Best Schools in North Asheville

If you’re making an upcoming move to the North Asheville area and you are also a parent, you’re likely considering school districts and the educational opportunities that will be available to your child. Whether you are leaning toward public, charter, or private schools, Asheville is a great place to lay down roots and help your child settle in with ease. While we do not endorse any particular school or school system, this guide offers a broad overview of nearby schools.

Education is a top priority for families moving to 28804. View our complete Ultimate Guide to North Asheville.

An Overview of the North Asheville Public School System

For most residents of North Asheville, the zoning district is Asheville City Schools. The school system includes a middle school, high school, and magnet elementary schools, empowering residents to choose a school based on academic interest when openings are available. Elementary Magnet Schools include:

• Claxton Elementary - Magnet Theme: Arts & Humanities

• Ira B. Jones Elementary - Magnet Theme: Global Scholars

• Isaac Dickson Elementary - Magnet Theme: Experiential Education

• Hall Fletcher Elementary - Magnet Theme: S.T.E.A.M

• Lucy S. Herring Elementary – Magnet Theme: Ecology

In terms of proximity to North Asheville, Ira B. Jones is central to the community, while Claxton Elementary is south of the Grove Park neighborhood and  Isaac Dickson is south of Montford. Lucy S. Herring and Hall Fletcher are located in nearby West Asheville. Asheville Middle School is situated in the vibrant River Arts District area.

Located near Mission Hospital off Biltmore Ave, the historic Asheville High School, with its distinctive Art Deco and Italian Renaissance style, is a landmark designed by one of Asheville’s premier architects, Douglas Ellington. The School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville (SILSA) has 330 students in grades 9-12 and is located on the Asheville High School campus. It originated with the North Carolina New Schools Project—a partnership focused on creating smaller, innovative high schools focusing on early college models and STEM education.

Where are North Asheville Private Schools Located?

• Odyssey Community School - Just north of the Montford Historic District, the Odyssey Community School runs from Pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 2007, the 25,000 square-foot campus is situated on 6 acres. It features two professional recording studios, a pottery kiln, a performance auditorium, visual arts studios, and more. It serves over 150 students with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1. 

• Asheville Catholic School -  In the heart of North Asheville, between Lakeview Park, Beaver Lake, and north of Grace, Asheville Catholic School is one of the only private schools in North Asheville proper. As of the 2024 school year, Asheville Catholic School had 246 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. 

West Asheville schools—Rainbow Community School and Emmanuel Lutheran School— are other nearby private school options. To the South, there are Carolina Day School and Christ School.

Are there any North Asheville Charter Schools?

While there are no charter schools in North Asheville proper, Evergreen Community Charter School, located in Haw Creek, is the closest. Founded in 1999, it serves approximately 440 students, grades K-8th. In the West Asheville region, you’ll find Asheville PEAK Academy and Francine Delaney New School.

Navigating North Asheville School Options

Ultimately, North Asheville offers a wide range of educational options that support many different learning styles and interests. The UNC Asheville (UNCA) campus is even located in the heart of North Asheville for those that are pursuing higher education after high school. The school has a variety of partner programs with local high schools in the Asheville region. Most schools are a quick commute from North Asheville neighborhoods, giving families the flexibility to explore which environment is the best fit for their child’s needs and objectives. 

As you get to know the North Asheville area and its many pockets, we hope this overview serves as a helpful starting point as you narrow down choices on both the real estate and educational front!