Academics
The Academic Philosophy at Black Mountain Academy
Our educational approach is built on five pillars designed to support the strengths and needs of neurodiverse learners:
- Individualized Academic Planning – We tailor every student’s curriculum to their learning history, strengths, and academic needs, ensuring instruction that is both accessible and appropriately challenging.
- Nationally Accredited Coursework – As a Cognia‑accredited program, we offer college‑preparatory classes aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study while maintaining the creative flexibility required for student success.
- Integrated Therapeutic Support – Academic and clinical goals are blended throughout the school day, allowing students to practice emotional regulation, social communication, and self‑advocacy within an academic setting.
- Academic Recovery – Many students come to us with interrupted school experiences, missing credits, or gaps in core skills. In our structured, supportive environment, they rebuild confidence, strengthen academic foundations, and develop positive learning habits – enabling them to move forward toward graduation and their postsecondary goals.
Two‑Semester Model – Our year-round, two-semester model incorporates summer into the academic calendar, providing the time and continuity needed for deep, sustainable learning.
With reduced pressure with assignment deadlines, students can focus on strengthening executive functioning, practicing anxiety‑management and emotional‑regulation strategies, improving focus, and building the social skills essential for long‑term success.
What Courses are Offered at Black Mountain Academy?
Our curriculum covers a broad range of core subjects and diverse electives designed to spark student interest and meet graduation requirements under the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
English
English I
English II
English III
English IV
Writing and Inquiry*
Research Writing*
Social Studies
World History
U.S. History
Civics
Economics
World Civilizations*
American History*
Psychology*
Sociology*
Mathematics
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Precalculus
Statistics*
Calculus*
Quantitative Literacy*
Science
Earth Science
Biology
Active Physics
Chemistry*
*Courses marked with an asterisk are offered through our partnership with Asheville-Buncombe Technical College (A-B Tech) and are available to Juniors and Seniors.
Elective Offerings (not all electives are offered each semester)
Computer Technology
Programming
Electronics
Exercise Science
Physical Education
Health
Life Skills
Study Skills
Spanish
Current Events
Art History
Anthropology
History Through Film
Visual Arts
Music
Welding*
WNC Folklore
Creative Writing
Fantasy and Mythology
Visual Language in Film
Science Fiction
Visual Storytelling
Philosophy
The World Wars
Classroom Environment
We prioritize a high‑support, low‑stress environment that encourages academic risk‑taking and authentic engagement:
- Small Class Ratios – Classes of 5–8 students allow teachers to provide individualized attention, responsive instruction, and meaningful academic support.
- Social Coaching – Teachers serve as real‑time social coaches, helping students navigate classroom discourse, practice pragmatic communication, build perspective‑taking skills, and increase social fluency.
- Relational Teaching – We believe academic motivation grows from strong, trust‑based relationships. Our teachers invest in knowing each student so learning feels safe, connected, and purposeful.
What type of students does Black Mountain Academy serve?
Our curriculum is intentionally designed for students who have experienced challenges in traditional school settings. We specialize in supporting learners with diverse cognitive, emotional, and social needs while maintaining a strong college-preparatory focus.
Black Mountain Academy supports students with a range of learning differences, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1
- Specific Learning Disorders
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)
- Executive Functioning Challenges
- Anxiety and related emotional needs
- Rekindling curiosity and motivation to learn
- Building academic competence and resilience
- Preparing students for college and future success
At Black Mountain Academy, students are not defined by their challenges; they are supported in discovering their strengths.
How are Academic and Executive Functioning Skills Developed?
- Skill Integration – Planning, time management, task initiation, and task completion are intentionally woven into daily assignments and classroom routines.
- Modern Systems – Students use assistive technology, including online learning platforms and digital organizational systems, to build academic skills and independence.
- Targeted Skill Development – We transform barriers such as anxiety, avoidance, and inconsistent follow‑through into opportunities for growth. Our integrated approach strengthens both executive functioning and the emotional resilience students need to thrive in the classroom and the community.
Strategic Personal Growth – Teachers and therapists address the root causes of academic underperformance, including school refusal, attentional challenges, and gaps in executive functioning. Students develop the self‑regulation strategies and advocacy skills needed to navigate complex educational environments and achieve long‑term post‑secondary success.
How Does Black Mountain Academy Assess Learning and Student Progress?
- Core Teams meet weekly to review student performance and address emerging needs
- Students participate in quarterly Student-Led Conferences to reflect on their growth
- Academic goals are regularly updated based on progress and feedback
Ongoing Formative Assessments Teachers use continuous, subject-specific assessments to evaluate learning and guide instruction.
- Quizzes, tests, and project-based rubrics measure understanding
- Regular feedback helps students identify strengths and areas for growth
- Opportunities for revision and grade improvement encourage mastery and accountability
Standardized Academic Benchmarking To ensure students are progressing in line with national standards, Black Mountain Academy administers the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment. MAP is a nationally normed assessment that provides clear insight into each student’s growth and how their performance compares with peers across the United States.
- Students typically complete 2–3 MAP assessments during their enrollment. Results provide objective data on academic growth over time
- Scores help inform individualized instruction and goal setting
A Holistic View of Progress By combining team collaboration, ongoing classroom assessment, and standardized testing, Black Mountain Academy develops a well-rounded understanding of each student’s progress—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Does Black Mountain Academy Incorporate Experiential Learning?
Yes. Our model uses multimodal instruction to deepen engagement and strengthen retention:
Hands-On Lab Work – Students explore science, math, and art through active experimentation and creative production.
Community-Based Learning – Students apply their coursework through local experiential trips and community-based projects.
Inquiry-Based Projects – Students engage in critical thinking and real-world application through debates, research presentations, and peer-led teaching.
Examples of Experiential Learning Trips
Asheville Water Treatment Plant
Asheville Botanical Gardens
Diana Wortham Performing Arts Center
NC Renaissance Festival
MOOG Music Studio
Asheville River Arts District
Washington D.C.
Cherokee Reservation
Brevard World War II Museum
WNC Wildlife Nature Center
Local Special Olympics event
Pisgah National Forest
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville Glass Blowing
Thomas Wolfe’s Home
Nina Simone’s Birthplace
The Biltmore Estate
Carl Sandburg’s Home
Flat Rock Playhouse
Riverside Cemetery
Asheville Library
BMW manufacturing plant
Diamond Brand Gear Sewing Factory
GE Aviation Plant
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
Folk Arts Center
Mt. Mitchell State Park
Earthshine Nature Programs
Note: Not all experiential trips listed take place each semester.
How Does Black Mountain Academy Prepare Students for College?
- Standardized Testing Support: We provide SAT/PSAT preparation and on-campus proctoring of both tests each semester. By hosting exams on campus, we provide a familiar, low-stress setting where all necessary accommodations are seamlessly integrated into the testing experience.
- Dual Enrollment: Opportunities for juniors and seniors to earn college credits through A-B Tech.
- Transition Planning: Dedicated guidance for university applications, technical school enrollment, or career entry.
University & College Campus Tours: We bridge the gap between high school and college through immersive campus tours. These visits help students move past the ‘unknown,’ allowing them to practice navigating larger environments while exploring the specific academic and social supports available at various post-secondary schools.
Where do Black Mountain Academy Graduates Go to College?
Our alumni have been accepted to and attended a wide variety of 4-year universities, technical colleges, and community colleges.
Universities
Community and Regional Colleges
Adelphi University
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Texas Tech University
The Citadel
Vanderbilt University
Montclair State University
University of Tennessee – Chattanooga – graduated Magna Cum Laude
SUNY Purchase (2 graduates)
University of Vermont Burlington (3 graduates)
Full Sail University
George Mason University
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Wright State University
Lynn University (2 graduates)
University of South Carolina Aiken
Michigan Technological University
Trident Technical College
Florida Southwestern State College
Asheville Buncombe Technical Comm. College
Montreat College
Mass Bay Community College
Champlain Community College
Valencia College
Curry College
Mass Bay Community College
Note: This list represents confirmed enrollments and is updated regularly as our graduates continue to reach new milestones in higher education.
How Do Credit Transfers Work at Black Mountain Academy?
Black Mountain Academy accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited schools and recognized educational programs. Because states use different credit systems, we convert all incoming coursework into our standard North Carolina framework. For example, if a state awards 10 credits for a full year, we record that as 1.0 credit at Black Mountain Academy; 5 credits for a semester becomes 0.5 credit. Partial credits are transferred proportionally.
We honor the credit value exactly as it appears on the official transcript and award partial credit when appropriate. All accepted and converted credits are clearly documented on the student’s Black Mountain Academy transcript.
Black Mountain Academy is fully accredited through Cognia, which ensures that credits earned here transfer smoothly to the student’s next school.
Black Mountain Academy accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited schools and recognized educational programs. Because states use different credit systems, we convert all incoming coursework into our standard North Carolina framework. For example, if a state awards 10 credits for a full year, we record that as 1.0 credit at Black Mountain Academy; 5 credits for a semester becomes 0.5 credit. Partial credits are transferred proportionally.
We honor the credit value exactly as it appears on the official transcript and award partial credit when appropriate. All accepted and converted credits are clearly documented on the student’s Black Mountain Academy transcript.
Black Mountain Academy is fully accredited through Cognia, which ensures that credits earned here transfer smoothly to the student’s next school.