The History of Glen Arden
Glen
Arden Elementary School opened in the fall of 1971. The school was
unique in that it was the first elementary school built in Buncombe
County in twenty years. Goals were established to involve the children
and the community in the total school program. These goals are utmost
in our philosophy and have proven to be a strength. In 1983 the school
volunteer program won a state award. For the last several years, our
volunteer hours have topped the 10,000-hour mark.
Glen
Arden originally housed grades 1-6. In 1975, Kindergarten programs were
added, and in 1980 the sixth grade moved to Valley Springs Middle
School. When the doors opened, there were approximately 525 students.
Today there are approximately 700 children enrolled. In December of
2001, a fourteen classroom addition for K-2 opened. An expansion to the
lunchroom and a stage in the gym was completed in August of 2001. In
August of 2011 the SPLASH program was added, and in January of 2012 the
fifth grade was moved to Charles Koontz Intermediate School.
The Glen Arden Mission statement is "Glen
Arden Elementary School encourages all students to be actively involved
in problem solving and critical thinking. We recognize and respect the
diversity of our learners and strive to meet individual differences.
Our school works cooperatively with parents and community to help our
students become confident, self directed and lifelong learners."
Our philosophy has been and will continue to be to promote optimum
growth for each child and to provide the skills needed in our rapidly
changing world. It takes the joint effort of the school staff, parents
and the community to do the best we can for our children.
In 1997, Glen Arden was named a North Carolina School of Excellence.
This is the highest state award for student achievement. We are proud
to announce that we have earned the same award for student performance
each year since the Accountability Program began in 1996. We pledge to
continue our quest for providing the ultimate education for your child.