Parents moving to the Asheville area will be encouraged by the focus on quality education. Teacher salaries are above average here, as are median scores achieved by students on nationally recognized tests. The county system serves some 22,665 students in nineteen elementary, six middle and six high schools. The city system has 4,400 students in six elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and one learning center. The city Preschool Program serves approximately 350 students from ages birth to four. Both systems are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the State of North Carolina.  CLICK HERE for Buncombe County School Report

To get children started in public schools serving Asheville or Buncombe County, parents must first call or visit the neighborhood school. To register a student entering school for the first time, parents need the birth certificate, immunization record, previous report card and medical release from the county Health Department or a personal physician. A social security number is preferred but not required. To confirm which system (city or county) manages the neighborhood school, call 255-5064 (Asheville City Schools) or 252-3687 (Buncombe County Schools). Transfers within and between the systems may be allowed for special circumstances, but processing and transfer fees are usually required

Each system offers advanced placement courses, honors programs and classes for the academically gifted. The Career Education Center, in the county system, is an extension of the high school curriculum, offering classes not available in all six of the "home" schools. Cosmetology, electronics, graphic communications, masonry and welding are courses currently offered. The city operates the Accelerated Learning Center for middle grade students where a low pupil/teacher ratio (10/1), and emphasis on parent involvement encourages students to reach their maximum academic potential.

A five member Asheville City Board of Education is appointed by City Council for City schools. A seven member Buncombe County Board of Education directs the county system with six members elected to represent districts and the seventh elected at large. What about institutions of higher learning?