Students in Western North Carolina Return to School

Asheville, NC, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Students across Western North Carolina returned to school, after interruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. Several counties welcomed students with new policies, including free meals and enhanced support. Buncombe County schools emphasized student well-being, while Asheville City Schools celebrated the first day with festivities. Renovations are underway in multiple districts to improve learning environments and address the challenges faced in the previous year.

Asheville, NC – Students across Western North Carolina returned to class on Monday, August 25, for the 2025-26 school year, after experiencing disruptions due to Hurricane Helene. Schools in Buncombe County, McDowell County, Transylvania County, Macon County, Graham County, Cherokee County, and Asheville City Schools welcomed back students, focusing on support and adaptation after the challenging previous year.

Buncombe County Schools opened their doors to 45 schools, marking the first full school year since the hurricane caused significant interruptions. The district is emphasizing the need to support students who faced disruptions last year. As part of their continued efforts to promote student well-being, Buncombe County has announced that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch this year. Additionally, a bus tracking app will remain in use, providing parents and caregivers with real-time updates on bus arrivals for increased convenience.

Asheville City Schools offered a warm welcome back to its students with special features such as free Chick-fil-A sandwiches and an appearance by the restaurant’s mascot, making the first day back a festive occasion. New policies focused on student behavior and advancement have been rolled out, including an updated code of conduct with 11 key behavior expectations. A grade promotion policy has also been introduced, ensuring that students meet specific standards before advancing to the next grade.

The school system will continue to enforce a cellphone policy that prohibits use during school hours for K-12 students. Meanwhile, Transylvania County Schools have also reopened, having successfully made up 12 instructional days lost due to the hurricane. In Macon County, various renovation projects are underway, including the construction of a new Franklin High School building and new classrooms at Highlands High School, which aim to enhance the learning environment for students.

Graham County Schools resumed classes for three schools, announcing that technology fees for K-12 students have been waived, easing the financial burden on families. Cherokee County’s 13 schools resumed classes, although Ranger Elementary was closed on August 25 due to ongoing facility issues. In McDowell County, excitement filled the air as Old Fort Elementary School reopened its doors after nearly a year of renovations from hurricane damage.

As local health officials address declining kindergarten immunization rates, back-to-school preparations are stressing the importance of vaccinations to prevent resurgent diseases. Pediatricians are encouraging families to schedule well-child checkups and sports physicals ahead of the academic year. Community organizations are stepping up to support families through various initiatives, such as supply drives and health fairs, aimed at easing the transition back to school.

On August 23, a back-to-school family fun day organized by Men Doing Good Together brought families and neighbors together in celebration. The event featured live music, a car show, a skating rink, and food trucks, fostering a sense of community in anticipation of the new school year.

Key Features of the 2025-26 School Year Return

• Students in multiple counties returned to school on August 25.
• Buncombe County offered free breakfast and lunch to all students.
• Enforced cellphone policies for K-12 students remained.
• Community support events provided resources for families.
• Schools made significant renovations following hurricane impacts.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: WNC Schools Return to Class
• 828 News Now: Back to School Tips
• WLOS: Asheville Mall Back to School Celebration
• 828 News Now: AMH to Distribute School Supplies
• WLOS: WNC Schools Return to Class Gallery
• Wikipedia: School Year

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.