More than 200 people gathered on the FBRA South Campus to commemorate the long-awaited completion of the project and major milestone in the school’s history, and to honor the community that made it possible.

“Every person standing here today did their part in an extraordinary way, knowing they were contributing to something much bigger than themselves,” Will Yeiser, FBRA Executive Director and Co-Founder, told the crowd of students, staff, alumni, family, and friends. “We have always embraced an innovative, creative, and adventurous approach to education.That spirit defines this institution. It defines our culture, and it defines this building." 

The exciting new project establishes an expanded and permanent home for FBRA’s Girls Program on the 3.3-acre riverside campus just north of downtown Asheville, and less than a mile from the FBRA Boys Program campus. It is the latest phase of growth for the middle school founded in 2009 that combines rigorous academics with learning through outdoor adventure, service, and travel.

The project includes a new academic building with space for classrooms, an assembly and performance area, an art room, teacher workspace, and administrative offices. The new building replaces modular classroom units and anchors the school’s South Campus, which also includes outdoor learning spaces, the Maria Noakes Outdoor Center, and easy access to the French Broad River.

Guest speaker Amanda Edwards, chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, delivered remarks at the event, and Woodfin Vice Mayor Betsy Ervin read a proclamation on behalf of the Town of Woodfin to mark the occasion. The event also featured student-led building tours, musical performances, the official ribbon-cutting, and reception.