School of Inquiry and Life Sciences
344 Students
High School 9th - 12th
School Overview
The School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville (SILSA) is a specialized magnet high school located in Asheville, North Carolina, operating under the Asheville City Schools district. The school is distinct for its focus on inquiry-based learning, which encourages students to take an active role in their education through critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world application. By fostering a culture of academic rigor and curiosity, SILSA aims to prepare its students not only for the challenges of higher education but for long-term success in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Beyond its core curriculum, SILSA is well-regarded for its emphasis on the sciences and its supportive, small-school environment. The institution places a strong value on community and interdisciplinary connections, often integrating life sciences with humanities and technology to provide a well-rounded academic experience. By leveraging its location within the Asheville community, the school offers students unique opportunities to engage with local resources and mentors, creating a dynamic learning atmosphere that prioritizes both personal growth and intellectual development.
Beyond its core curriculum, SILSA is well-regarded for its emphasis on the sciences and its supportive, small-school environment. The institution places a strong value on community and interdisciplinary connections, often integrating life sciences with humanities and technology to provide a well-rounded academic experience. By leveraging its location within the Asheville community, the school offers students unique opportunities to engage with local resources and mentors, creating a dynamic learning atmosphere that prioritizes both personal growth and intellectual development.
344
Total Students
14.0
Full-Time Teachers
24.6
Student/Teacher Ratio
37.8%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics
Student Demographics Data Table
| Demographic | Student Count |
|---|---|
| White | 227 |
| Hispanic | 37 |
| Black | 49 |
| Asian | 3 |
| Two or More | 26 |
| Pacific Islander | 2 |
-
White227 (66.0 %)
-
Black49 (14.2 %)
-
Hispanic37 (10.8 %)
-
Two or More26 (7.6 %)
-
Asian3 (0.9 %)
-
Pacific Islander2 (0.6 %)
School Location
School Details
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| School Level: | High School |
| School Type: | Regular School |
| Charter Status:* | Public Non-Charter |
| Virtual Instruction: | Supplemental Virtual |
| Shared Time Status: | No |
| District: | Asheville City Schools |
| Phone: | (828)350-2700 |
| Website: | http://www.ashevillecityschools.net/pages/SILSA |
| Grade Range: | 9th - 12th |
| Total Students: | 344 |
| Full-Time Teachers (FTE): | 14.0 |
| Pupil/Teacher Ratio: | 24.6 |
| NSLP Participation:1 | Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO |
| Qualified Free Lunch: | 127 |
| Qualified Reduced Lunch: | 3 |
Grades Taught
Grade 9
97
Grade 10
80
Grade 11
78
Grade 12
89
Grades Taught Data Table
| Grade | Student Count |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 | 97 |
| Grade 10 | 80 |
| Grade 11 | 78 |
| Grade 12 | 89 |
Gender Ratio
Student Gender Ratio Data Table
| Gender | Student Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 204 | 59.3% |
| Male | 140 | 40.7% |
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