Franklin School

We've had our child at Santiam and Adams before Franklin. Much of what one reads in the reviews here rings true. Franklin is a small school that relies heavily on a core knowledge curriculum. Kids feel safe here and our impression has been that the teachers are extremely dedicated to the well being of the students. They also seem very on top of what's happening in the classroom in terms of relational dynamics. We actually have two children in this school and I can't recommend it highly enough. You'll be lucky if your child gets in as it truly is better than some of the local private schools I'm familiar with in terms of academic expectations and parental involvement. And by the way, the parents are really wonderful here--little or no airs as this school seems to attract families who are really committed to education and no overly worried about social status...also love the diversity here for such small school The instructors are wonderful and extremely competent. I would consider several of them master teachers. The one downside of the school is the playground facility, which is somewhat meager and crowded.
--Submitted by a parent

We are new to this school and already love it. Everyone has been very welcoming. Behavior standards are high here. Kids are on an honor code that requires respect of fellow students and honest effort. For such a small school it has great diversity. We are very happy.
--Submitted by a parent

WOW! What a great school. So this is what it's supposed to be like. I have two children at Franklin, one in elementary and one in middle school. Private schools in this area can't come close to the education my children are now receiving at Franklin. These teachers are excellent and have the education and track record to back to it up. Franklin's outstanding rating speaks for itself!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Franklin school for many years and couldn't be happier. We have one child in special education and one who is talented and gifted. Both children are encouraged and challenged appropriately by their teachers. When walking through the hallways kids are seen laughing, smiling and helping others. The older children often help the younger children. The Core Knowlege curriculum is often used in a way that encourages thinking outside the box and the kids are encouraged to share their ideas. Excellent teachers, wonderful students!
--Submitted by a parent

In our two years there we found Franklin to work best for mainstream kids across a spectrum of capabilities. However, highly capable kids who think outside the box or were especially shy tended to struggle and many eventually left (as we did after first grade). Curriculum delivery is quite rigid and we found teachers unwilling to veer much from their preferred path even if that meant some kids needs would go unmet. We found the administration excessively bureaucratic and only willing to help if your child was found to have a specific disability or could be labeled as having ADHD, Aspergers, or some other affliction, whether real or not, that would make them eligible for special education services. So I m not trying to be excessively negative. Again, it works well for many kids. But if your kid is one who doesn t simply follow the crowd, it might not.
--Submitted by a parent

The Core Knowledge they have is awesome! I also like demanding and challenging teachers that care about their students learning and maturing in a fine environment. As parents, we can volunteer and be part of their education. ~
--Submitted by a parent

This school is heavy on the homework, but i guess that's good (in certain ways (: ). Some of the teachers could try to lighten up and get more involved (not pointing fingers, just suggesting to try not to loose homework). Franklin tries to get a high parent envolvement for field trips and just helping with grading and organizing. Sixth grade goes to Outdoor School, Eighth grade goes to the beach at the end of the year and seventh grade goes to washington DC; these are really great opportunities for learning and having fun!! Overall Franklin is pretty cool.
--Submitted by a student

I am a current 8th Grader at Franklin and have been at this school since Kindergarden and it is great. If you go to any other school rumors are spreading like crazy and new kids are not excepted at Franklin it is the complete opposite. When our school is called Freaklin we can handle it because we know we will be better off in high school than the kids calling our school that but for me having our school be called Freaklin by parents is really offensive. If you are glad you don't go to my school I am glad you don't go to this school either because I can assure you you will not fit in very well at all. Franklin is truly the best school in Corvallis and I am glad to be part of Franklin, Freaklin or whatever you want to call it.
--Submitted by a student

Franklin is a great school! The curriculum gives all students a broad knowledge base and is sequenced from Kindergarten to 8th grade so the students receive a great education. The teachers are outstanding and are able to teach to a wide variety of ability levels.
--Submitted by a parent

I just want to second the review from May 17, 2007. We are SO glad to be out of there. This review is based on cumulative perceptions gleaned from the experiences of my child and several relatives attending Franklin. First, evidence provided by its performance against many neighborhood schools suggests that Franklin's overly rigorous curriculum doesn't always translate to academic superiority. The environment itself is disturbingly institutional and oppressive to students, most of whom honestly don't seem very happy there. Nurturing, inspiring and assisting young learners didn't seem to factor into the philosophies of most Franklin teachers. The approach was intensely serious/rigid and the level of parental involvement was -I have to say it- largely overbearing; it felt like most everyone had an agenda. I caution parents to really consider their options before going the Franklin route. It seems like a lot of unnecessary stress for such a questionable outcome.
--Submitted by a parent