The Franklin School of Innovation, 61 Innovation Drive: grades 5-12, 696 students in 2024-25, a C (60) state grade.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Sources: the school’s website; the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s 2024-25 report card data and 2025-26 school assessment workbook; and the federal NCES school directory.

The Franklin School of Innovation is a tuition-free public charter school at 61 Innovation Drive, Asheville. It is not part of Asheville City Schools or Buncombe County Schools: it has no attendance zone and admits students through its own application. The school opened in 2014 and is part of the EL Education network, according to its our story page, which puts enrollment at more than 750 middle and high school students.

Who to call
Address 61 Innovation Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone 828-318-8140
Grades 5 to 12
Operator Public charter school (its own board)
State school code 11D000

Leadership

Its staff directory lists Michelle Vruwink as executive director and Paula Dowd as high school principal.

Enrollment and teachers

  • State count: an average daily membership of 696 students in the 2024-25 school year, up from 691 in 2023-24, according to the state’s report card data.
  • Federal count: 706 students in the 2023-24 school year, with 53 full-time-equivalent teachers, according to the NCES directory. That is about 13 students per teacher.

State report card

North Carolina grades every public school A to F. The grade is based 80% on student achievement and 20% on academic growth, according to the state’s 2025-26 annual testing report. For a high school, achievement includes end-of-course tests, the ACT or WorkKeys, NC Math 3 and the four-year graduation rate.

School year Grade and score Growth
2024-25 C (60) Not met
2023-24 C (59) Not met

The 2024-25 grade is the latest in the state’s downloadable report card data. From the state’s 2025-26 school assessment workbook:

  • At grade level or above, all state tests: 58.8% (statewide, all tests: 59.2%)
  • College and career ready (Level 4 and above): 36.4%
  • Growth in 2025-26: did not meet expected growth
  • Reading: 62.1% at grade level or above; math: 50%
  • ACT composite of 17 or higher, 11th graders: 72% (statewide: 54.5%)
  • Four-year graduation rate: 83.3% (statewide: 89%)

The full report card, with class sizes, teacher data and school safety figures, is on the state’s NC School Report Cards site.

Admission

To be included in the lottery for 2027-28, apply between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2027; the lottery is held in early April, with the date to be announced, according to the school’s application page. Applications outside that window may be considered after the lottery and waiting list if space is available. The page says the school is still accepting applications for 2026-27.

Calendar and bell times

The Franklin School of Innovation sets its own calendar, posted on the school’s calendar page. It does not follow either district’s breaks.

More

Frequently asked questions

What grades does The Franklin School of Innovation serve?

The Franklin School of Innovation serves fifth through 12th grade. It is a tuition-free public charter school, not part of either district.

What is The Franklin School of Innovation’s school grade?

The Franklin School of Innovation earned a C, with a score of 60, in North Carolina’s 2024-25 School Performance Grades. In 2025-26, 58.8% of its state tests were at grade level or above and it did not meet its growth target.

How do I apply to The Franklin School of Innovation?

Apply Jan. 1 to March 31, 2027, to be in the lottery for 2027-28, which is held in early April. The school says it is still taking applications for 2026-27.

Is The Franklin School of Innovation free?

Yes. The Franklin School of Innovation is a North Carolina public charter school: there is no tuition and no attendance zone.