ADMISSION PROCESS

REDEFINING MIDDLE SCHOOL

Admission Process

Our goal is to enroll students who demonstrate social, emotional, and intellectual attributes that will set them up for success and allow them to thrive at French Broad River Academy. Students who excel at our school are those who enjoy a challenge, show determination and curiosity when trying something new, are ready to engage with rigorous academics, and are willing to try new things outdoors and away from home. Click here to review our Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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CURRENT OPENINGS

2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR

We are now accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. Early admissions deadline was December 3, 2024, with rolling admissions until classes fill. Contact us to find out which grades still have openings, or  click here to start an application.

2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Applications for the 2026-27 school year open on August 1, 2025. The early admission deadline is December 1, 2025. Applications received after December 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis until classes fill.

WHEN TO APPLY

We begin accepting applications for the following school year in August.

The Early Admission Deadline for the future school year is in early December. Applications completed by this date will receive priority admission consideration.

After early December: students whose applications are submitted after early December will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis as space permits. Applicants who apply to a class that has already filled will be placed in a wait pool.

HOW TO APPLY

Parents should submit an Online Application as the first step:

Our Online Application process and follow-up from the Director of Admissions will ensure that the following components are scheduled and completed in a timely manner:

  • School Records - standardized test scores and final report cards for the previous two years

  • Teacher Recommendation - An online referral request will automatically be sent to the teacher of your choice when you submit the application

  • Student Shadow Day Campus Visit - The shadow visit is a key feature of our application process, giving the applicant a chance to experience our school firsthand, as well as giving us a chance to get to know one another. The visit will include sitting in on classes and completing screenings in reading, writing, and math. The shadow visit will be scheduled upon receipt of an online application from the family.

  • Parent Visit with Admissions Director - This visit is an opportunity for parents to ask questions about our school and program. We typically schedule these visits on the applicant’s shadow day either at drop off or pickup.

  • Swim Test - As part of our admissions process, we assess each applicant’s comfort in deep water and current swimming level. If an applicant does not demonstrate swimming proficiency, it is not a barrier to admission, but rather a signal to pursue swim lessons prior to enrollment. Some students will be able to complete the swim test as a part of their shadow visit, while others may need to send in a swim sample video. 

FINANCIAL AID

Families who will be applying for direct financial aid through French Broad River Academy should also complete a separate financial aid application. Click here for more information about affording French Broad River Academy.

OPEN HOUSE

We encourage all interested families to attend an Open House session as part of the admission process. Click here for information about upcoming sessions.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS

Elizabeth Douglas
FBRA Boys Admission Director
[email protected]
(828) 348-4320, ext. 1

Dorrie Sieburg
FBRA Girls Admission Director
[email protected]
(828) 348-4320, ext. 2

french broad river academy boys graduation
french broad river academy girls graduation

The French Broad River Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, and ethnicity. All admitted students are afforded the same rights and privileges and given equal opportunities and access to various programs and activities. FBRA does not discriminate on race, color, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of academic policies, financial aid programs, athletic, or other school-administered programs. Admission is open to all students that can be reasonably accommodated.