News Summary
Asheville Academy has halted all admissions following serious violations identified by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Concerns regarding the facility’s compliance with mental health licensing regulations came to light after two tragic suicides occurred at the school. The academy, which serves girls aged 10-18, will remain suspended until it can prove compliance with regulatory requirements. Investigations are ongoing, with mixed reviews from former students and parents about the academy’s environment, raising significant questions about the safety of its programs.
Weaverville, N.C. – Asheville Academy has suspended all admissions effective immediately following violations identified by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The decision comes in the wake of serious concerns regarding the facility’s compliance with mental health service licensing regulations.
The NCDHHS reported that Wilderness Training & Consulting, LLC, which operates the academy, has been violating multiple parts of the North Carolina General Statutes related to mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse service licensing. Among the critical findings was the determination that conditions within the facility were detrimental to the safety and health of its clients.
This suspension follows an NCDHHS survey initiated in response to the tragic suicide of a 13-year-old girl at the school on May 3. This incident raised alarm about the academy’s practices, prompting the regulatory body to take decisive action. A second tragic event occurred on May 29, when a 12-year-old girl also took her life at the same facility, further intensifying scrutiny of Asheville Academy.
Asheville Academy serves young girls aged 10-14 and 14-18, providing a clinically-informed environment aimed at helping them overcome various mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. However, since May 31, no children remain at the academy, although its operating license has not been formally suspended.
The suspension will remain in effect until the academy can achieve “approved inspection status.” Furthermore, the facility has the right to challenge the NCDHHS’s decision within 20 days by filing a petition for a case hearing. This could open a pathway for the academy to potentially reinstate operations if they meet regulatory requirements.
Asheville Academy is managed by Wilderness Training & Consulting, which previously oversaw the Trails Carolina outdoor program. That program was shut down after the death of a 12-year-old boy shortly after admission in February 2024, raising questions about the management’s ability to ensure the safety of its students.
In addition to the NCDHHS’s findings, an ongoing investigation is being carried out by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Buncombe County Department of Social Services and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed its response to both suicides that took place at the facility in May.
Officials at Asheville Academy have expressed condolences for the tragic losses but have indicated that they will refrain from making further comments as investigations continue. Mixed reviews about the academy’s environment have surfaced from former students and their parents, with some expressing gratitude for the support provided, while others reported distressing experiences and serious concerns about the conditions at the facility.
One parent noted that her child had benefited significantly from the academy’s programs, contrasting positively with the negative incidents that have occurred. The academy has been noted for providing a supportive environment with therapeutic activities; however, the NCDHHS reported allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation during its investigation.
The NCDHHS has extended its sympathies to the families affected by the suicides and emphasized its commitment to conducting thorough investigations into the operational standards of Asheville Academy. With the suspension of admissions now in place, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of future students, which calls into question the operational integrity of institutions providing mental health services for vulnerable populations.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Academy Ordered to Suspend Admissions
- ABC News: Second Suicide at Asheville Academy
- WYFF4: Asheville Academy Suicides
- MSN: Asheville Academy Officially Closing Its Doors
- Spectrum News: Former Solstice East Resident Speaks Out
- Wikipedia: Asheville Academy
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
