Business Details
49 Years
experience
Holistic PreK-8 Education in Asheville, NC
Founded in 1977, Rainbow Community School has pioneered a holistic educational approach that nurtures the complete development of each child. Our mission centers on cultivating compassionate leaders equipped to address social justice, environmental sustainability, and spiritual connection. Through the proprietary Rainbow Seven Domains model, we integrate physical, emotional, creative, and academic growth into every aspect of learning. With a 5-acre campus featuring natural wetlands and collaborative learning spaces, we provide an immersive environment where students from PreK through 8th grade thrive.Our faculty undergoes 165+ hours of annual professional development to maintain expertise in differentiated instruction and inclusive pedagogy. The school's governance model actively involves all stakeholders, ensuring continuous evolution aligned with community needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards. This approach has consistently produced graduates who excel in diverse high school environments and beyond.
Services
Seven Domains Curriculum
Omega Middle School Program
Summer Programming
Admissions Consultation
Parent Workshops
Campus Tours
Alumni Support
Community Partnerships
Teacher Training
Educational Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We implement the proven Seven Domains model for whole-child development since 1977
- Faculty complete 165+ hours annual training in differentiated instruction and equity practices
- Our 5-acre campus integrates natural learning environments with modern educational facilities
- Dynamic Governance model ensures stakeholder participation in school evolution
- 98% parent satisfaction rate citing teacher quality and educational philosophy strengths
What people say
Lifelong love of learning
Compassionate community
Exceptional teacher quality
Holistic development
Strong parent partnerships
Services
Seven Domains Curriculum
Our proprietary Seven Domains model integrates physical, emotional, creative, and academic development. This approach personalizes learning journeys while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Students engage with material through multiple intelligences, fostering deeper understanding and lifelong learning habits.
Omega Middle School Program
Designed for adolescent development, this program emphasizes self-discovery and real-world application. Students participate in project-based learning, business creation, and public speaking opportunities. The curriculum builds on foundational skills while preparing for high school challenges.
Parent Engagement Programs
We cultivate collaborative relationships through regular parent workshops and community events. Our approach includes family education nights and volunteer opportunities that reinforce classroom learning. This partnership strengthens student support systems and community bonds.
Campus Experiential Learning
The 5-acre campus features natural wetlands, gardens, and play spaces that serve as living classrooms. Students engage in environmental stewardship projects and nature-based learning. These spaces promote physical activity and ecological awareness through hands-on experiences.
Teacher Professional Development
Our educators complete 165+ hours annual training in differentiated instruction and inclusive pedagogy. Programs focus on equity, eco-spiritual engagement, and child development. This ongoing development ensures our teaching methods remain innovative and responsive to student needs.
People
Susie Fahrer
Executive Director
With 20+ years in educational leadership, Susie oversees strategic direction and community relations. She champions Rainbow's mission through stakeholder engagement and program development. Her background includes curriculum design and nonprofit management.
Kate Brantley
Pre-K-3 Division Head
Kate leads early childhood education with expertise in developmental pedagogy. She implements the Seven Domains model for foundational learning. Her focus includes family partnerships and differentiated instruction for young learners.
Trey Thompson
4-8 Division Head
Trey specializes in adolescent development and project-based learning. He oversees middle grades curriculum and student leadership programs. His approach emphasizes self-discovery and real-world application of academic skills.
Shasta Morgan
Business Manager
Shasta manages financial operations and organizational systems. She ensures fiscal sustainability while supporting educational priorities. Her expertise includes nonprofit finance and operational efficiency in educational settings.
Questions
What makes Rainbow's educational approach unique?
Our Seven Domains model integrates academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual development. This holistic approach personalizes learning while maintaining rigorous standards.
How does Rainbow prepare students for high school?
Graduates demonstrate strong critical thinking, self-advocacy, and adaptability. 98% of alumni successfully transition to diverse high school environments.
What grade levels do you serve?
We educate students from preschool through 8th grade, with specialized programs for early childhood, elementary, and middle school development.
Can we visit the campus before applying?
Yes, we encourage prospective families to schedule guided tours. This allows you to experience our learning environment and ask specific questions.
How does Rainbow involve families in education?
We maintain regular communication through workshops, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative governance. Parents participate in decision-making and classroom support.
What special programs do you offer?
Our curriculum includes environmental stewardship, creative arts, social-emotional learning, and project-based initiatives like student-run businesses.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Amanda Campisi
Jan 21, 2019
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Rainbow is a school where mistakes are embraced as learning experiences held with compassion by skilled and heartful educators. My daughter has been here since Kindergarten and is now in 3rd grade. I am amazed as a parent and a teacher how dedicated the whole staff is at ensuring the well being of each child- each whole child. Rainbow is a place for acceptance, unconditional love and hope for the future. I wish I could have gone here as a child!
Asheville Person
Oct 11, 2018
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Enroll your child at your own risk because if you do, you will be going through the looking glass, and eventually you will find yourself down a deep, dark rabbit hole. Rainbow Community School is the complete opposite of everything they sincerely and passionately purport to be. The mission and vision, the visuals, the new agey vibe are all designed to hook you, the vulnerable parent desiring only the best for your child. You think your child will be in a beautiful rainbow school, enveloped and held by all the ideals missing from our society and culture in this place and time. Indeed, the community
Ash Lutkowski
Sep 04, 2018
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My children's experience at Rainbow has been very positive! Our family values and participates in the community, supports the teachers and staff and enjoys the support of the school in return. My middle school children are academically on track for their coming high school years and that feels great. No school is perfect, but we find Rainbow to be a great fit for our family. We value love of learning, spiritual development, social awareness. I appreciate Rainbow's approach to the whole child very much.
Betsy Batista
Jul 24, 2018
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Rainbow has been truly transformational for our 4-year-old daughter. We have watched her blossom and come into herself so beautifully in the two years she has spent in the Blue Door preschool room. I always dreamed of finding a school for our children that would encourage their growth spiritually as well as mentally, physically, and emotionally. Rainbow has truly shown me what is possible in education, and we could not be more grateful for their holistic approach, their kind and open hearts, and their deep honoring of the essence of who our daughter is. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
