New Beginnings in Asheville: PEAK Academy Moves to a Historic Location
Asheville, North Carolina, is buzzing with excitement this school year as the Asheville PEAK Academy embarks on a fresh chapter in its journey. After almost four years of inspiring students and fostering their growth, this tuition-free charter school is relocating to a new site to accommodate its increasing student body. The PEAK Academy embarked on its journey with just 87 students and has impressively expanded to 176 students last year—over double its original enrollment!
New Location, Same Commitment to Excellence
Starting this academic year, the school has found a new home at the Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center, located at 133 Livingston Street. This site isn’t just a change of address; it’s a location steeped in history. Many Asheville residents remember it as the former Livingston Street Elementary School, which played a significant role in educating African American children during the Jim Crow Era. Closed in the early 1970s, the building was transformed into a recreation center after federal desegregation orders.
Building on a Rich Legacy
With a capacity for 206 students this year, the partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville has made this growth possible. The PEAK Academy aims to honor the legacy of education at the Edington Center by focusing on its core principles: Prepare, Empower, Achieve, and Knowledge. These goals are championed by a diverse and highly qualified faculty and staff dedicated to seeing each child reach their potential.
Successes Highlighted in the Classroom
One of the standout achievements for the academy is its continuous improvement in student academic performance. Last year, remarkable results showed that 100% of students made progress in both reading and math throughout the school year. A celebration of this success took place during the end-of-year graduation ceremonies in June 2024, where the joy on students’ faces reflected their hard work and determination.
PEP Rally Kicks Off a New Year
As the 2024-25 school year kicked off, a lively Pep Rally on September 6 brought the whole community together. The exciting event served as a fantastic way to welcome students back to school, setting an optimistic tone for the year ahead. Additionally, the rally emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adapting to meet various educational standards.
Holistic Educational Standards
While the academy has always focused on closing the academic achievement gap, it’s meeting some critical standards established during the desegregation of Asheville City Schools. The court mandated specific areas for improvement, including Academic Performance, Retention of Faculty and Staff, and Matriculation of Students. However, the Asheville PEAK Academy has gone further, implementing culturally relevant instruction, inquiry-based learning, and character education into its curriculum—all of which were celebrated at the pep rally.
Looking Ahead
As the Asheville PEAK Academy moves forward from its historic site, it carries with it the spirit of its predecessors and a vision for bright futures for its students. With a commitment to fostering academic success and personal development, the PEAK Academy is a shining example of how education can adapt and thrive amidst change. If you’re interested in learning more about what makes this unique institution special, consider checking out their website at ashevillepeakacademy.org.
As we witness this new chapter unfold, it’s clear that Asheville’s future is bright, thanks to dedicated organizations like PEAK Academy that truly value the education and development of our youth.
