Nesbitt Discovery Academy
Why I love my education
By: Michael Byrd, Sophomore Student at Nesbitt Discovery Academy
I
magine that, as a student, you wake up every
morning and are thoroughly excited about going to
school. You know that each day will bring something
fresh and exciting to even the subjects that you
once thought were mundane. You will be constantly
challenged by your teachers, whether it be a new way
to think about a typical problem, or having to design
a lesson plan to teach the younger students once
you have finished your classwork. Sounds too good
to be true, right? Well, it isn’t! This is the everyday
experience at the Nesbitt Discovery Academy (NDA),
the first STEM Academy in Western North Carolina.
From the glass walls of each classroom, to the shipping
container “Think Tanks” overhanging the advisory center, NDA is unique. The open floor plan
fosters a spirit of collaboration between subjects and promotes movement. However, the architecture
is not the only aspect that makes the school so unique. The students and staff that call the school
home are truly what make NDA a great place to be.
Dedicated, hardworking, and curious students paired with energetic, knowledgeable, and caring
teachers create a learning experience like no other. The students of NDA have an infectious desire
to learn and this can be seen in every question-filled classroom. Our teachers have an evident
desire to challenge their students, using phrases like “Let’s figure it out” and “Why” to motivate
us to think on deeper levels.
At the Nesbitt Discovery Academy in Asheville, North Carolina, I have truly found a place where I
love my education.
Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy is a Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) high school with a
focus on career and college readiness. The academy provides
a challenging curriculum focused on
preparing students for real world problem-
solving, developing talent in STEM fields,
and leading to industry credentialing and
post-secondary credit acquisition.
9