The Academy at SOAR

PO Box 388
Balsam, NC 28707
The Academy at SOAR is designed for students with ADHD/LD who have faced challenges in a traditional classroom setting due to a learning disability.
By combining academics and adventure, we are better able to develop the whole child, allowing students to experience success both academically and personally.
Our student centered model provides students with the tools and experiences for success through instruction in the following components: Academics, Adventures, Self-Advocacy, Life Skills, Project Based Learning, Field Studies, Community and Empowerment.
Emphasis is placed upon applying knowledge to real situations, developing the whole person, and demonstrating the competence to thrive in society.
As a result, students walk away from the Academy empowered with self-awareness, a zest for learning, and a sense of self-sufficiency unknown before.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 7-12
  • Enrollment: 32 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $67,000
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Academy at SOAR ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
The Academy at SOAR
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
7-12
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1988
1907
Campus Size
22 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
32 students
310 students
% Students Boarding
100%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
8 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
50%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes

Tuition Cost

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$67,000
$64,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Director of Admissions
Caroline Hamilton

Course Listings

List of Courses Offered

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
4
16

School Notes

  • Our mission is to provide an alternative learning environment and differentiated instruction that nurtures self-discovery and independent inquisition. Many students have experienced difficulty in the traditional academic settings, stemming from a variety of factors including, but not limited to, ADHD, LD, negative feedback from peers and teachers, inability to self-advocate, peer  influences, and poor academic performance. Beyond providing content instruction in each course, the Academy at SOAR seeks to modify the student`s perception of him or herself as a student, allowing them to become aware of their unique strengths, abilities, and challenges, along with techniques to overcome academic hurdles. This mission is carried out by providing differentiated instruction based on the needs of each student. Flexibility in instructional methods and course-work offerings is necessary to meet the needs of each student. Though traditional instruction is used at times during classroom days, the Academy at SOAR seeks to implement multi-sensory and individualized methods whenever possible to make learning experiences more relevant and meaningful. 
  • The Academy at SOAR accreditations: COGNIA, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Small Boarding School Association (SBSA)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Academy at SOAR cost?
The Academy at SOAR's tuition is approximately $67,000 for boarding students.
What sports does The Academy at SOAR offer?
The Academy at SOAR offers 4 interscholastic sports: Climbing, Kayaking, Mountaineering and Rock Climbing.
What is The Academy at SOAR's ranking?
The Academy at SOAR ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students), High percentage of boarding students and Small average class sizes.
When is the application deadline for The Academy at SOAR?
The application deadline for The Academy at SOAR is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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