Swannanoa, NC, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Asheville Christian Academy faced catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene, which resulted in flooding on its campus, leading to estimated repair costs between $11 million and $15 million. The flooding caused significant destruction, rendering the auditorium unusable and damaging the gymnasium floor. With approximately 750 students, the school, established in 1958, is now focused on recovery efforts aided by community support and volunteer organizations. The ACA community remains hopeful as it navigates the rebuilding process.
Swannanoa, NC – Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) suffered catastrophic damage due to Hurricane Helene, which struck on September 27. The hurricane caused unprecedented flooding on the school’s 60-acre campus alongside the Swannanoa River, leading to damage costs estimated between $11 million and $15 million.
The flooding reached hip-high levels in various areas, severely affecting the eastern-most building of the school. In the aftermath, the campus was described as being filled with mud and debris, with significant deposits remaining in the aftermath of the storm. The school’s auditorium was rendered unusable, effectively turning it into a pond, while the gymnasium’s floor sustained major damage from the floodwaters.
ACA, which serves approximately 750 students, was originally established in 1958 as Asheville Christian Day School. The institution merged with Blue Ridge Christian Academy in 1972 and relocated to its current campus in 2003. Now, following the hurricane, vast amounts of carpeting, toilets, and portions of drywall on the lower levels had to be removed to mitigate the damage.
To facilitate recovery efforts, furniture that was salvageable has been stacked outside. Educational materials that could potentially be recovered are being stored at a nearby church. The school is actively engaging in sanitation processes and planning for reconstruction of its facilities.
The community has displayed an outpouring of support, with donations arriving from as far away as South Africa. Local nonprofits, such as Samaritan’s Purse, have mobilized volunteers to assist in the relief efforts. Notably, Franklin Graham, the CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, emphasized the importance of local assistance over federal aid in the wake of such disasters.
Volunteers are offering help not only to the school but also to residents who have been displaced, with accounts surfacing of tragic losses, including neighbors who drowned during the storm. This crisis has spurred calls for spiritual renewal among local Christians, urging them to prioritize care for one another amidst a backdrop of national discord.
The ACA community continues to rely on collective prayers and support as they navigate the recovery process that lies ahead. With the backing of their community and external support, the road to rebuilding remains a priority as they strive to return to a sense of normalcy.
Impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville Christian Academy
Estimated Damage: $11 million – $15 million
Number of Students: Approximately 750
Previous Established Year: 1958
Flood Levels: Hip-high in sections
Summary of Recovery Efforts
- Drainage and sanitation of facilities
- Recovery storage at nearby facilities
- Volunteer support from local and national organizations
Community Support
Donations have come in from around the world, emphasizing the communal spirit as individuals step up for assistance. In particular, the collaboration of local organizations serves as a testament to the resilience of the community.
Background Information on Asheville Christian Academy
ACA’s rich history dates back to its founding in 1958. Originally Asheville Christian Day School, it merged with Blue Ridge Christian Academy in 1972 and established its current location in 2003. Over the years, ACA has served as an educational institution dedicated to providing quality learning experiences to its students.
FAQ Section
What caused the damage to Asheville Christian Academy?
The damage was caused by catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene, which struck on September 27.
How much damage did the flood cause?
The estimated damage is between $11 million and $15 million.
What support is being provided to recover from the damage?
Community members and organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, are providing volunteer support and donations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Name | Helene |
| Date of Incident | September 27 |
| Estimated Damage | $11 million – $15 million |
| Student Enrollment | Approx. 750 |
| Key Supporters | Samaritan’s Purse, Local Community |
| Historical Background | Founded in 1958, merged in 1972 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville City Schools Address Enrollment and Achievement Trends
Asheville Supports Residents After Tropical Storm Helene
Asheville Community Receives Essential Services from Local Church and Convoy
Christ School Joins Nike EYBL Scholastic Conference
UNC Asheville Opts Out of House vs. NCAA Settlement
UNC Asheville Men’s Basketball Welcomes David Hermes
Asheville Falls Short in Playoff Match Against South Iredell
UNC Asheville Men’s Basketball Welcomes New Players
UNC Asheville Welcomes Transfer Guard Jakel Powell
Pisgah High School’s Zack Wester Throws Perfect Game
Additional Resources
- AOL News: Best Private K-12 Schools
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Avery Journal: Best Private K-12 Schools
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene Asheville Christian Academy
- Christian Post: School Flood Damages
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.
