News Summary
Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school for girls in Weaverville, North Carolina, is under investigation by the NCDHHS following serious licensing violations and two student suicides. The academy, which surrendered its license amid penalties totaling $45,000, has been flagged for systemic failures in student safety, staff training, and supervision. The ongoing inquiry is examining the broader implications of the tragic incidents and stressing the need for improved oversight in care facilities.
Weaverville, North Carolina – Asheville Academy, a therapeutic school for girls, is currently under investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for alleged licensing violations that have led to penalties totaling $45,000. The violations stem from breaches of regulations related to mental health services and clients’ rights, determined through the state’s investigations following two tragic student suicides earlier this year.
The investigation revealed that Asheville Academy had violated multiple licensing rules under Article 2 and Article 3 of the regulations governing Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. Following the deaths of two students, aged 12 and 13, who took their lives in May 2025, the academy voluntarily surrendered its operating license in June 2025.
Asheville Academy’s parent organization, Wilderness Training & Consulting, LLC, has incurred significant penalties, receiving three separate administrative fines of $15,000 each for various infractions. One of the main contributing factors to these violations was the failure to provide adequate supervision and training to staff. Reports suggest that staff members did not possess crucial knowledge about emergency equipment such as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which was located within the facility but reportedly went unused during a critical situation. Additionally, the survey found that during shifts, a shift coordinator was the only staff member trained in medication administration and was not up to date with their CPR certification.
The academy’s established Suicide Assessment and Prevention Policy, which highlights the essential requirement for close supervision of students, appears to have been insufficiently enforced according to the findings of the investigation. The NCDHHS substantiated three complaints while rejecting two others, underscoring significant systemic failures in communication among staff and inadequate safety measures for students.
No evidence was found that the facility had taken appropriate corrective actions in response to the distressing suicide incidents. The investigation revealed numerous prior incident reports at Asheville Academy, dating back to 2016, which included allegations of abuse, neglect, and other serious incidents involving students, as well as previous suicide attempts.
As of May 31, 2025, all students have been discharged from Asheville Academy, and the facility does not plan to reopen its doors. The ongoing investigations by the NCDHHS into the circumstances surrounding the students’ suicides are still active, examining the broader implications of the tragic events that took place at the school.
Local law enforcement has extended their condolences to the families affected by these incidents, reflecting community concern and sorrow. Feedback from former residents of the academy reveals a mix of experiences; while some have shared negative accounts involving bullying and mistreatment, others have reported positive outcomes and personal growth stemming from their time at the facility.
The NCDHHS has reiterated its commitment to assuring the health and well-being of vulnerable children and youth in care facilities, emphasizing that comprehensive oversight remains necessary to prevent further tragedies from occurring. As investigations continue, many in the community are demanding answers and accountability for the failures that have led to such heartbreaking losses.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Academy Under Investigation
- ABC News 4: Second Suicide at Asheville Academy
- WSPA: Parent Company Fined After Student Deaths
- ABC News: Residential Treatment School Closes After Deaths
- Google Search: Asheville Academy North Carolina
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.
