News Summary
Asheville Academy has announced its closure after the tragic suicides of two students within a month. The facility has faced scrutiny over safety concerns and an ongoing investigation regarding its mental health practices. As a result of the incidents and past allegations, all clients were discharged, and the academy’s operations have ceased, raising alarm over the regulation of residential treatment facilities in North Carolina.
Weaverville, North Carolina – Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school located in Weaverville, has announced its voluntary closure following the tragic suicides of two students within a short span of one month. The academy officially discharged all clients as of May 31, 2025, and will no longer operate.
The first suicide was reported on May 3, 2025, involving a 13-year-old girl, as confirmed by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. A subsequent suicide occurred on May 29 and involved a 12-year-old girl, marking the second death within weeks at the facility.
In response to the tragic events, a state investigation was initiated by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) on May 8, shortly after the first incident. The investigation uncovered a range of issues at the facility, which has a history of problematic incidents. On May 27, prior to the second suicide, the NCDHHS ordered an immediate suspension of all future admissions due to violations of mental health licensing statutes.
Asheville Academy was previously affiliated with Trails Carolina, a wilderness treatment program that was closed last year following the death of a 12-year-old boy who had been admitted less than a day prior. The closure of Asheville Academy further intensifies scrutiny on the regulation of residential treatment facilities in North Carolina.
In total, there have been 18 incident reports filed with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office regarding Asheville Academy since 2016. The reports included a variety of serious allegations, such as suicide attempts, neglect, three sex offenses, and four assaults. The NCDHHS has noted that the documented violations suggested detrimental conditions impacting the health and safety of students at the academy.
Following the investigation’s revelations, NCDHHS ensured that all children were removed from the academy, although as of June 2, the facility’s license had not been revoked. The academy’s presence on social media has diminished, with its Instagram and Facebook accounts now deactivated, while its website remains operational as of June 3. Additionally, staff members at the academy were terminated on May 31.
The experiences of former residents at Asheville Academy have been mixed. While some reported negative experiences, others, like a parent of a former student, described the academy as a supportive environment for their children. This dichotomy in experiences raises questions about the quality of care and the protocols in place at the facility.
The NCDHHS is committed to conducting a thorough investigation alongside county partners in light of these events. Complaints of abuse, neglect, and exploitation were noted during the investigation, prompting a need for closer scrutiny of the facility and others like it.
The closure of Asheville Academy has raised significant concerns among parents and advocates regarding the oversight and regulation of residential treatment facilities in the state. As North Carolina continues to grapple with the implications of these incidents, calls for improved standards and greater accountability in such institutions are likely to grow.
As Asheville Academy heads toward a shutdown, the tragic loss of two young lives underscores the urgent need for reform in how therapeutic schools operate and the importance of ensuring safe and supportive environments for vulnerable children.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Academy Therapeutic School Closure
- ABC News: Residential Treatment School Closure
- Spectrum Local News: Mother’s Experience at Asheville Academy
- Google Search: Asheville Academy NC
- Wikipedia: Therapeutic School
