By Will Yeiser, Executive Director & Co Founder When we opened our doors in 2009, a ski program was not part of the plan. It wasn’t in the budget, on the schedule, or even on our radar. But as winter approached, we began exploring the idea of launching a ski program at FBRA. During my […]
Building Confidence on the Slopes: The FBRA Ski Program Read More »
By Felix Dowsley, Boys Program Director “¿Hace frío, Rodolfo?”“¡Sí! Hace frio.” We were cresting the pass between Jalcomulco and Tlapcoyan, headed for the legendarily fun Roadside section of the Alsaseca River. Rodolfo, a former raft guide who switched to driving shuttles after years of abusing his knees carrying boats, huddled over the steering wheel, a
Fall 2025 Overnight Trips are in the books! It was three days and two nights of working on paddling, climbing and campcraft skills, hiking and enjoying campfires, building stronger relationships with classmates and teachers, and learning lessons of resilience that inevitably arise in the outdoors. Whether on a river trip to the Tuckaseegee, Nantahala, or
Fall 2025 Overnight Trips Read More »
By Elizabeth Douglas, Director of Admission & Communication We were thrilled to welcome back several FBRA alumni to speak at our annual “High School Night” on October 6, 2025. Current FBRA families left the event inspired by our articulate graduates who shared about their transition to high school, what their respective high schools offer, and
FBRA High School Night 2025 Read More »
While teachers and students enjoy a much-needed summer break, the work of FBRA continues during the “off” months of June, July, and August. From construction projects to summer camps to professional development, summer 2025 has provided a time for us to keep our community engaged and energized. Summer Construction Projects That beautiful slab at our
Summer 2025 At FBRA Read More »
By Tricia Chan, Girls Program Director “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Eleanor Roosevelt Twice each year after a fall of paddling and a winter of skiing, we shift into what we lovingly call “Place-Based Learning Season.” This is when our field lessons get even
FBRA Girls Program & a Heart of Service Read More »
By Felix Dowsley, Boys Program Director I’m writing on behalf of Will Yeiser, Tricia Chan, and our staff to celebrate our triumphant return to paddling this week. I want to especially thank Nora Randolph and David Clarke for their tireless planning and strategizing to get us back out there safely. We are also grateful to
Return To The River Read More »
At French Broad River Academy, every student travels to Costa Rica each of the three years they are at the middle school for this incredible immersion experience. Each year’s trip builds on the prior one and is in a different area of the country. Year in and year out, the Costa Rica trip is what
Pura Vida Costa Rica 2025 Girls Trips Read More »
By Stiles Rockey, FBRA Girls Dean of Students At French Broad River Academy, advisory groups play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and connection among middle school students. These groups, which bring together students from various grade levels, provide a unique opportunity for cross-grade connections that help build strong relationships throughout the
Advisory – What’s That All About? Read More »
The story of the beautiful new river mural at FBRA’s South Campus began last September. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, the need for quick, organized relief was urgent. As communities in Western North Carolina scrambled to rebuild, two organizations quickly stepped in to make a difference: the French Broad River Academy (FBRA)
Honoring Resilience: The Mural That Tells a Story of Community, Strength, & Partnership Read More »