Our School

Cullowhee Valley School is a PreK-8 rural school located in Jackson County, a mile from Western Carolina University.  We believe every child has unique qualities that make him or her an important part of a bigger story.  Therefore, our mission is to provide a learning environment that celebrates and supports the individual, grows an awareness of connections between self and others, and provides skills that open and expand visions of future opportunities.

The school climate is warm and friendly, and Positive Behavior Support Systems are used to develop social skills in students. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is active and volunteering by both parents and WCU faculty and students is encouraged.  We provide opportunities for parents and community members to participate in school activities, including a Fall Festival, “Whee Shine” Curriculum Night, and Musical Performances.

Our proximity to the university allows many opportunities for collaboration with WCU faculty, some of which have created after school programs. These include a Reading Camp for first graders; the LEAP program for English Language Learners; and Exploring Outer Space where upper elementary students partner with the Astronomy Department to host Astronomy Night at WCU.

Cullowhee Valley has made commitments to improve student health and science education through STEAM activities. The middle school Career Technology Education program focuses on promoting agriculture, planting gardens and linking literature with science.  Balsam Mountain Preserve partners with students in upper elementary grades to teach about various species of animals and promote environmental safety.  In addition, the Asheville Art Museum partners with upper elementary through the Literacy Through Art program, a school outreach program for WNC counties in which the visual arts are utilized to explore the language arts. Furthermore, Creek Club, made possible through The Smoky Mountains STEM Collaborative, is designed to promote citizen science education and activities for students.

The faculty and staff of Cullowhee Valley believe that every student has something to contribute and strive to provide opportunities for them to develop leadership skills.  Students are involved in a variety of service projects including the recycling and grounds clean-up teams. Our P.E. program promotes health through Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart.  The Band Program offers Beginning Band, composed of fifth and sixth grade students that have little to no experience playing a band instrument, as well as Junior Band, composed of seventh and eighth grade students that typically have one or more years of playing experience. Both levels of Band host performances throughout the year.

Our commitment to nurturing the whole child through relationships and experiences is evidenced through engaging learning opportunities and daily positive interactions.