Elmwood-Franklin School

EFS is not as good as I had hoped. I sent my kid from public to private and didn't see much of a difference. Class sizes are the same, teachers are nice but mediocre, and parents are very cliquish. Tuitiion is too high and I'm certainly not getting what I paid for.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children(1 in upper school and 1 in lower school) that attend the Elmwood Franklin School and I could not be happier. My children are constantly engaged in their education, and love to go to school everyday. The school faculty is second to none. They care about the education of each child and foster independence as they progress, and once in middle school, the students take ownership of their schedule, learning and balancing workload. They have great faculty support, strong academics, (EFS students are consistently at the top and leaders of their chosen high school classes) responsibility and example setting for the lower school students, and time to gain the confidence and maturity they NEED to head to high school. There is no better place for a middle school student to be(such sensitive years), and I couldn't ask for a better school academically, socially and/or for personal growth of my children.
—Submitted by a parent

The lower school is decent. However, the middle school does not deliver. The students leave EFS to write, quite frankly, like students two grades younger. In addition, certain teachers are rude towards students (although some teachers have redeeming qualities). Elmwood students, ultimately, do not "think beyond" the way the school promises, due to lackluster performance in all subjects

The school is a model for every school. My son is a highly intelligent and sensitive child. He was frustrated and unmotivated in a public elementary school in Williamsville. He entered EFS in fifth grade, within a few months, he became so happy to go to school and motivated for every thing in life. He feels challenged and focused every day. The academic contents (things he learns from school is so much more than his previous school). The school also teaches time management and organization skills. They also emphasize character education- educate the whole person. I fully support this school and feel lucky we find the right school for our son.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended public school through 5th grade. He was bored, frustrated and sad. He transferred to EFS and has become an engaged, active, happy and successful young man. The teachers at EFS and the low pupil teacher ratio have made all the difference in his life. EFS was worth every dollar I have spent sending him to a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

This will me my 9th year attending EFS. This school is truly remarkable! When you wake up in the morning as a student you don't feel that school is a hassle. Instead you are excited to see all the friendly faces smiling at you! The teachers are wonderful and always helpful! Thanks Elmwood! I will be sad to leave...
—Submitted by a student

So far my daughter is only finishing the prep program at Elmwood Franklin, but I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of the program, and my husband and I enrolled her with very high expectations. It is a rarity when you find a Kindergarten teacher who will actually state that 5 year old students ARE developed enough to handle real reading. The school really does push the students academically, but also provides an incredibly warm and nurturing environment. The headmaster is fantastic and well loved by all. Not enough can be said about him. Let it suffice to say that you have to meet him to really appreciate him. There is a surprising amount of diversity in the school as well which we really love. Children from nice (not necessarily wealthy) families of many ethnic and religious backgrounds are enrolled in the school. Parental involvement is incredibly high.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is entering kindergarten and beginning her second year at this amazing institution. She is entering kindergarten a reader! A reader who corrects her 8 year old cousin's reading! I understand that among her classmates, this is not unusual. I can attribute this feat to her Prep I (preschool) teachers, their techniques, their skills, and their program which is designed not only to deliver educational achievement, but also to foster intellectual & personal growth. Headmaster Keith Weller Frome is a charismatic, intelligent, and visionary leader who must be credited with revitalizing the school and bringing it into a new age. Upon hearing him speak on several occasions, we entrusted Elmwood Franklin with the awesome responsiblity of educating our child. They took that responsibility seriously and exceeded all expectations. Do we recommend Elmwood Franklin? Highly.
—Submitted by a parent

My 4th, 5th and 6th child of a total of six are presently in this school, while the others have finished. This is a spectacular school, under the visionary leadership of a brilliant headmaster, with dual doctorates from Harvard. Children are developed as whole people. There is a strong emphasis on the their role as contributing members of society by encouraging personal responsibility, kindness, manners, and volunteerism. Recent campaigns have increased teachers salaries to put them on par with public schools, and therefore an excellent and committed faculty has been recruited and maintined. They are extremely responsive and imminently available to discuss one's children and their progress or problems. The actual education is also excellent. The physical facility is intimate yet extrordinary for such a small school. This is the best investment one can make as a parent in your child's future.
—Submitted by Helen Cappuccino, a parent

This is a progressive independent school with outstanding quality education prek-8. I have been involved with the school for 6 years. Incredible parent teacher involvement and respects the needs of each child.
—Submitted by a parent