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Asheville Academy Announces Closure Amid Student Tragedies

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Closed sign at Asheville Academy surrounded by trees

News Summary

Asheville Academy, located in Weaverville, has announced its closure following two student suicides within a month. The tragic incidents prompted investigations into the facility’s practices and raised concerns regarding the welfare of at-risk youth. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services suspended admissions and documented several violations tied to inadequate care. While some past residents reported positive experiences, numerous allegations of abuse and neglect have surfaced, underlining the urgent need for oversight in therapeutic programs.


Asheville, North Carolina – Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school located in Weaverville, has announced its voluntary closure following two tragic student suicides within a month. The decision to close the facility, which primarily catered to at-risk youth, came in a statement released on May 28, 2025, and officially went into effect with the termination of the staff on May 31, 2025.

The two student suicides that have prompted this closure involved a 13-year-old girl who died on May 3, 2025, and a 12-year-old girl who took her life on May 29, 2025. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office reported that emergency services responded to both incidents at the academy within the same month, shedding light on the ongoing crisis within the facility.

In the wake of these tragedies, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) conducted an on-site investigation. Following the second suicide, NCDHHS ordered a suspension of all future admissions to the facility on May 27, 2025. By the time the facility ceased operations on May 31, all 29 students enrolled at Asheville Academy had been discharged. The academy, however, is licensed to accommodate a total of 90 clients.

Investigations carried out by Wilderness Training & Consulting, LLC, which operated Asheville Academy, revealed multiple violations of mental health service licensing statutes. State health officials expressed concerns that conditions at the academy were detrimental to the health and safety of its clients. The NCDHHS documented administrative penalties for three licensing violations, including insufficient staff training and inadequate safety protocols.

History shows that multiple incidents and complaints related to Asheville Academy extended back to at least 2016. This included reports of suicide attempts, sexual offenses, assaults, child abuse, and neglect associated with the facility. Staff members reported feeling overwhelmed, indicating that the academy accepted clients beyond its capacity for adequate care.

The Facility’s prior affiliations raise further alarm. Asheville Academy has connections to Trails Carolina, another wilderness program shut down following the death of a 12-year-old boy in February 2024, just 24 hours after his admission. The facility’s social media accounts have been deactivated in response to the incidents, though its website remains active.

The NCDHHS confirmed that surrendering the facility’s license does not terminate their investigation. Staff members remained on-site to facilitate the process, as the timeline for appealing penalties extends into July.

While some testimonials from past residents cite positive outcomes during their stays, numerous negative reviews accuse the facility of abuse and neglect. As the investigation continues, the scrutiny over Asheville Academy’s practices and the safety of its patient care intensifies.

In conclusion, Asheville Academy’s closure brings forward serious concerns regarding the welfare of students in therapeutic programs. The incidents underscore the necessity for thorough oversight and accountability within facilities that cater to vulnerable populations. As investigations move forward, further clarity on the issues at hand will be critical for ensuring the safety and well-being of youths in similar settings.

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Additional Resources

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Author: HERE Asheville

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