campus, students develop strong character and essential life skills through a rigorous academic curriculum and robust co-curricular offerings. They leave here ready to shape a changing world.
Our picturesque home along 300 idyllic acres is a safe haven where students learn and thrive both in and outside of the classroom. Framed by mountains, criss-crossed by walking paths, and dotted by pines, it is a place where we feel inspired, connected, and welcome. This special stamp of soil is more than a picturesque learning environment; it defines our experience.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked NC School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 260 students
- Yearly Tuition: $78,950
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 10 / Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Asheville School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Resources
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1900
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 21, 2027
Campus Size
300 acres
Student Body
Total Students
260 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
77%
Average Class Size
13 students
List of Courses Offered
AP/Advanced Courses
Advanced Topics in Mathematics (Advanced)American History (Advanced)
American Literature (Advanced)Art Portfolio Development (Advanced)
Biology (Advanced)Biology (Honors)
Calculus AB (Advanced)Calculus BC (Advanced)
Chemistry (Advanced)Chemistry (Honors)
Computer Science A (Advanced)Economics (Honors)
Environmental Science (Advanced)French II (Honors)
French III (Honors)French IV (Honors)
French Language (Advanced)French Literature (Advanced)
Physics (Honors)Physics 1 (Advanced)
Physics C (Advanced)Precalculus (Advanced)
Precalculus (Honors)Quantitative Reasoning 1 (Honors)
Quantitative Reasoning II (Honors)Spanish II (Honors)
Spanish III (Honors)Spanish IV (Honors)
Spanish Language (Advanced)Spanish Literature (Advanced)
Statistics (Advanced)Studio Art III: Advanced Art (Honors)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 10 / Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$78,950
Tuition Notes
Boarding tuition is $78,950. Day student tuition is $48,850. International students are charged an additional international student fee ($3,300 Canadian Student Fee; $5,000 International Student Fee).
Additional details about tuition and fee coverage can be viewed here:
% on Financial Aid
51%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Matthew Gilliland
Admissions Associate
Anne-Marie Farmer
Application URL
Endowment Size
$67.9 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
23 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
29 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bird Watching ClubBlack Student Union
Christian FellowshipCooking Club
Gay Straight AllianceHoste Society (tour guides)
International ClubMath Club
Mitchell Cabinet (Service Club)Multicultural Club
Peer TutoringPhotography Club
Prefects (Senior Student Leaders)Robotics
Service ProjectsStudent Activities Committee
Student CouncilStudents for Environmental Awareness
The Ashnoca (Student Newspaper)
Arts and Music Programs:
Chapel ChoirChorus
DanceDrama
Handbell ChoirStudio Art
The Blue and White (Yearbook)The Review (Literary Magazine)
Recreational Athletic Programs:
EquestrianMountaineering
School Notes
- School Motto: Vitae Excelsiores Limen
- School Mascot: Blues
- Academics:At Asheville School, we offer a rigorous
academic program that surpasses the traditional AP curriculum. Our
advanced coursework is designed to challenge students, giving them
a distinct competitive edge. They excel in critical thinking,
reasoning, and communication, paving the way to attend top colleges
and leading lives of leadership and service. Our curriculum
encourages intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning, preparing
students for the complexities of the modern world.
- Size:With around 300 talented students in grades 9-12,
Asheville School offers a close-knit, supportive community. This
intimate setting allows for personalized attention and strong
relationships between students and faculty. Our dedicated,
inspiring teachers, most of whom live on campus, are deeply
invested in the success and well-being of each student. This
fosters an environment where students can thrive academically,
socially, and emotionally.
- Values and Opportunities:At Asheville School, values are
at the heart of everything we do. Our student-run honor system and
unwritten code of respect emphasize integrity, character, and
personal responsibility. Students have myriad opportunities to
develop leadership skills and pursue their passions through
competitive athletics, the arts, and outdoor adventure programs. We
believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to
make a positive impact on the world.
- Campus:Our stunning 300-acre campus is nestled in the
heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing an idyllic and
inspiring setting for learning and personal growth. Just on the
outskirts of Asheville, NC, our location offers the perfect blend
of natural beauty and cultural richness. Asheville is a city known
for its prolific arts scene, eclectic culinary offerings, and
unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and southern charm. Our campus
features a harmonious mix of historic, picturesque buildings and
state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that students have access to
both the charm of tradition and the benefits of modern
technology.
- Outdoor Experience:The Blue Ridge Mountains are not just a backdrop; they are an integral part of the Asheville School experience. Students have unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventures, from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and kayaking. This connection with nature promotes physical health, environmental stewardship, and a sense of adventure.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Amy "Bellamy" Young 1987 - Amy "Bellamy" Young is an actress best known for her role as First Lady Mellie Grant on ABC鈥檚 political drama series Scandal.
- Pete Dye, Jr. 1944 - Dye designed world-renowned golf courses, including Oak Tree in Oklahoma City, The Johns Island Club in Vero Beach, the Harbortown Golf Course in Hilton Head, The Saw Grass Course in Ponte Vedra and the Ocean Course in Kiawah.
- Jose Gonzalez 1985 - In 2017, Gonzalez was appointed as Mexico's Minister of Finance under President Pe帽a Nieto. He previously served as the CEO of Petr贸leos Mexicanos, more commonly known as PEMEX.
- Charles Ries 1968 - Charles Ries was the U.S. Ambassador to Greece from 2004-2007. He served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs from 2000-2004, overseeing U.S.-European Union economics, energy, and public diplomacy.
- Frederick F. Wherry 1990 - Wherry is a professor of sociology at Princeton University. He serves as the department representative for the Department of Sociology, and he has served as vice-president and president of the Social Science History Association.
- Jennifer Pharr-Davis 2001 - In 2011, Jennifer Pharr-Davis set the record for the fastest thru hike of the Appalachian Trail with a time of 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes. She has written two memoirs: Becoming Odyssa and Called Again.
- James Hormel 1950 - James Hormel was the first openly gay person to serve as a United States Ambassador. He was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1999 to be the Ambassador to Luxembourg. He is the grandson of George A. Hormel, founder of Hormel Foods.
- Levin H. Campbell 1944 - Honorable Judge Levin H. Campbell was confirmed to serve on the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in 1972. He served as Chief Judge from 1983 to 1990 and assumed senior status in 1992.
- Perla Haney-Jardine 2015 - Perla Haney-Jardine is an actress best known for her roles in Steve Jobs (2015), Future Weather (2012), Spider-Man 3 (2007) and Kill Bill: Vol 2 (2004).
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Asheville School cost?
Asheville School's tuition is approximately $78,950 for private students.
What schools are Asheville School often compared to?
Asheville School is often viewed alongside schools like Christ School by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Asheville School?
Asheville School famous alumni include: Amy "Bellamy" Young 1987, Pete Dye, Jr. 1944, Jose Gonzalez 1985, Charles Ries 1968, Frederick F. Wherry 1990, Jennifer Pharr-Davis 2001, James Hormel 1950, Levin H. Campbell 1944 and Perla Haney-Jardine 2015.
What sports does Asheville School offer?
Asheville School offers 23 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Winter Track. Asheville School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for most sports offered.
What is Asheville School's ranking?
Asheville School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Asheville School?
The application deadline for Asheville School is Dec. 10 / Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 10 / Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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