Parent Testimonials

 R. Frazier Ellis, grandfather of current 7th grader:

I have admired your school through facebook postings and discussions with my grandson, Henry Ellis.  I am a former Science and Biology teacher who learned the value of outdoor and/or "hands on" educational approaches while teaching in the Everglades of Florida long ago.  After my initial teaching, I ventured into school administration as a principal and ultimately a superintendent position.  For the last 10 years, I have directed Post Bac teacher licensure programs at private colleges.  Hopefully the aforementioned will give legitimacy to my assessment of your exciting program. However, I think the best assessment of your success comes from guys like my grandson who are always excited about their school.  He is indeed proud to be doing something valuable for his total development.  I thank you for your contributions, especially adding relevance to your curriculum.  You'll probably get another of my grandsons next year.  And, you've contributed to our anxiety over the doldrums your graduates will face in high school.  Yours is a hard act to follow.

Kerri Pelz, parent of current 6th grader:

Enrolling Jackson has been the best decision we've ever made for him.  It has been such a joy to see his confidence grow and his skills and abilities multiply."

Dale Bradshaw, parent of current 6th grader:

When we visited the school last year as prospective parents for our rising sixth grader, Charlie, we were instantly hooked.  The aspects of FBRA that excited and intrigued us that day were enthusiastic and passionate teachers, small classes, hands-on science classes many of which are conducted outside, the boys were physically engaged between classes to help them focus, students were allowed to work ahead in math if they had the desire and capability, art classes with a professional artist on Fridays, and the chance to rock out with the student rock band.  I told my husband as we left, “This school shouldn’t be called The French Broad River Academy, it should be called, School for Charlie.”Team-building at Warren Wilson college

 Our son is now half way through his first year at FBRA and we would have to say that the curriculum and experience of FBRA has exceeded our high expectations.  Here are just some of the reasons we are super happy with FBRA:

• FBRA’s strong academics challenge and engage Charlie.   Each teacher is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject they teach.  The energy level the teachers bring engage my son and make learning fun.  I like the personal attention Charlie receives in a small class, and I feel like the teachers really know my child and care about him.  They know his strengths and interests as well as where he needs challenge and motivation.
• The community and world awareness the boys are learning and experiencing will benefit them the rest of their lives.  The Riverlink service projects, Costa Rica exchange program and English assignments summarizing current, world newspaper articles are among the aspects we feel are beneficial to making our son caring and compassionate to others locally and around the world. 
• Through academic work and river excursions, the boys are learning valuable life skills in independence, endurance, and compassion and also gaining confidence.
• We are excited that Charlie is learning Spanish in middle school.  We like that the goal is to position him in Spanish II in high school.
• Being on the river each week with each other, the boys really get to know each others’ personalities and share a respect and camaraderie for each other.
• We think that it is so important for young people to be outside and experience our beautiful world.  The boys are not cooped up in a classroom all day, and they learn to enjoy and respect nature. 
• And lastly…our son loves school!  Charlie thanks us throughout the week for sending him to FBRA.  He looks forward to school every day. 

Dale Bradshaw, parent of current 6th grader:
 

 Excerpt from Hendersonville Times/Parent of current 7th grader:

Lane Perry said children today are often too chained to their computers and cell phones and don't get to understand the outdoors. She wanted her son to get three main things from the new school: self-confidence, love of learning and love of the outdoors.

“He has all three of that even after the first year,” Lane Perry said. “It has gone way beyond my expectations.”

Click here to read the entire article.

Parent of current 6th grader:

Students learn about non-point source pollution from RiverLink's enviroscape program "Our son has spent most of his school years in a traditional public school setting and one semester being home-schooled. In public school he did well but seemed to get somewhat lost in the shuffle. With 30 kids and two teachers in a classroom it was easy for him to "hide-out" instead of asking for help when he failed to comprehend subject matter. After only 3 months at FBRA we have noticed positive changes in our son's academic performance but more importantly in his personal growth. The 12 to 1 student/teacher ratio makes it impossible to "hide-out" and has led to increased academic proficiency for our son. This smaller ratio also forces our shy son to interact in a positive manner with adults and peers in a safe and comfortable setting. The wonderfully rich extracurricular activities such as overnight camping, the swimming program and trip to Costa Rica have been icing on the cake for us. We can't wait to see what the next 2 years at FBRA holds in store for our son!"

Parent of rising 7th grader:

"FBRA founders and staff have done stellar jobs in juggling all of the many demands and challenges of a school, particularly in it's first year - congratulations. Please keep this in mind to encourage you in the coming years, as you strive to meet your short and long-term goals.
Thank you!"