School Overview
The School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville (SILSA) is a specialized magnet high school located in Asheville, North Carolina, operating under the Asheville City Schools district. The school is distinct for its focus on inquiry-based learning, which encourages students to take an active role in their education through critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world application. By fostering a culture of academic rigor and curiosity, SILSA aims to prepare its students not only for the challenges of higher education but for long-term success in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Beyond its core curriculum, SILSA is well-regarded for its emphasis on the sciences and its supportive, small-school environment. The institution places a strong value on community and interdisciplinary connections, often integrating life sciences with humanities and technology to provide a well-rounded academic experience. By leveraging its location within the Asheville community, the school offers students unique opportunities to engage with local resources and mentors, creating a dynamic learning atmosphere that prioritizes both personal growth and intellectual development.
332
Total Students
13.8
Full-Time Teachers
24.0
Student/Teacher Ratio
39.2%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for SILSA
Demographic Student Count
White214
Hispanic35
Black64
Asian4
Two or More14
Pacific Islander1
  • White
    214 (64.5%)
  • Black
    64 (19.3%)
  • Hispanic
    35 (10.5%)
  • Two or More
    14 (4.2%)
  • Asian
    4 (1.2%)
  • Pacific Islander
    1 (0.3%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: High School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: Supplemental Virtual
Shared Time Status: No
District: Asheville City Schools
Phone: (828)350-2700
Website: http://www.ashevillecityschools.net/Domain/763
Grade Range: 9th - 12th
Total Students: 332
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 13.8
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 24.0
NSLP Participation:1 Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch: 127
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 3
Grades Taught
Grade 9 76
Grade 10 88
Grade 11 87
Grade 12 81

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for SILSA
Grade Student Count
Grade 976
Grade 1088
Grade 1187
Grade 1281
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for SILSA
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female19558.7%
Male13741.3%