News Summary
Asheville Academy, a treatment school for girls in North Carolina, has closed following a state investigation into serious safety violations and the tragic suicides of two students. The school had been ordered to halt new admissions prior to the closure. Licensed to accommodate up to 90 students, only 27 were enrolled at the time. The administration expressed condolences while investigations continue, raising questions about the safety of residential treatment facilities in North Carolina.
Weaverville, North Carolina – Asheville Academy, a residential treatment school for girls, has officially closed following a state investigation and the tragic suicides of two students. The closure was announced on Tuesday, with all students having been released from the campus over the weekend prior to the announcement.
The decision to shut down the academy was described as difficult by the administration. North Carolina mental health officials had previously ordered Asheville Academy to halt new admissions, citing the need for the facility to demonstrate that it could safeguard its students from harm and properly supervise its staff. This directive came after a state investigation began on May 8, triggered by the suicide of a 13-year-old girl at the school.
In a letter from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, multiple licensing violations were cited regarding the academy, though specific details regarding the findings were not disclosed. On May 27, the academy was ordered to stop accepting new students, and just two days later, a second tragic incident occurred when a 12-year-old girl also died by suicide.
The school expressed its deep condolences to the families impacted by these tragedies. Although the administration acknowledges the seriousness of the situation, it has refrained from offering further comments due to the ongoing investigations being conducted by state authorities. At the time of its closure, Asheville Academy was licensed to accommodate up to 90 students, but only 27 girls were enrolled.
Asheville Academy was owned by a group that previously managed a similar facility known as Trails Carolina, which had been closed the previous year after the death of a 12-year-old boy just a day after his arrival. This series of incidents has raised alarming concerns over student welfare in residential treatment facilities in North Carolina.
To mitigate these concerns, state officials have sent representatives to the Asheville Academy site. This action is part of broader efforts to ensure safety and supervision for all students affected by these unfortunate events. The parent company of both Asheville Academy and Trails Carolina, Family Help & Wellness based in Oregon, has opted not to provide further commentary regarding the situation.
The closure of Asheville Academy, amidst investigations and tragic losses, highlights the urgent need for reform in mental health treatment options for young girls. As families and communities continue to grapple with these events, available crisis resources and support are critical. Those in need of immediate help are urged to reach out to the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.
The circumstances surrounding the closure of Asheville Academy and the tragic loss of two young lives has sparked discussions about the safety and regulation of residential treatment centers. As investigations continue, stakeholders in mental health continue to advocate for reforms that could prevent such tragedies in the future, aiming to create safer environments for vulnerable youth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Academy Closes Following Tragic Student Suicides
Investigation Launched Following Tragic Suicides at Asheville Academy
February Events to Experience in Asheville
Additional Resources
- AP News: Asheville Academy Closure
- WLOS: Asheville Academy Official Closure
- ABC News: Residential Treatment School Closes
- Google Search: Asheville Academy Closure
- WYFF: Asheville Academy Suicides
