top of page

Welcome to FernLeaf

FernLeaf students during experiential education with Ryan
FernLeaf Community Charter School is a Kindergarten through 12th grade public charter school located between Asheville and Hendersonville in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We serve families seeking a student-centered, experiential education that combines Project Based Learning, hands-on experiences, and strong academic instruction.
 
At FernLeaf, students learn by doing — engaging in meaningful projects, exploring their natural surroundings, and developing critical thinking skills that connect learning to the real world. FernLeaf's approach encourages curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning while preparing students to become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged members of their community.

Engaged Learners

FernLeaf holds students to high academic standards while crafting rich learning environments that bring learning to life! Our creative and caring teachers help students feel connected to something greater than themselves ultimately creating graduates who are prepared for ANYTHING they want to achieve!

FernLeaf Elementary student outdoors.
FernLeaf Middleschool student outdoors.
FernLeaf Highschool student outdoors.

What makes FernLeaf unique?

Two FernLeaf students build geometric structures in a classroom.

HANDS ON ACADEMICS

FernLeaf Teacher measures a Hellbender while students observe.

Hands on projects bring learning to LIFE!

FernLeaf Students on The Seas to Mountain Trip

RICH LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

FernLeaf students jump in unison on a beach near a pier during an overnight experience.

FIELDWORK, 

EXPERIENTIAL ED & OVERNIGHTS

 ALL students participate in at least 8 field work experience per year, including multi day overnight trips!

Elementary student making a heart shape with his hands in a classroom.

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL GROWTH

One elementary student and one highschool student hiking Bearwallow mountan together.

EMPATHY & COMPASSION

Social & Emotional growth and development is built into EVERYTHING we do at FernLeaf.

Two students taking box turtle measurements outdoors during after school activity.

​AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Three students ourdoors reading map for an orienteering after school activity.

EXPLORE YOUR PASSIONS

FernLeaf's incredible lineup of after school offerings allow students to tap into their unique passions!

What our community says...

FernLeaf student smiling and giving the peace sign
"In every dimension - academically, socially, artistically - FernLeaf offers profoundly more than any other school we have been a part of."

Middle School Parent

FernLeaf Fun Facts

Decorative image of FernLeaf school bus
Decorative image of person playing disc golf.
Decorative image of FernLeaf Foodtruck.

20+

100+

750+

250+

100+

900+

Social & community events annually

Fieldwork experiences annually

Students off campus  for overnight trips annually

Students using free bus transportation

Afterschool activity options annually

Lunches served out of our food trucks weekly

Make FernLeaf your home

FOLLOW FERNLEAF
ON INSTAGRAM

@fernleaf_charter

​

​

bottom of page