Ten years ago, a small seed was planted on 25 acres of land in Western North Carolina — a seed that has since grown into a thriving forest school community. The Asheville Farmstead began with a simple vision: to nurture children’s natural curiosity through hands-on, heart-led learning in the outdoors. After ten years of operating we believe we do that well, and are deeply energized to continue our work for decades to come!
About the Land
Nestled among the forests, creeks, and meadows of our beloved mountains, the Farmstead sits on land once carefully tended by the Cherokee people. We honor their stewardship and remain dedicated to caring for this place with the same respect and reciprocity. Over the past decade, our land has become both classroom and teacher — offering endless opportunities for exploration, resilience, and connection to the rhythms of the natural world. We have thoughtfully spent the last decade adding trails, classrooms, and growing spaces to transform the land into an oasis of free-play opportunities for our students and the community.
Our Programs
From our Sprouts early childhood program for ages 3 (and potty trained) through 6, to Littlest Learners, our home school enrichment and kindergarten prep program for ages 5–8, Asheville Farmstead School has grown to serve hundreds of children each year. For two wonderful years, we also offered Explorers for ages 8 and up, expanding our forest learning model for older students. Each summer, Camp Farmstead brings children of all ages together for nature-themed summer camps full of play, creativity, and exploration. Through storytelling, nature play, gardening, animal care, and forest adventures, every program celebrates curiosity, empathy, and wonder—encouraging confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
In the Community
Rooted deeply in our local community, the Farmstead has partnered with families, educators, and organizations to share the wonders of forest schooling. From our free, public Family Discovery Days—welcoming families to explore campus, meet educators, and spend a Saturday morning outside—to founding what is now the Enka Candler Farmers Market, we’ve continually sought ways to connect people through nature. We offer parenting classes for enrolled families and share our mission beyond campus by attending events like LEAF, Pride, and local tailgate markets with child-centered activity booths. Our partnerships within the community continue to strengthen our collective work toward a more sustainable and compassionate world.
With the Children
At the heart of everything we do are the children — muddy, joyful, curious, and kind. Whether observing crawdads in the creek, romping through the forest, or caring for the garden and our chickens, our students learn through doing, reflecting, and belonging. We believe that when children are trusted and guided to learn from the land, they grow not only strong minds and bodies, but also deep respect for the Earth and empathy for all living things.
Ten Years and Growing
As we celebrate this milestone, we look back with gratitude and ahead with excitement. The roots we’ve grown over the past decade run deep — nourished by the families, staff, volunteers, and community who believe in this work. Together, we’ve created more than a school — we’ve grown a living, learning ecosystem where nature and childhood thrive side by side.
Here’s to the next decade of learning, growing, and being rooted in nature.
Visit our website, and social media channels, to view the changes to our facilities over the past decade, and how our campus has come alive!