Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

I go to Ben Franklin (used to) since I am going to middle school now. I went to the school since I was in kindergarten up to sixth grade and I had a blast! All the teachers were so warm-hearted and made everyone feel incredibly welcome! I had such great memories and I will never forget how hard everyone worked just for us to understand something.

My child started going to Ben Franklin this year. I feel as though my child and I have not had a very warm welcome. I've made an effort to introduce myself to parents who are more familiar with the school, and seem to be active with the school. I was snubbed, as if they are a higher class of people. I hope further into the year this will change, as I'd rather have my child go to a school that has equally good teachers, but also where the parents can be polite to eachother the way it was at the former school. It helps if there is a sense of community. Parents demonstrating alienation is not a good example to set for their children. It opens the door for bullying in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed to see such harsh comments about Franklin's administration and teachers. The changes that have occurred since the new administration started have been brought down from district and state administrators. As far as the teachers go, they give more of themselves than they are required to do. Apparently, you haven't truly got to the heart of the staff at Franklin, and you haven't compared it to most of the schools out there. The teachers there work weekends and their nights at home. They attend the many different activities their students ask them to go to like baseball games, etc..., and they spend their own personal money to enrich the curriculum & to make things fun for the students. Any teacher on staff that has not cared about the students more than 100%, has never stuck around, because the Franklin staff and parents will not tolerate mediocrity.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 3 children that have all attended this school over the last 13 yrs, I am very dissapointed this year since Jean Aklufe left and how laxed the new administration seems. I used to be proud to say Franklin was my school, but not anymore. I believe alot of the teachers have forgotten why they became teachers and show little or no personal interest in their students. Each one is unique, and should be dealt with that way. Get inside their hearts and minds and learn to see what makes them want to learn. There should also be different people who do different volunteer or paid positions etc, not just the same old people who think they run the school. People need to remember the word volunteer and be grateful you have them! Its for the children and about the children, all should remember that!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been with Franklin for 6 years and thought it was a great school. However, this year 08/09 it has drastically changed, with the new principal and vice principal things have drastically changed for the worse. So drastic is the change that I was forced to put my son into homeschooling. Their motto is education and the concern is for the students...this is not so. I am sadly dissapointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are okay- some need to be more involved and caring Supervisors need to be let go and get ones whose children do not attend the school as to be unbiased.
—Submitted by a parent

My boys (5th graders) started at Franklin this year and the we couldnt be more pleased. The teachers are attentive to the students strengths and struggles while making it fun to learn. The fact that my kids are excited about school and doing schoolwork speaks volumes.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of this school for special education children is seriously lacking. I would seriously consider placing your child in a private school if they are special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of education is outstanding. The teachers go out of their way to help each student succeed in class.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest child started school here mid year and that year was extremely difficult. The years following have been much better. I like the year round system, they will be changing 06-07 to traditional. The teachers are very attentive, they stay on top of your child's progress. I also like how they reward the children, with achievment awards.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is what a parent could ask for. The Teachers are great & easy to work with. My wife constantly involved in class room activity & also she can monitor the teacher interaction with the students. I wish they enforce a dress code along with their quality of education, this gives more sence of discipline to children. If this wasn't for this school we would have moved back to Orange County. To other parents if you agree with me on the Dress code issue, please let the Principal know.
—Submitted by a parent

I give to fundraiser after fundraiser and my duaghter has yet to go on a field trip farther then Ralphs or Orange Terrace Park. Why do the surrounding area schools go to Sea World, the Zoo?
—Submitted by a parent

We have been happy with the academic program at Franklin. The test scores are good and it's easy to get in touch with teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is an amazing school! The quality of academic programs is outstanding. My son is in 2nd grade and can allready divide with remainders! I think it is great! The level of parent involvement is outstanding. There is always a full page of parents that have signed in when I come to volunteer. I would say that Ben Franklin is overall an excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

Franklin is a great school. The teachers, the office staff, the campus are top notch. Both of my children have received quality educations a Franklin.
—Submitted by a parent

Principal does not care about students, just test scores...PTO (not PTA) only cares about how much money they can bring in. As a parent of a first grader, where has the money gone? I feel like this school lacks communication and acknowledgement in awards for its children and they need more than what they are getting. Parent involvement should be more advertised. There are lots of parents who would like to help out, but feel shunned or afraid to ask.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not focus on the children as much as the school status. Teacher selection is limited, sometimes have to pick the lesser of two evils! The school does not handle discipline well; does not address bullying unless parent gets involved.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent! The kindergarden teachers are very good and my daughter loved going to school!

The school does not put a priority on academia, Principal awards are kept hush hush unless you are a recipient. Students who are not recieving awards are not invited to award ceremony, students who win are not aknowleged in school by peers or in classroom or on the bulletin board. However students are highly praised and recognized for all PTO fundraisers and the whole school is made aware of who brings in the most money, not the most A's