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 Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 297 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $76,950
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $47,660
- Acceptance rate: 40%
- 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 boarding schools (out of 279 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Offering Breadth
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1900
1907
Campus Size
300 acres
125 acres
Colors
White, Blue
First Day of School
Thu. Aug 21, 2025
Last Day of School
Fri. May 22, 2026
Student Body
Enrollment
297 students
315 students
% Students of Color
15%
27%
% International Students
22%
21%
% Students Boarding
75%
68%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1170 - 1350
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
34%
72%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$69.2 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$76,950
$68,800
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$47,660
$37,000
Tuition international students
$76,950
$59,000
% Students on Financial Aid
33%
40%
Admissions
Application Deadline
Dec. 10 / Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Average Percentile SSAT
63%
-
Acceptance Rate
40%
64%
Director of Admissions
Chris Sparks
Anne-Marie Farmer
Anne-Marie Farmer
Associate Director of Admissions
Shannon Carmack
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
n/a
18
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)
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
26
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
28
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bird Watching ClubBlack Student Union
Christian FellowshipCooking Club
CyclingDesign Club
ForensicsGay Straight Alliance
Hoste Society (tour guides)International Club
Math ClubMitchell Cabinet (Service Club)
Student CouncilThe Ashnoca (Student Newspaper)
Theatre Performance
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
EquestrianMountaineering
College Matriculation
School Notes
-
Welcome to Asheville School, one of the nation's premier boarding schools! Here is what makes us truly exceptional:
- 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. Experience the Asheville School difference - where academic excellence, a tight-knit community, strong values, and a breathtaking location converge to create an unparalleled educational experience. Come see how our unique blend of tradition and innovation prepares students not just for college, but for a lifetime of success and fulfillment.
- Asheville School accreditations: NAIS, TABS, SACS
- 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’s 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 Peña Nieto. He previously served as the CEO of Petróleos 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 $76,950 for boarding students and $47,660 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Asheville School?
The acceptance rate of Asheville School is 40%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
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 26 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. Asheville School is ranked as one of the top boarding schools for most sports offered.
What is Asheville School's ranking?
Asheville School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Most sports offered and High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
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 ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Asheville School is situated in the most beautiful area of the country. My dorm looked out over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nothing could have been better for a teenager to wake up to. . .
Required Afternoon Activities made our campus pretty special. You were forced to sign up for either a sport, music, theater, or art to take up your afternoons. It was pretty beneficial because it. . .
What really sets Asheville School apart are the teachers and how much they care about the students. I have never seen or heard tell of another faculty as devoted to their students and to helping. . .
Show more reviews (1 review)
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