News Summary
Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school in Weaverville, has announced its voluntary closure following the tragic suicides of two students. State investigations revealed serious violations of mental health service regulations, prompting the facility to discontinue operations. The academy, which served young girls, reported a low enrollment and has faced scrutiny regarding its mental health practices. The community is left grappling with the ramifications of these incidents as questions arise about the oversight of such institutions in North Carolina.
Weaverville, North Carolina – Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school located in Weaverville, officially announced its voluntary closure on May 31, 2025, following the tragic suicides of two students within just one month. The closure came after the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) conducted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
As of May 31, 2025, Asheville Academy had discharged all its clients as part of its closure process. The investigations by the NCDHHS began shortly after the first suicide, which involved a 13-year-old girl on May 3, 2025. The second incident took place on May 29, 2025, involving a 12-year-old girl, leading to an urgent response from local law enforcement.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the details of both student deaths in their official documentation. Following the second suicide, the NCDHHS initiated a thorough survey of the academy on May 8, discovering significant violations of mental health service licensing regulations. On May 27, 2025, the department ordered the suspension of all future admissions to the facility, emphasizing the violations posed risks to client health and safety.
Prior to its closure, Asheville Academy was licensed to accommodate up to 90 students but reported a significantly lower enrollment, with only 27 girls at the time of its shutdown. The academy is managed by Wilderness Training & Consulting, LLC, which operates similar programs, including Trails Carolina. That facility was also closed following the death of a 12-year-old boy shortly after his admission in February 2024.
In the wake of the recent events, NCDHHS reached out to local social services and law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and support for grieving families. The academy expressed its deep condolences for the loss of the students through official channels but refrained from providing further comments due to the ongoing investigations. Their social media accounts have since been deactivated, although their website remained operational as of June 3, 2025.
The incidents at Asheville Academy raise critical questions regarding the practices and oversight of therapeutic schools in North Carolina. Many parents seek such facilities for specialized care, yet the reality of these tragic outcomes calls for scrutiny into the mental health support systems in place within these institutions. The NCDHHS underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety and health regulations to prevent any future tragedies.
For individuals or families in crisis, assistance is available through the national suicide and crisis lifeline by dialling 988. Trained professionals are ready to provide confidential support and guidance for those in need.
The future of Asheville Academy is unclear following these devastating events, but the health and safety of students remain paramount in discussions surrounding its operations and the broader implications for therapeutic educational environments in the state.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Academy Closure Announcement
- WYFF: Asheville Academy Suicides Report
- AP News: Asheville Academy Closes After Suicides
- Spectrum Local News: Asheville Academy Tragedy
- Wikipedia: Therapeutic School
