Yellowwood Learning Community

Where Education and Community Come Together

Yellowwood Teens

Classes and Events – Inspired by Teens

Teens are not living in the same world we grew up in. So, why are we teaching them as if they were?

It’s time to change our approach to education! Instead of telling teens what to learn, let’s inspire them to LOVE learning! 

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”
—Zig Ziglar
We are conveniently located in West Asheville!

Fall 2024

At Yellowwood Teens, we meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. This program is different from what you are used to. Imagine a space where students can explore literature, philosophy, history, and civics. A place where creativity connects to academics. Where the study of nature and science play side-by-side with writing, language, and public speaking!

This is Yellowwood Learning Community, an enrichment program that fosters a love of learning and encourages them to be part of the planning process. It is a place where teens connect with each other, themselves, and the community.

What does a Yellowwood day look like?

Students play an important role in Yellowwood classes and events, and we have been actively listening to what our students have to say. They are full of thought provoking ideas!

With this in mind, and with their feedback, the Yellowwood 24/25 schedule was created!

The Inspiration Board

The Inspiration board is where we share ideas. Interested in something? Add it to the board. Want to study a certain topic? Add it to the board. Have ideas for enrichment activities, the outdoor space, a class discussion, or a genre of literature? Add it to the board. Facilitators and parents are also welcome to share ideas.

The Choice Board

These ideas are then transformed into lessons, discussions, activities, and projects by our facilitators, which, in turn, are made into Centers. Centers are academic and enrichment-based activities that take place during the day. Each day, teens choose 3 centers, at least 2 of which are academic, to attend. Centers can run from one day to several weeks, allowing students to take creative breaks or delve deeply into topics. Facilitators lead discussions, introduce topics, provide one-on-one interactions and support, and moderate group work.

General topics and themes may include:

  • Social Studies
    • Wold History
    • American History
    • Geography
    • Culture
    • Law
    • Civics and Government
    • Philosophy
  • Business
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Statistics
    • Journalism
    • Economics
  • Literature
    • Fiction
    • Non-Fiction
    • Book Studies
    • Essays
    • Poetry
  • Science
    • Life-Science
    • Technology
    • Gardening
    • Earth Science
    • Biology
    • Environmental Science
    • Agriculture
    • Astronomy
  • Writing
    • Creative
    • Research
    • Persuasive
    • Business
    • Poetry
  • Social Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Mental Health
    • Healthy Living
    • Healthy Relationships
    • Relating to the World Around Us
  • Art
    • Crafts
    • Painting
    • Journaling
    • Hand-Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Cursive/Caligraphy
  • Music
    • Jam Band
    • Music Production
    • Drumming
  • Adulting
    • Home Economics
    • Personal Finance
    • Mortgages and Loans
    • Credit
    • Taxes
    • Business/Entrepreneurship

With this model, we are able to cover more material, themes, and topics. More importantly, the students have a say in their education and are provided important boundaries to encourage balance.

Sample days:

Additionally, each day includes our Gathering, a whole class experience that includes extensive group discussions, mindfulness work, community focused chats, current events, and inspirational moments to invigorate students. 

A Note About Centers: Centers are further divided into “age” categories with some centers being for middle school students only (Branch Academy), some centers being for high school only, and some being open to any student.

Our Typical Daily Schedule

11:00-11:30: Mix and Mingle

11:30-12:00: Gathering

12:00-1:00:  Session 1

1:00-1:30: Lunch

1:30-2:30: Session 2

2:30-3:30: Session 3

3:30-4:00: Gathering

Enrollment Info and Pricing

Registration requires completion of registration form, as well as $200 deposit. Enrollment is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Currently all days and programs have availability. Once days are full, they will be noted here with the option of joining our waitlist

Yearly Pricing

Tuesdays OR Thursdays: $1905/year ($211/m)

Tuesdays AND Thursdays: $3328/year ($370/m)

Semester Pricing

Tuesdays OR Thursdays: $1190/semester ($297/m)

Tuesdays AND Thursdays: $2080/semester ($520/m)

All information regarding payment and cancellation policies can be found on our policies page.

Helpful and Important Information

Dates for Fall Semester: September 3, 2024 – December 13, 2024

No Class: October 17th-18th, November 25th-29th, December 14th-January 5th.

Dates for Spring Semester: January 6, 2025-May 23, 2025

No Class: March 3rd-March 7th, April 17th-22nd

Deposit: $200 (non-refundable, deducted from total)

All information regarding payment, payment plans, and cancellation policies can be found on our policies page and waiver here.