Asheville School Summer Academic Adventures

Summer Academic Adventures
Asheville, North Carolina


		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info See Photos

For More Information, Contact
Director of Summer Programs
Asheville School
Asheville, North Carolina 28806
828-254-6345
Fax: 828-252-8666
http://www.ashevilleschool.org

Type of Program: Experiential academics and outdoor adventure
Participants: Coed; residential students entering grades 6–8 (Chart Your Own Course) and grades 9–11 (Immersion Adventures in Leadership, Art, Film, and the American Landscape)
Enrollment: 80 students per session
Program Dates: First session, June 15–July 5, 2008; second session, July 6–July 26, 2008
Head of Program: Jenny Wallace

Location

Situated on nearly 300 wooded acres at Asheville’s city limits, Asheville School is minutes from downtown, yet a stone’s throw from the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Such a setting offers many resources: Pisgah National Forest, the Pigeon and French Broad Rivers, and Blue Ridge Parkway.

Background and Philosophy

Summer opportunities were introduced at the School in the early 1900s, but it was not until 1954 that its first summer school was established, offering only two courses. Now the summer program offers a wider variety of courses and activities. Summer Academic Adventures’ (SAA) mission is to provide an atmosphere in which all members of the community appreciate and strive for excellence of mind, body, and spirit. SAA has grown to include new programs and goals that serve academically gifted and high-achieving students who want to get ahead or who consider themselves aspiring writers, artists, scientists, historians, and leaders. In addition, there is a chance for exposure to new languages and cultures from around the world. Students who would like to experience boarding school life have the perfect short-term opportunity to do so.

Program Offerings

The Summer Academic Adventures curriculum offers two program options: Chart Your Own Course (rising sixth to eighth graders) and Immersion Adventures (rising ninth to eleventh graders). Students in the Chart Your Own Course option select three courses out of a range of options, including art, drama, creative writing, history, Web publishing, film, problem-solving strategies, physics, chemistry, and more. The average class size is 9 students. Rising ninth to eleventh graders select one Immersion Adventure each session. All Immersion Adventures are interdisciplinary and experiential and include community service. Instead of a traditional exam, all students produce a final project or presentation for the project fair at the end of the session.
    The program embraces Dewey’s concept that experience and education are one and also touches on Grant Wiggins’ writings on project-based assessment. Students study literature, science, math, art, drama, or technology in an academic setting and then go out into the field to find or make connections. For example, students from the forensic science, mysteries, and real life logic courses work together to solve a “murder mystery,” gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and holding a mock trial.
    International students are immersed in the English language through course work and social interaction. They participate in all afternoon and weekend activities and live in the dormitories with the other students. This is a very special opportunity for developing conversational English and creating lasting friendships.
    Everyone enjoys the opportunity to learn about different places and languages. On top of the casual learning of a different language, students have a chance to learn Spanish in the classroom. This new class gives a basic introduction to the language, along with an overview of Hispanic cultures, histories, and literature.

Enrollment

Summer Academic Adventures draws participants from all around the country and the globe. Last year, participants represented twenty-five states and eleven countries.

Daily Schedule

After breakfast, participants gather for a brief morning assembly or chapel. Morning classes follow, and all summer participants spend three 60-minute periods in class each morning. Despite its demanding academic schedule, Asheville School realizes the importance of allowing time for recreation and friendly competition. In the afternoon, students participate in a wide variety of athletic activities of their choosing. Each Monday, students sign up for a different sport or activity for the week. Mountaineering, which takes full advantage of Asheville’s unique location, is especially popular among the students, who learn basic rock-climbing, kayaking, and mountain-biking skills. Students return to the dining hall for dinner before settling in for study hall. After study hall, students enjoy some free time in the dorms or the student center before lights-out.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and Sundays allow for extensive activities both on and off campus. These are organized by a full-time activities director, interns, and the director of mountaineering. Included in the tuition are activities such as white-water rafting, tours of historic Asheville, a visit to Sliding Rock, and many mountaineering opportunities (equipment is provided) such as hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and use of the campus ropes course and alpine tower. Greater understanding of teamwork and trust, the development of new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the environment are just some of the benefits of participating in the mountaineering program.

Facilities

Campus facilities for academic work and social interaction are superior. Many buildings are nearly a century old, while others are quite modern, providing a mix of historical value and up-to-date amenities. Traditional classrooms, a state-of-the-art media center, and computer labs complement each other. The student center includes a game room, snack bar, post office, TV room, and art gallery. Campus activities abound, with tennis courts, a state-of-the-art athletic center, an Olympic-size pool, a fitness center, a gymnasium, a wooded trail for hiking, an alpine tower, a ropes course, and several playing fields. Students reside in Anderson Hall and meals are served in Sharp Dining Hall.

Staff

Learning is interactive, so there is a friendly spirit of give-and-take between teachers and students. With a student-faculty ratio of 3:1 and an average class size of 9 students, every student receives individual attention. Each is assigned a faculty adviser, who serves as a mentor and friend. Interns are college students who have demonstrated leadership skills, responsibility, and an eagerness to teach. Interns live in the residence halls with the students and provide support and guidance. Mountaineering is led by skilled outdoor enthusiasts who are part of the year-round mountaineering staff. An Activities Director coordinates all School-wide activities and supports interns in planning and leading activities.
The Summer Academic Adventures Director works throughout the year to prepare for the summer, ensuring first-rate faculty and staff members, high quality in programming, and a well-rounded campus life.

Medical Care

A full-time nurse lives on campus and is available 24 hours a day. The campus infirmary is located in the dormitory, and an urgent-care center is within 2 miles of the School. In emergencies, students are transported to one of two Asheville hospitals. Participants are required to have a complete physical examination within one year prior to registration; they must also have health insurance against major illnesses and accidents. Students who do not have such coverage with an American carrier may purchase temporary insurance.

Religious Life

Though Asheville School embraces a Judeo-Christian heritage, chapel services are designed to be a time for all students of many faiths to feel comfortable and spiritually uplifted. Chapel “talks” are values-based and are typically given by the interns and faculty members. Twice weekly, students, faculty members, and interns gather in the chapel for these brief services.

Costs

In 2007, the application fee was $30. Tuition was $3150 for one 3-week session or $6000 for a six-week term. Tuition includes fees for all courses, textbooks, room, board, and activities.
There are merit scholarships that cover either full or partial tuition. A limited amount of need-based financial aid is available.

Transportation

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is located approximately 9 miles from the School. Transportation to Asheville is not included in tuition; however, students are transported to and from the airport at no charge.

Application Timetable

Inquires are welcome at any time throughout the year. Campus visits are available but are not required for admission. Applicants are selected on the basis of teacher recommendations and school transcripts. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis until the program fills. Notification of acceptance takes place within two weeks of receipt of all application materials. It is advisable to begin the application process early.