FBRA Blog
By Leanne Chapman, Boys Program Staff Leanne Chapman relays the story of growth and renewal while rock climbing in Potrero Chico this past winter. “You’ve got this Leanne!” I heard, along with, “C’mon, try to get to the next clip!” My hands were sweating, and my heart was pounding as I was analyzing my next […]
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By Stiles Rockey, FBRA Girls Dean of Students At French Broad River Academy, advisory groups play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and connection among middle school students. These groups, which bring together students from various grade levels, provide a unique opportunity for cross-grade connections that help build strong relationships throughout the […]
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The story of the beautiful new river mural at FBRA’s South Campus began last September. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, the need for quick, organized relief was urgent. As communities in Western North Carolina scrambled to rebuild, two organizations quickly stepped in to make a difference: the French Broad River Academy (FBRA) […]
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Why go on overnight trips in the middle of winter? FBRA winter overnights help our students get comfortable in all kinds of outdoor conditions, develop stronger relationships with classmates and teachers, and build skills in the outdoors. 6th graders spend a night in Worley’s Cave in East Tennessee, 7th graders camp and explore Congaree National […]
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Ski season at French Broad River Academy is underway! For many of our students, this is their favorite season with FBRA Outdoor Programs. For one full school day per week in January in February, all FBRA students travel to Cataloochee Ski Area for skills-based, small-group instruction. Students love that they get to ski with friends […]
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On a very sunny and warm December 19, 2024, FBRA community stakeholders gathered to celebrate groundbreaking on French Broad River Academy’s South Campus, soon to serve as permanent home for the FBRA Girls Program. All Star Speaker Line Up Girls Program Director Tricia Chan shared what this new building will mean for the FBRA Girls […]
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By Felix Dowsley, Boys Program Director When I stepped on stage at the Orange Peel with Staff Rock as a first year FBRA teacher, I was keenly aware that I was treading in the footsteps of legends. Ms. Lauren Hill had stood behind these very curtains! Bob Dylan had mused on this same backstage couch! […]
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By Will Yeiser, FBRA Executive Director & Co-Founder When Boys Program Director Felix Dowsley called me on the evening of Wednesday, September 26th at 10:30 pm and said, “We need to get to the north campus tonight and move equipment…this might be bigger than anyone realizes,” I, along with most of Western North Carolina, had […]
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Students on both campuses have been busy lately with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) lessons and projects. Molecular models made with gumdrops and toothpicks, bridges built with popsicle sticks for a strength-test challenge, wheeled recycled vehicles to explore engineering and motion, and a microscope study of sedimentary rocks provide loads of loads of fun, […]
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Character & Integrity in a Time of Challenge “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” On Tuesday, October 15, we came back together as a community for the first time […]
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