New Buncombe County charter school to open at intersection of Sand Hill Road and Lake Drive west of Asheville

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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franklin_school_of_innovation_2014Press release below for the Franklin School of Innovation. First, here’s the list of meetings scheduled for parents to get more information:

Tues, Feb 25, 6:30 pm West Asheville library

Tues, Mar 4, 6:30 pm YWCA of Asheville – 185 S French Broad Ave

Wed, Mar 19, 6:30 pm – North Asheville library

Now the release:

Buncombe county’s new charter middle and high school will open its doors this fall just down the street from AB Tech’s Enka campus. The location, at the intersection of Sand Hill Road and Lake Drive, was chosen for its accessibility from many parts of the County and the diversity of the student population in the area.

“The announcement of our facility location is obviously a big step, and a challenge we’ve worked hard to overcome, ” said board chair Michelle Vruwink. “North Carolina charter schools don’t receive start-up funds, or other money for capital expenses like buildings and buses.”

Vruwink notes that securing a location is just one of many projects underway at the Franklin School of Innovation. “We’re hosting public information sessions, conducting a national leadership search, and recruiting our teaching faculty,” says Vruwink. “All this wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of the many in the community who have supported us over the past 18 months.”

The Franklin School of Innovation will follow the Expeditionary Learning model developed by Outward Bound and the Harvard School of Education, which emphasizes hands-on project-based learning, a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking, and strong character development.

“I am thrilled that Asheville families will finally have a charter school option for their high school students, ” says prospective parent, Linnae Harris, “My two middle school children have thrived at an Expeditionary Learning based school. I’m pleased that they will be able to continue their their higher education in a hands-on, collaborative classroom.”

The school will start in multi-classroom modular buildings, with construction slated to begin in May. Applications are now being accepted for grades six through nine for the 2014-15 school year with plans to add a grade each year through 2018-19 when the school will serve sixth through twelfth grades.

More:

Facts about the Franklin School of Innovation

* The Franklin School of Innovation, which will be located at the corner of Sand Hill Road and Lake Drive, is a free public charter school serving students in grades 6-12 in the Asheville and Buncombe County region. The school is open to any student eligible for enrollment in North Carolina public schools.

* Now accepting applications for 2014/15 school year for grades 6-9. Applications are due by March 31.

* Opening in August 2014 with grades 6-9, adding a grade each year. By year four, FSI will have capacity to serve 288 students in middle school and 448 students in high school.

* Curriculum will follow the Expeditionary Learning model developed by Outward Bound and the Harvard School of Education, which emphasizes hands-on project-based learning, a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking, and strong character development.

* The Expeditionary Learning model also incorporates meaningful family engagement, with student-led conferences and passage portfolios in which students present their learning and achievements.

* Teachers at FSI will participate in an integrated program of professional learning, with frequent collaboration and shared planning, observation, and feedback. Teachers will develop multi-disciplinary “Learning Expeditions” which engage students in long-term, real-world learning opportunities across the disciplines. Civic engagement and service learning will be incorporated in the Expeditions.

* The Franklin School of Innovation is not-for-profit organization organized under the laws of North Carolina, with 501(c)3 status pending, filed in October 2013. All work done to organize the school to date has been accomplished by unpaid volunteers.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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1 Comment

  1. Matt February 22, 2014

    Yes! More innovative alternative community based schools. And finally a high school charter school!
    I know from being in alternative education my whole adult life that these schools are built on pure passion and vision. And the students benefit the most. I wish them all luck as they start their first year.

    M.

    Reply

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