Enroll
Want to come to SILSA? Start here...
Currently at Asheville Middle School?Please complete SILSA's request to enroll form here (note: if your family did not complete the school selection form in February or you want to make a change in that selection to choose SILSA just note that in your application here).
Coming from outside Asheville City Schools?
1. If you are coming from outside of Asheville City Schools (not currently at Asheville Middle), you must complete the district's enrollment process first and pick SILSA as your first choice for high school placement.
2. After completing your online enrollment with ACS, please complete SILSA's request to enroll form here.
SILSA requires applicants to supply some additional information via our school-level request to enroll form. Here are some of the things you need before you begin the application form online:
- Basic family information, including the highest level of education obtained by the applicant’s parent(s).
- Course title and most recent grade from your current English, Math, and Science courses (if coming from outside Asheville City Schools).
- Answers to the following questions:
- Why are you interested in enrolling at SILSA?
- Student answer and parent/family answer for this one.
- In which areas do you excel in school? In which areas do you struggle in school, if any?
- What college and/or career pathways interest you?
- Why are you interested in enrolling at SILSA?
About Us
The School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville (SILSA) is a Cooperative Innovative High School, located on the campus of Asheville High School. SILSA offers a challenging and rigorous educational experience—one recognized for its high student success rate—driven by an Inquiry-Based Learning model. We prioritize strong academic and emotional support for students who are first-generation college students, at-risk of dropping out, and/or those desiring academic acceleration. We partner with Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College to ensure our scholars graduate with a high school diploma and up to an Associate Degree at no cost, equipping them for success in a rapidly evolving global economy.
SILSA's focus is to serve target populations and those who demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and a desire to pursue our inquiry-based learning model. The enrollment process is designed to be inclusive and supportive, ensuring equitable access to the opportunities SILSA provides and ensuring that the school is prepared to support those who attend for success in our rigorous, honors-level high school and college-level coursework.
SILSA Overview Presentation
Web Copy of SILSA Presentation Dec2025 by Jeremy Gibbs