Application Process

Nesbitt Discovery Academy is an academically challenging school that provides the nurturing environment necessary for student growth and success.  We offer a unique educational experience designed to ready students for college and careers in the STEM disciplines.  Students are exposed to a curriculum which is designed to build problem solving skills, higher order thinking, and teamwork.

Nesbitt Discovery Academy students look to advance themselves through a rigorous North Carolina high school curriculum that is flexible and connects science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each student must possess a level of maturity and independence that will help him/her be successful in a progressive high school and college environment.

Admission Criteria:

  • Applicants must reside in one of the six Buncombe County districts (Enka, Erwin, North Buncombe, Owen, Reynolds, Roberson)

  • Personal Interest Response- Written or Digital

  • Student Grades- 7th grade final grades

  • Student Grades-  8th grade End of 1st semester 

  • 7th grade End of Grade Reading Scores

  • 7th grade End of Grade Math Scores

  • Attendance- Number of days absent for the student during his/her seventh grade year.

  • Two recommendations- One from a Math/Science/Technology Teacher and one from another staff member 

Note:  Consideration will be given to students who meet the target populations set forth in the Cooperative Innovative High School Application.  Under-represented student populations in STEM may include: economically disadvantaged and first-generation college students.

Nesbitt Discovery Academy is open to any student who lives in one of the six Buncombe County Schools attendance districts.  Online applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be open March 1st.  Applications must be submitted by midnight Friday, March 29th.

Notice:  Students who choose to create a video can do so from their home or seek help from you school media specialist.  Also, just a reminder to families of students who do not currently attend a BCS middle school that you will need to upload testing, attendance, and grade reports as noted on the application instructions.