The Patterson School Foundation property is nestled in Happy Valley, a quiet mountain valley near Lenoir NC, 12 miles south of Boone and Blowing Rock.  The School rests on the former Palmyra Plantation which belonged to Samuel Legerwood Patterson and Mary Senseman Patterson.  They bequeathed their property to the Episcopal Church for the purpose of establishing an agricultural school to develop “the fine minds of the mountain boys”. Nineteen boys enrolled in September, 1909.  A The school officially closed in 2009, but the non-profit Patterson School Foundation continues to steward the school's property, legacy, and community.

The Patterson School Foundation is proud of its heritage and continues a 100 year legacy dedicated to education and agriculture through events and programs that enrich the local community and region by providing exciting learning opportunities in the areas of sustainability, art, agriculture, traditional crafts and history. To find out more about Their Incubator Farm, The WNC Sculpture Center & Sculpture Park, and other programs visit their website.