Evergreen Community Charter

Evergreen Community Charter School, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a tuition-free public charter school that serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded on the principles of the EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) model, the school emphasizes a holistic approach to education that integrates rigorous academic standards with character development and environmental stewardship. Its curriculum is project-based, encouraging students to engage in "expeditions"—in-depth, interdisciplinary studies that connect classroom learning to real-world issues and the local community.

The school is widely recognized for its strong focus on sustainability and its commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive community. Its 72-acre campus serves as a "living laboratory," where students frequently participate in outdoor learning, gardening, and ecological research to deepen their connection to nature. By prioritizing social-emotional learning alongside academic achievement, Evergreen aims to cultivate lifelong learners who are socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary to contribute positively to the world around them.