COMMUNITY
Buncombe County rests in a central area of a high plateau bordered by the Blue Ridge, Great Craggy, and Black Mountains on the East and the Great Smokies chain of the Appalachians on the West. Sprawling over seven hundred and seventy square miles of valley lowlands and mountain coves, Buncombe County is home to over 206,000 residents. Asheville, located at the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, is the county seat as well as the economic and cultural center of Western North Carolina. Buncombe County enjoys a broadly based economy supported by a thriving tourist and convention enterprise, widely diversified industry, forestry and agriculture.
SCHOOL DEMOGRAPHICS
BCS is the state's 11th largest school system and the largest district in Western North Carolina. We employ nearly 4,000 people and serve more than 25,500 students, making BCS the county's second largest employer. More than 55 different languages are spoken in our 42 schools.
Mission Statement (revised and approved by the Board of Education on 11/3/11)
The mission of Buncombe County Schools is to collaborate with stakeholders to provide a safe, caring, rigorous and engaging learning environment that prepares all students to be Career and College Ready.
Vision Statement (revised and approved by the Board of Education on 11/3/11)
Buncombe County Schools’ students will reach their full potential and become successful, responsible citizens in a diverse, global society.
Core Beliefs (revised and approved by the Board of Education on 11/3/11)
1. We exist to foster the development and well-being of the whole child.
2. All students can and will learn when instruction is engaging, rigorous and individualized.
3. Learning environments must be safe and supportive, with equity of opportunities for personal growth.
4. Understanding and respecting diversity enriches the individual and the community.
5. Success requires shared responsibility, collaboration and communication among all staff, families, students, and the community.
6. Resource allocation must reflect our mission, vision and beliefs.
7. Data-driven, continuous improvement requires accountability, commitment and responsible leadership.
ACCREDITATION
Buncombe County schools are fully accreditated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. BCS has one of the highest percentages of nationally board certified teachers in the state and region.
2012 SAT SCORES
BCS' scores consistently rank among the top five in North Carolina. In 2012, Buncombe County ranked third the state among school systems with more than two high schools.
| Critical Reading
| Math
| Verbal/Math Combined
| Writing | TOTAL
|
BCS
| 516 | 533
| 1049
| 489 | 1538 |
NC
| 491
| 506
| 997
| 472 | 1469 |
U.S.
| 496
| 514
| 1010
| 488 | 1498 |
NC School Report Card - Buncombe County District 2011-2012
