Are you looking for the best school in Buncombe County for your kids? If so, I am very pleased to inform you that Buncombe County Schools Review is here to serve that purpose. Set deep in the majestic Appalachian Mountains and surrounding beautiful Asheville, North Carolina, Buncombe County Schools are a place of natural beauty and educational excellence.
The vision of this school is to ensure all the children learn and commit to achieving high standards of learning in a related field. The Buncombe County School is very open, friendly, provide opportunities and experiences offered are great.
WHAT’S THE LOCATION OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS?
Buncombe County Schools (BCS) is the public school system overseeing education in Buncombe County, North Carolina, including parts of Asheville, North Carolina.
The Buncombe County Schools system is the largest in Western North Carolina with almost 25,000 students enrolled in 47 schools and programs.
Buncombe County School provides education to more than 24,404 students with 1,650 teachers including 3,752 staff members in the school.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE THIS SCHOOL
The best part of this school is the education system they provide to their students. Buncombe County School has a ratio of 14 to 77 between the students and the staff which helps in keeping focus in each and every individual person.
In Buncombe County Schools, 50% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 56% tested at or above that level for math.
Also, 50% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 50% tested at or above that level for math. And 66% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 36% tested at or above that level for math.
It is also one of only 8 school districts in North Carolina to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2017, BCS ranked 16th in the United States and first in the state of North Carolina for the number of National Board Certified Teachers.
Read: Hanover County Schools | Admission, Requirements, Tuition, Calendar
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS’ CORE VALUES
- Teaching the Whole Child
- Personalizing Instruction
- Empowering World-Class Educators
- Encouraging Personal Growth
- Embracing Diversity
- Investing Purposefully
- Collaborating & Communicating
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS STRUCTURE
The structure of the school system is divided into six districts: Enka, Erwin, North Buncombe, Owen, Reynolds, and Roberson. Within each school district, there is one high school, one or two middle schools, and three to five elementary schools. Some districts also host an intermediate school, serving grades 5-6; in these districts, the middle school serves grades 7 and 8.
The system offers several alternative education settings. At the high school level, an Early College and a Middle College are housed on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech).
Early College allows students to earn a high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, while Middle College confers a high school diploma.
Meanwhile, Community High School in Swannanoa, NC provides an alternative education setting for at-risk students.
Finally, the Progressive Education Program serves students with intellectual disabilities in age-appropriate settings at three sites: Estes Elementary, Valley Springs Middle School, and T.C. Buncombe County Schools are also home to the Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy, a science, technology, engineering, and math-focused magnet high school that pulls students from all six Buncombe County Schools Districts.
Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy was the first high school of its kind in the region and is located at the Buncombe County Schools Central Office Building.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY TUITION
Graduation rates for BCS students have been steadily improving since the Graduation Initiative went into effect in 2006. Since then, dropout rates have decreased 57%. For the 2015-2016 school year, the BCS graduation rate was 85.7%, more than a 15% increase from 2010.
In 2014, BCS Student Services was awarded a $1.2 million Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Grant. This grant allowed for the implementation of a Compassionate Schools model.
Through this grant, teachers were provided professional development on the impact of chronic stress on the brain and its effects on academics and behaviors as well as other initiatives.
Read: Stokes County Schools Review | Admission, Requirements, Tuition, Calendar
BUNCOMBE COUNTY PROGRAMS
There is a multitude of art programs offered at BCS schools. From traditional visual arts and bands to dance and musical theatre, there’s something for every student to express their artistic voice.
There are 21 athletic sports offered at BCS high schools, and 16 sports offered at BCS middle schools. BCS sports programs are dedicated to promoting high standards of competence, character, civility, and citizenship.
Buncombe County Schools is part of the Global Schools Network and offers study abroad programs for students, teachers, and admin in countries such as China and Denmark. Additionally, to study abroad programs, there are a variety of language courses available for students.
In high school, students are able to take language courses such as Chinese, French, German, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Spanish for native speakers. Spanish dual-language programs are offered to start in elementary school.
In addition to traditional education programs, students also have access to career and technical education courses that include work-based learning, free college credit, career-oriented summer camps, and much more.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Buncombe County Schools offer several enrolment options to serve students in various situations. The district’s minority enrolment is 30%. Also, 38.7% of students are economically disadvantaged.
Families may apply to a variety of free public schools depending on where they live. After completion of online enrolment, parents/guardians must contact the school for directions to submit required documents.
For Online Registration To Buncombe County Schools
- Visit Online Enrollment Web Page Enroll.buncombeschools.org or https://www.buncombeschools.org/enrollment (Online enrollment for the 2020-2024 school year is now available in English, Spanish, and Russian)
- Parents must read the Enroll Now page before completing online enrollment.
- After completion of online enrollment, parents/guardians must contact the school for directions to submit required documents. (Documents should be submitted by fax or email.)
Required Initial Documents for Registration:
- One Proof of Residence. It must be a utility bill (power, water, or gas), a mortgage statement, rental/lease agreement, deed, or buyer’s agreement.
- Copy of child’s birth certificate
- Proof of guardianship. Can include birth certificate, divorce papers, Social Services paperwork signed by a judge awarding custody. Custody paperwork authorized by a judge or Social Services/foster care placement paperwork is required for all children not living with their natural parent.
Documents To Be Turned in When School Meets for Orientation or Meet the Teacher:
- Photo Identification of parent/legal guardian
- Second Proof of Residence
- Copy of up-to-date immunization records. If your child is not immunized, you will need to speak with a school nurse. By law, due within 30 calendar days of enrollment.
- North Carolina Health assessment. For all students new to North Carolina Public schools this must form must be completed. By law, this form is due within 30 calendar days of enrollment.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS
- High schools
- Enka High School
- Clyde A. Erwin High School
- North Buncombe High School
- Charles D. Owen High School
- C. Reynolds High School
- T. C. Roberson High School
- Community High School
- Buncombe County Early College
- Buncombe County Middle College
- Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Enka Middle School
- Clyde A. Erwin Middle School
- North Buncombe Middle School
- Charles D. Owen Middle School
- A.C. Reynolds Middle School
- Cane Creek Middle School
- Valley Springs Middle School
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS
- Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School
- Enka Intermediate School
- Joe P. Eblen Intermediate School
- North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
Read: Kanawha County Schools Review 2024| Admission, Tuition, Requirements, Calendar
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- In the Enka District
Candler Elementary; Hominy Valley Elementary; Pisgah Elementary; Sand Hill-Venable Elementary.
- In the Erwin District
Emma Elementary; Johnston Elementary; Leicester Elementary; West Buncombe Elementary; Woodfin Elementary.
- In the North Buncombe District
Barnardsville Elementary; North Buncombe Elementary; Weaverville Elementary; Weaverville Primary.
- In the Owen District
Black Mountain Elementary; Black Mountain Primary; W.D. Williams Elementary.
- In the Reynolds District
Charles C. Bell Elementary; Fairview Elementary; Haw Creek Elementary; Oakley Elementary.
- In the Roberson District
Avery’s Creek Elementary; W. W. Estes Elementary; Glen Arden Elementary.
WHO COMPRISES THE STUDENTS AT BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS?
The student body at the schools served by Buncombe County Schools is 65.9% White, 6.7% Black, 1.2% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 18.2% Hispanic/Latino, 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
In addition, 7.3% of students are two or more races, and 0% have not specified their race or ethnicity. Also, 49% of students are female, and 51% of students are male.
At schools in Buncombe County Schools, 38.7% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced-price meal program and 8.9% of students are English language learners.
HOW ARE THE TEACHERS AT BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS?
Within Buncombe County Schools, 100.0% of teachers are licensed, and 95.8% have three or more years of experience. The student-to-teacher ratio is lower than the state average, at 15:1. The district has 52 full-time counselors on staff.
HOW ARE THE TEST SCORES AT BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS?
In Buncombe County Schools, 45% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 43% tested at or above that level for math.
Also, 48% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 44% tested at or above that level for math. And 66% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 36% tested at or above that level for math.
ARE BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS GOING VIRTUAL?
When classes start on Aug. 23, all ACS and Buncombe County Schools operate with fully in-person instruction.
BCS is expanding its Buncombe County Schools Virtual Academy to serve K-12 for the 2024-22 school year. Last year, the virtual academy was available only for grades 6-12.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024-2024
In Buncombe County School teachers take an interest in the students to keep the focus on what they are doing or the activities they are performing is right or wrong. They did this with the help of the school Calendar
A school calendar is one of the most important documents that come in handy when it comes to keeping a check on the major holiday dates, exam dates, first/last day of school, starting/ending of the semester, etc. As per the calendar, the first day of school is August 23rd, 2024 and the last day of school is June 7th, 2024.
More information about Buncombe County Schools calendar can be accessed from the school website at https://www.buncombeschools.org/.
Please check the calendar section of Buncombe County Schools’s website at https://www.buncombeschools.org/ for the updated or revised version of the calendar.
Read: Hamilton County Schools Review 2024 | Admission, Tuition, Requirements, Calendar
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024-2024
Keep a check on the Buncombe County School Holidays by checking the holiday table shared below. It is essential to keep a check on the school major holidays to plan them well.
Make sure to check out the full calendar below for complete details.
| SCHOOL HOLIDAYS | STARTS | FINISHES |
| First Day of School | Mon, 23rd Aug 2024 | |
| Thanksgiving Break | Wed, 24th Nov 2024 | Fri, 26th Nov 2024 |
| Christmas Break | Mon, 20th Dec 2024 | Fri, 31st Dec 2024 |
| Mid-Winter Break | Mon, 17th Jan 2024 | Tue, 18th Jan 2024 |
| Spring Break | Mon, 11th Apr 2024 | Fri, 15th Apr 2024 |
| Last Day of School | Tue, 7th Jun 2024 |
COVID-19 precautions
The Buncombe County Board of Education voted to strengthen its mask mandate for the 2024-22 school year.
Per a unanimous vote (7-0), BCS will require students and staff to wear face coverings while in school buildings and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. The board’s first vote on mask mandates for next year exempted vaccinated individuals from wearing face coverings.
The specially called meeting on Aug. 13 was calm in comparison to an Aug. 5 meeting when nearly three dozen speakers addressed the board in opposition to the mask mandate, and a group of the speakers attempted to “overthrow” the school board and instate themselves into the positions.
The school board may “maintain or tighten” mask requirements if the student and staff positive COVID cases ”significantly increase” over a two-week period or if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention marks Buncombe County as an area of high or substantial transmission.
The board will consider “reducing or amending” mask requirements if the number of student and staff positive COVID cases ”significantly decrease” over a two-week period or the CDC marks Buncombe and a low or moderate transmission area.
IN CONCLUSION
Education is a journey. It starts at home and continues through your child’s experiences, which is why choosing a great school is so important. Buncombe County school district is unique in that it operates to make your child’s educational journey worth it.
For more information, visit, aces.buncombeschools.org
REFERENCES
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