Charles D. Owen Middle

Mission: That students will explore their unlimited potential, the interconnectedness of a social and digital existence, their roles in a global society, and the rich heritage of the Swannanoa Valley.

Charles D. Owen Middle School is a middle school in the Buncombe County School System serving students in sixth through eighth grades. As a community school supported by United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Owen Middle School partners with community organizations to provide students and families with resources, opportunities and supports for success. Community schools create strong ties among families, students, schools, and the community, while serving as academic and social centers to support innovative learning.

Owen Middle School provides an academic curriculum for sixth through eighth grades that includes English/language arts, writing, math, social studies, science, health/physical education, computer skills/technology, and electives such as fine arts and Spanish. Other supportive programming includes counseling services, special education services, an academically and intellectually gifted program, a career and technology program, English as a second language program, athletics, and numerous clubs.  Additionally, as a community school, Owen Middle School connects with community partners and volunteers to provide supportive programming to students, families, and the community, such as:

• YMCA Horizons Afterschool Program: After-school enrichment experiences including school-sponsored clubs, Y club activities, study hall, tutoring, social emotional learning activities, and community classes such as healthy living, cooking, art, music, sports, and STEAM activities. 
• Homework Diners:  A continuum of coordinated supports provided to students and their families, including tutoring, opportunities to build parent-teacher relationships, free and nutritious meals, connections to community resources, and workforce readiness.
• Group Mentoring: Weekly mentoring sessions provided through Big Brothers Big Sisters and ACCESS including topics such as team building, healthy relationships, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Science Thursdays: Weekly fun science experiments and activities hosted by the students of Warren Wilson College.
• Green Aprons: A cooking club facilitated by Bounty & Soul where students learn skills for cooking healthy dishes from fresh fruits and vegetables.