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 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. Buncombe county is the eighth largest school system in the state. Buncombe County's average daily membership is approximately 25,175 students in: 23 elementary schools, 1 intermediate school, 7 middle schools, 6 high schools, 1 middle college (located on AB-Tech campus), 4 special schools/programs 1 for students with mental and physical handicaps, 1 for specialized academic and vocational needs, and 2 for students who need an alternative school setting. Buncombe County's student population is: 84.03% White Anglo 5.90% African-American 5.27% Hispanic .98% Asian .48% Native American 3.30% Other.
Buncombe County school's staff of nearly 3,600 full-time employees includes: over 1,800 certified and 1,760 classified employees. Over 39% of Buncombe County's teachers have earned graduate degrees. To get children started in public schools serving Asheville or Buncofmbe 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. Web Sites For: Colleges and Universities:
Asheville City and Buncombe County Schoools:
Private Schools:
This may not represent a complete list of schools | 
