Franklin Elementary School

Franklin is a special place. It's a closeknit school community that is truly diverse--culturally, ethnically, and socioeconomically. My older son is just finishing first grade with an amazing group of kids and an exceptional teacher. My younger son can't wait to start kindergarten in a year. I'm active in the PTA, which welcomes new families with open arms and supports the kids and teachers with strong, innovative programs like a science enrichment program. Visit Franklin and you'll feel right at home!
--Submitted by a parent

Franklin is a wonderful neighborhood school with an incredible sense of community, an extremely active and productive PTA, committed and innovative teachers, and strong leadership. My boy/girl twins, who are just completing 5th grade, could not be more different in every possible way--socially, academically, physically, etc.,--except that they both love going to school every day. They have been very lucky to have teachers who genuinely attempt to meet the individual needs of each child, and a community that has embraced them as part of the Franklin family.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at Franklin for five years. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Franklin community. My children have had very good teachers, and a few excellent ones, which I think is a realistic hope hope for any school, public, private or charter. The principal, Ms. Fetterly, is very approachable and responsive. The community of children and families is very warm. Our kids have witnessed bullying, but I have been quite impressed with the school's reaction. My daughter recently came to me with an upsetting story of some girls being mean to another girl. I emailed the teacher, she met with the girls involved, and met with the parents involved (separately), including me who was simply reporting an issue. Along with responding appropriately when a bullying incident occurs, the school does a lot to prevent it (though the Life Skills curriculum, Anti-Bullying curriculum, assemblies). Many parents volunteer A LOT, which contributes greatly to the school. However, I think even families whose parents cannot or choose not to get involved feel very much apart of the school. Both of my children have thrived at Franklin. They love school and are doing great academically.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel very fortunate to be a part of this special school community. I have been a Franklin parent for 2 years and am pleased with the decision to send our children to our neighborhood school. The Franklin community is supportive & diverse. Our children are challenged by organized and creative teachers and are thriving academically. The parental involvement, constant communication and school leadership are impressive. The PTA is inclusive and the enrichment programs, field trips and school events exceed my expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to disagree with one of the previous reviewers - I live in the neighborhood and my children attend Franklin - most children in the immediate neighborhood do NOT attend private school but go to Franklin. The children enrolled are all comprised on children that live in the immediate zoning district, a few exceptions aside where children from other neighborhoods get to move in when there's a vacancy (which hardly EVER happens ). Franklin is an amazing school with very involved teachers and parents, and is a wonderful community beyond just being a school. My children have felt at home here since day one of Kindergarten, and we have nothing but good things to say about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school and school experience. My daughter is completing second grade. Her first two years were great, but this year has been even better. Ms. Biwer is fantastic - she encourages the kids to set high standards for themselves and we have seen *all* the kids make big progress during the year. Great family involvement, dedicated teachers and staff/administration. Very mixed demographic that works!
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic elementary school that my daughter attends. Wonderful community involvement and high achievement by students. My daughter loves her school. Diverse economically and culturally with a staff and parent body dedicated to addressing the complex challenges facing public schools today.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child completed Kindergarten at Franklin last year and is very excited to start first grade there soon. We had a wonderful teacher and the other K teacher was awarded teacher of the year last year. The parent involvement is excellent and the school is a great community for both parents and kids.
--Submitted by a parent

If you have a child who fits down the middle, you will probably be ok. Teachers range from uninspired to pretty darn good, its the luck of the draw; they've gotten rid of the obviously bad ones. I think social stuff is their biggest weakness, bullying goes unchecked, playground complaints by kids are not taken seriously. They just don't seem committed to each and every child being successful; if your's is outside the norm (high or low), they are not as committed to the child experiencing real success-only with having them fit into the system. But there is a lot to be said for a small neighborhood school.
--Submitted by a parent

Frankline Elementary has a solid core of good teachers and good parental involvement. As with most public schools, class discipline efforts can detract from academics. However, most of the students are well-behaved and the learning environment is positive. Advanced students may not get the challanges they need to stay interested except with a few of the more dedicated faculty.
--Submitted by a parent