Franklin High School

In a time of great financial shortfalls, the administration and staff of FHS are doing a tremendous job in creating opportunities for all students to excel and gear themselves toward a successful future. The AP program is a huge example of that dedication to excellence and opportunity. We could not be more pleased with the teaching and educational staff at Franklin. One caveat. If you have a student who desires an athletic experience like Volleyball at FHS, be forewarned. As of 2012, the program is an utter train wreck, run by a former student with severely limited teaching skills, combined with an incredibly immature personality. Kids with great skill and potential are constantly leaving the program in despair on how the women's Volleyball program is run. It is a blessing that the academic committment by the staff at FHS is so high, as the Volleball program is the antithesis of that, sadly. The track and cross country and several other programs are very good, but it is a shame that the volleyball program isn't held to the same high expectation of teaching and mentorship.
—Submitted by a parent

This is absolutely the best school ever! It is so easy to make friends here, teachers and students are so kind. I have learned so much at this school and I love it!
—Submitted by a student

Everyone is super friendly, the teachers, the students.... everyone. We have a wide variety of classes and it is just awesome. The best school I've ever gone to- but we're really short on money.
—Submitted by a student

Franklin has a lot of advanced placement courses which means advanced students can be challenged and have the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. The Franklin administration is excellent; caring, smart, dynamic. Franklin was awarded a 2.5 million dollar grant (over 5 years) from the Gates Foundation in 2007 which allows funds for many activities not found in other Portland public high schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I Graduated from Franklin a few years back and absolutly enjoyed it. The teachers I had we're wonderful and I never had any sort of encounters with fighting, the students stayed in their groups and the sports we're great...Highly recommended!!
—Submitted by a former student

As a graduate of FHS, I find that this school gave me tons of experience I could take into the real world. Now coaching back at the school, I can really see how special and amazing this school is. The coaches, teachers and staff really do care about the students to attend this school. I know the funding is low, but that makes it even more fun to find ways to earn money for programs. I am very grateful to have graduated from FHS. I hope this school continues to grow and become an even better school to go to.
—Submitted by a former student

As a parent, it was important to find a school that offered a credible balance between academic opportunity and a real-world cross section of the community and society in which we live. With enough money, it is a simple matter to select a private school which offers a 'safe' environment and heavily credentialed instructors. But finding an inner-city urban public school that can offer quality teachers, a wealth of activities, and a chance to build strong connections within the community, I think, offers our kids so much more. Franklin fits that bill quite well.
—Submitted by a parent

Franklin High School was the best school I could've imagined attending. Not only were the teachers outstanding role models, but the students were excellent, and I learned so much. I do think that priority was in the sports department as far as funding was concerned, but what we had in the music department, we made it work, and we had fun doing it. We learned so much about ourselves, our voices, and who we were at Franklin. Thank goodness my parents chose Franklin as my high school. I couldn't imagine what I'd be like today had I not gone to Franklin. It's where I met the friends I still am in great contact with today, where got a great education, and also where I met my wonderful husband! Wouldn't have traded those four years for the world.
—Submitted by Mary Graham, a former student

I went here myself and graduated a few years ago. The level of education is decent, but the teachers really make the school. They really care about their students and really help nurture them and prepare them for the real world. The music program started to get a little better before I left but I don't believe there was much with art programs. There were plenty of sports and other extracurricular activities with plenty of good role models. Overall I found it to be a positive environment to grow up at.
—Submitted by Kyle Cooke, a former student

I think that Franklin was the worst school ever besides Marshall. People may think that it is a good school but i would know i use to go there and i seen so much stuff that you would believe. i would never send one of my kids there when i have them. So if you are looking for a school to send your child to dont even think about sending your kids to franklin High School. I must admit i had a blast going there but i didnt get a good education while attending.
—Submitted by a former student

As a franklin parent, I must say the leadership opportunities at franklin are endless. All the way from link crew to project second wind, franklin is a very caring community. Especially the Mr. FHS Pageant charity event put on by manisha and others of the fhs leadership class. As a parent, never have my kids came home talking about any sort of violence at all. teachers, staff and students all get along and this school is very safe. Though scores could improve, this school is definately a top choice!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student of FHS, i take great orude in saying my time there was well spent.Teachers are willing to help students one on one, and it is very easy to make friends there. I would definately recommend FHS to any students interested in law, child development or business. the accounting program is great!
—Submitted by a former student

Franklin is the best school in this district. My daughter attends Franklin and has many friends there. The teachers are friendly and helpful when students ask them. Franklin is the best school to attend if your students are interested in Law. Franklin has the best law programs in the district!
—Submitted by a student