Business Details
49 Years
experience
Holistic Education for PreK-8th Grade Students in Asheville, NC
Omega Middle School has been dedicated to holistic education since its founding in 1977. Our mission is to develop accomplished, confident, and creative learners prepared to become compassionate leaders in a socially just, spiritually connected, and environmentally sustainable world. Through our proprietary Seven Domains model, we nurture the Physical, Natural, Social, Emotional, Creative, Mental, and Spiritual aspects of human development, creating personalized learning journeys that align with child development stages. Our 5-acre campus in West Asheville provides an immersive environment featuring old-growth trees, water filtration wetlands, and specialized learning spaces that extend beyond traditional classrooms.With over 165 hours of annual professional development for staff, we maintain rigorous educational standards while fostering interdependence and community investment. Our program prepares students for success in any high school setting, evidenced by alumni achievements including publication in poetry and acceptance to prestigious universities. We maintain a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and offer specialized programs in sociocracy, nonviolent communication, and environmental stewardship to cultivate empathy and collective care.
Services
Holistic Education
Seven Domains Model
Summer Programs
Admissions Tours
Parent Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We implement the proprietary Seven Domains model for whole-child development
- Our staff participates in 165+ hours of annual professional development
- Campus features specialized outdoor learning environments and modern facilities
- Focus on social justice, spiritual connection, and environmental sustainability
- Proven success preparing students for top-tier high schools and universities
What people say
Dedicated staff
Holistic education
Strong community
Prepared for high school
Nurturing environment
Services
Holistic Education
Our Seven Domains model nurtures Physical, Natural, Social, Emotional, Creative, Mental, and Spiritual development. This approach personalizes learning journeys that align with child development stages. Students gain academic mastery while cultivating empathy, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
Seven Domains Model
This proprietary framework combines Montessori and Waldorf influences with modern educational theory. It fosters balanced development through eight key areas including academic rigor and character formation. The model prepares students to become compassionate leaders in a changing world.
Summer Programs
Our summer programming extends the Seven Domains approach through experiential learning activities. Students engage in environmental projects, creative arts, and community-building initiatives. Programs maintain continuity with our academic-year focus on holistic development.
Admissions Tours
Guided tours showcase our 5-acre campus featuring outdoor classrooms and specialized learning spaces. Prospective families observe active classrooms and interact with staff. The visit serves as the first step in our collaborative admissions process.
Parent Workshops
We offer regular workshops on child development, educational philosophy, and community building. These sessions reinforce our commitment to collaborative learning. Parents gain insights into supporting their child's growth through the Seven Domains framework.
People
Susie Fahrer
Executive Director
With extensive educational leadership experience, Susie Fahrer guides Omega Middle School's strategic vision. She champions holistic education principles and oversees campus operations, admissions, and community partnerships.
Kate Brantley
Pre-K through 3rd Grade Division Head
Kate Brantley leads our early childhood education programs, implementing the Seven Domains model. She ensures curriculum alignment with developmental needs while fostering parent collaboration and student success.
Trey Thompson
4th-8th Grade Division Head
Trey Thompson oversees middle grades education, focusing on adolescent development through the Seven Domains. He ensures continuity in our educational approach while addressing the unique needs of older students.
Questions
What makes Rainbow Community School unique?
Our Seven Domains model integrates academic excellence with holistic development across eight key areas, preparing students to be compassionate leaders in a changing world.
What grades do you offer?
We provide education for students from preschool through 8th grade, with specialized programs for both elementary and middle school age groups.
How do you support student development?
Through our proprietary framework that nurtures Physical, Natural, Social, Emotional, Creative, Mental, and Spiritual aspects of growth in a supportive learning environment.
What is the admissions process?
Start with a campus tour, then complete an application through our portal. This includes teacher recommendations and student records, followed by a shadow visit and final notification.
What campus facilities do you have?
Our 5-acre campus features old-growth trees, water filtration wetlands, an award-winning playground, athletic fields, and specialized classrooms for different age groups.
How do you prepare students for future education?
Our graduates excel in top-tier high schools due to our focus on critical thinking, character development, and personalized learning that fosters lifelong curiosity.
Reviews (3)
Courtney Morrison
Oct 09, 2016
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My daughter has blossomed into quite the leader after just one year at Omega Middle School. We just wish she had attended Rainbow for longer! We feel blessed to be able to send our children to this forward-thinking, holistic-minded school and to be a part of the community there.
Amy Jones
Jul 29, 2016
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We came to Omega Middle School looking for something special. A place where our seventh grade son would be exposed to a rigourous, creative curriculum while encouraging him to be the best version of himself. We found it, and more. The middle school team is a force! Wise and encouraging, adventurous and supportive - I wish every child had the chance to spend their middle years in an environment like Omega. We feel so lucky to be here!
Sarah Corley
Jun 08, 2016
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Omega Middle School is a well-kept secret for parents looking for a great middle school alternative for their child. It is located in the heart of West Asheville on a beautiful 5 acre campus with an artful playground and full-size athletic field. The campus also has an auditorium with a great sound system and stage for the performing arts. Class sizes are small and the students get to choose from a variety of electives in addition to the core curriculum. The teachers are all amazingly gifted and dedicated to meeting your child's needs in a wholistic manner. Students are mostly in a combined gender
