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OurMission: We develop accomplished, confident, creative learners who are prepared to be compassionate leaders to building a socially just, spiritually connected, and environmentally sustainable world.
OurMethod: We provide an engaging, nurturing learning environment to educate the whole child using the seven domains. We inspire academic excellence with a program in harmony with the stages of child development. We model within our community the kind of world in which we aspire to live.
Club or Organization: Boffer Games, The America Adventure Service Corps
School Notes
Founded as Rainbow Mountain Children`s School in 1977.
Rainbow Community Schoolis proud to offer a private,
independent and alternative educational program for preschool
through middle school-aged children that draws from the best in
current educational thinking and holistic models of child
development. We are recognized nationally as a leader in
contemplative and mindfulness education.
The Seven Domains: Our progressive program
supports the development of the whole child inseven domains:
mental, spiritual, emotional, moral/social, physical, natural, and
creative. We do this by engaging children`s native intelligences
and exposing them to other intelligences through collaborative
projects. To ensure learning is a lifelong process, we help
children master essential learning skills that encourage
self-directed exploration.Traditional educational models rely
heavily on standardized testing and rote memorization, often
dampening children`s natural love for learning. Our child-centered
curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity through experiential
thematic units of study. We use assessment rubrics and goal setting
to encourage children to reflect on and take responsibility for
shaping their own educational journey.
Our integrated program covers:
Language arts
Mathematics
Social studies
Science
Spanish
Music
Art
Peace studies
Service learning
Social justice and equity education
Computer literacy
Physical education
Character development
Environmental education
Global Initiatives
Primary students receive regular Spanish language, art, music,
nature awareness and physical education enrichment with specialized
instructors. Middle school students engage in elective programming
with specialized instructors. Equally important, these creative
forms of expression and learning are incorporated in the classroom
with our project-based curriculum. This multifaceted approach
engages children in the learning process and makes the journey fun
and relevant.
We invite you to explore our program further by reviewing our
mission and vision statements, our historical summary,
grade-specific program overviews, special program features, teacher
biographies and testimonials.
Of course, the best way to experience Rainbow Community School is
first-hand. We encourage you to make an appointment to tour our
campus and discover the magic of learning.
Grades: K-8 | 83 students10.8 miles 1220 Bee Tree Road Swannanoa, NC 28778 (828) 686-3080
10.8
K-8
83
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(9 reviews)
52/9/2024
Rainbow continues to support and nurture my son's sense of self in an environment where learning is engaging and satisfying. Even through the pandemic, his exceptional teachers provided integrated, holistic experiences that incorporated all the domains of learning. To know that each staff member truly cares about your child is an absolute gift, and we are forever grateful to be part of this community.
- Posted by Parent - Lindsay M.
51/22/2023
Our family loves Rainbow! Our son has been in both Preschool classes and is now in Kindergarten. He also participates in the before-school, after-school, and summer camp programs. The teachers and administration are EXCELLENT. They care about the kids, but they also care about the parents as well. Everything is thoughtfully planned and communicated. We love their "Seven Domains" model of education in which social and emotional development is just as important as intellectual development. And finally, there truly is a "community" among families and staff, which helps us to feel a sense of belonging!
- Posted by Parent - Kevin
51/17/2023
Our daughters (4th and 8th grades) are finishing their second year at Rainbow Community/Omega Middle, and the school constantly exceeds our expectations both academically and socio-emotionally. The heads of schools, teachers, assistant teachers, specials teachers, after-school staff...all care about the kids deeply. It's an amazing community that we are so lucky to be a part of.
- Posted by Parent - Dawn McCarthy
55/14/2021
We have been a Rainbow family for seven years and have covered grades 2nd 8th with our two daughters. I am so very grateful that we chose Rainbow when we moved to Asheville. The holistic approach to learning included an environmental, social, and spiritual and academic focus, and I couldn`t be more happy with our family's experience. Both of our daughters have now completed Omega, and I can, without a doubt, say that their experiences there small class setting, engaged learning, supportive teachers, and engaged leadership helped to shape the wonderful young women they have become. Thank you, Rainbow!
- Posted by Parent - Deena B.
54/21/2021
Our move to Asheville was for lifestyle choice and for the Rainbow school. My first grader was floundering in public kindergarten where she was happy socially but not otherwise. She had some mild special needs. Rainbow school is a godsend for us! She is thriving; the teachers completely *get her*, the school`s philosophy truly resonates with our family and my child is fully seen for the resilient, joyful spirit that she is. The teachers go out of their way to ensure that every child feels safe, seen, understood, and supported. My kid now smiles ear to ear when she sees her teachers, her new friends, and the beautiful school we now call HOME.
- Posted by Parent - Sharon
53/4/2021
We moved to Asheville in 2012 and discovered Pre-K for our 3-year-old son at Rainbow Community School. We have been absolutely thrilled with our son's education so far- he's in 6th grade! Originally a child enrolled in outside physical, occupational, and speech therapies, we had concerns about how he would handle school and how his school would handle him. Rainbow has shown an unconditional supporting, loving, nurturing, intellectually stimulating, and absolutely fulfilling experience for him and our family. I could not say enough good things about this school- it is one of two prime reasons we have stayed in Asheville through thick and thin (the other being extended family!). We will always have so much gratitude to Rainbow for helping us raise our son... and we have faith the foundation he has been given through this school will carry him on to a truly successful, well-rounded life.
- Posted by Parent - Theresa F
53/4/2021
Our family is in our 7th year at Rainbow Community School this year. Every year, I feel grateful for the school's mission, it's amazing, smart, creative, supportive teachers, and the joy that my kids both show while they engage with learning, throughout the year in so many ways - even during Pandemic times. I can say without a doubt that the teachers really know the kids and truly care about helping them reach their potential across all the domains of learning. We highly value being part of this community and watching our kids be excited about school, year after year.
- Posted by Parent - Andrea Rosal
52/24/2021
We love Rainbow, because it offers a safe place to learn and to grow as an individual.
- Posted by Parent - Tim Martin
55/28/2013
We love the nurturing, creative, and academically rigorous environment provided at Rainbow. We have two kids who have been at Rainbow for 4 years and have been continually pleased with the level of professionalism from the teachers and administration. Our children are honored for who they naturally are and challenged in areas of potential growth. The holistic approach with a thematic and integrated curriculum is an amazing way to educate children and one that truly develops the whole child. We feel blessed to send our children to Rainbow!
- Posted by Parent - sheil
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