Did you know middle school students who explored nature and took part in outdoor activities like climbing, canoeing, skiing and hiking, displayed improvements in social skills, resilience, and creativity?

Situated on the banks of the French Broad River in Asheville, NC, is a school that provides middle-schoolers with an educational experience that is academically rigorous, outdoor-centric, and ventures far beyond the classroom.

French Broad River Academy (FBRA) is a middle school (6-8 grade), founded in 2012, with strong academics, experiential education, and international travel. 

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Will Yeiser, along with Tricia Chan, Girls Program Director, and 8th graders Riley and Noah, share how the two single-gender campuses, one for girls and one for boys, combines a carefully-crafted academic curriculum with relevant, purposeful learning experiences beyond the campus to become confident, compassionate leaders.

The team explains how the community and culture inside of FBRA is set up to challenge and engage students to explore their own strengths and weaknesses. And how they learn to take calculated risks and push their limits in a safe and supportive environment.

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