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.
344
Total Students
14.0
Full-Time Teachers
24.6
Student/Teacher Ratio
37.8%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for School of Inquiry and Life Sciences
Demographic Student Count
White227
Hispanic37
Black49
Asian3
Two or More26
Pacific Islander2
  • White
    227 (66.0 %)
  • Black
    49 (14.2 %)
  • Hispanic
    37 (10.8 %)
  • Two or More
    26 (7.6 %)
  • Asian
    3 (0.9 %)
  • Pacific Islander
    2 (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

Grades Taught and Student Counts for School of Inquiry and Life Sciences
Grade Student Count
Grade 997
Grade 1080
Grade 1178
Grade 1289
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for School of Inquiry and Life Sciences
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female20459.3%
Male14040.7%