Help us Recover from Helene
Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024. Our campus was struck with historic flooding that destroyed many of our facilities and deeply damaged others. The Swannanoa River, which creates the southern border of our campus, escaped its banks, flooding sports fields and the first floor of all buildings. Thankfully, we were able to contact all staff and students within just over a week despite spotty cell and internet service and confirm that all were safe.
Classes were able to reconvene three weeks after the storm thanks to a partnership with Biltmore Church. They have graciously opened two of their Asheville campuses so that our students could continue to go to school in person while our school is being restored. Our leadership team, faculty, and staff have worked tirelessly and creatively to meet the needs of our students as well as our surrounding communities spread over five counties.
The financial impact of this storm on the school is more than we could have ever imagined. We will need additional resources to help us make the school whole again, and it will take some time. However, we know that Christ is in Everything, and God has great plans for ACA.
Please see below details of how you can help!
Our Priorities
On-Campus Learning
We are on track for a reopening date of January 7, 2025! Getting our students back into their classrooms and regular routines is a top priority for us. This has been possible due to the diligent work of our leadership team, the selfless sacrifices of our teachers, and the countless prayers and volunteer hours from our parents, families, and community. Every gift, regardless of the amount, will play a vital role in helping us rebuild and restore. The damage is greater than we first anticipated. If you wish to contribute to our recovery efforts for the school, please click below.
Athletics & Activities
Our 55-acre campus was strewn with vehicles, homes, and other debris carried by the flood waters of the Swannanoa River. Our six athletic fields (baseball, football, and soccer) along with new tennis courts, batting cages, and indoor golf training facility were badly damaged.
Our fall varsity athletes were able to finish their season on borrowed fields and courts while our winter teams are starting their season on the road. We are eager to complete the outdoor restoration process so that our students can continue being enriched through athletic competition and team-building.
Inside, the gymnasium and weight room are in the process of getting new flooring. And on the other side of the building, our auditorium is also being restored. While we are not yet ready to host games, theatre productions, or Christmas concerts, we can see the progress and look forward to hosting our community once more while giving our students the opportunities to grow and mature in the classroom and on the field, court, or stage.
Community Support
At the same time that we are recovering, we do not want to forget our neighbors in Swannanoa who have been so severely impacted by this storm. There are so many organizations doing amazing work helping our community! Below are just a few that we know are committed to being here in the long-run with volunteer and giving opportunities.
Baptists on Mission have committed to being in our area for the next five years to help with the recovery and rebuild efforts.
828 Strong is a ministry of Biltmore Church, who is graciously hosting us in our temporary classrooms.
Seacoast Church has also partnered with us to help in our community.
Our school regularly supports Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry in Black Mountain. Give directly to this ministry: SVCM
Hearts with Hands is another organization where our students regularly volunteer.
First Baptist Church of Swannanoa (503 Park St. Swannanoa, NC) has been on the ground since day one helping our Swannanoa community.
Another neat organization helping in WNC is God’s Pit Crew.
A Story of Hope
A Story of Hope: Looking back two months after the storm, this video shares some personal stories of hope amidst the horror and destruction of Helene.
Message from our Interim Head of School, Jason Putnam, one week after the storm.
Video update from just over 2 weeks after the hurricane.
Our Road to Recovery
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Story aired Live on Fox & Friends on Monday morning, October 7, 2024.
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Asheville Christian Academy finds temporary home after Helene destroyed campuses (wlos.com)
Aired Wednesday, October 16, 2024
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Seeing God work after a hurricane | WORLD (wng.org)
Aired Thursday, October 17, 2024
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One month after, ACA employee, Deborah Stuart shares her perspective.
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Christian school in NC reels from $15M in flood damages | U.S. (christianpost.com)
Article by Christian Post reporter and former ACA student, Jonathan Brown.
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Asheville Christian Academy ravaged by flooding from Helene (citizen-times.com)
Published October 7, 2024
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First-hand account of Mrs. Keri Boer, ACA Director of College Guidance in her hometown of Fort Dodge, IA.
Surviving Helene | News, Sports, Jobs - Messenger News
Published October 12, 2024
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Valley Echo - story on Owen/ACA Football Game
Citizen Times - volleyball advances to state finals (photos)
Citizen Times - volleyball advances to state finals (story)
Citizen Times - football vs. Owen HS
Call to Action
Thank you to our amazing community (both near and far) for your support. Continued support is needed to achieve Asheville Christian Academy’s vision of providing a gospel-centered education to students in Western North Carolina and the Asheville area. While we will be back on campus in January, it will still be a long road to full recovery for us and our neighbors. We invite you to check out our Ways to Give page to see how you can make a difference.
