FBRA Blog
The 2024 alumni picnic on August 7 was a great chance for our alumni to connect with old friends and teachers. Alumni in attendance ranged from our most recent graduates, the Class of 2024, going back to the Class of 2018, many of whom are starting their junior year of college. Of course, no FBRA […]
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Our 24-25 new staff come to FBRA with a wide array of talents and experiences. We are thrilled to welcome them to our salamander family. Grant DeNies Grant will be returning as a full-time staff member after filling in at the Boys Program while Program Director Felix Dowsley was out on parental leave. Students and […]
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It’s officially time to apply for 25-26 admission to French Broad River Academy! Start an application now for your current 5th, 6th, or 7th grader. Our admission process begins with an online application. As soon as we receive this, we will reach out to complete the application by scheduling a visit day for the applicant. […]
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FBRA’s summer 2024 climbing trip was one for the books. Seven FBRA students and two instructors just returned from an amazing week of climbing in Kentucky’s beautiful Red River Gorge. It was a glorious week of challenge and triumph as our campers climbed to new heights, literally! Summer programs are an extension of our in-school […]
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Schools & Families Can Come Together to Teach Healthy Habits Healthy use of technology is one of our current age’s greatest challenges. Our students have access to cellphones and screentime at unprecedented levels. And it’s up to families, in partnership with schools and other youth organizations, to find ways to set kids up for success. […]
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The humble salamander is French Broad River Academy’s mascot. But why? What makes salamanders worthy of mascot status? Here are some salamander tidbits so that you’ll be in the know… Fact 1: Salamander Capital of the World According to the Highlands Biological Station, the Southern Appalachians is one of the most biologically diverse regions on […]
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This year’s Salamander Adventure Camp was a blast! Each year, French Broad River Academy offers a completely free summer program to students from Woodfin Elementary School. We designed this day program to get kids outside all day. They enjoy playing in our wonderful mountain playground and learning about our flora, fauna, and geology. Instructors Liddell […]
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By Heath Alexander, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher Sixth-graders from the FBRA Boys Program went to City Hall on Monday, May 13, 2024 to deliver letters to the Asheville City Council and Mayor on the topic of rebuilding the Malvern Hills pool, a community swimming pool in West Asheville that has been closed due to […]
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It’s official. Construction on the Woodfin Whitewater Wave and adjoining park expansion are slated to begin just days from now! The Town of Woodfin and the general contractor signed construction contracts on June 11, 2024. After years of planning, it’s finally GO TIME on Taylor’s Wave, located in Woodfin’s stretch of the French Broad River, […]
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By Felix Dowsley, FBRA Boys Program Director This essay first appeared on the website of The Mountain Tactical Institute. Every week, our school fields seventy two students and fourteen staff in an ever-rotating program of whitewater paddling, rock climbing, service work, and downhill skiing. I read every incident report and look for trends, hoping to […]
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