Franklin Regional Senior High School

I have 2 kids currently in the HS. (plus one who has graduated) I have not had any issues with parents or teachers and my children have not had any problems with students. There is a pretty big emphasis on sports, but that's America. My graduate is attending a top regional University and the child graduating this year has been accepted to a nationally ranked top school. I'm not super impressed with Mr Suvak the principal but the teachers are great. I don't live in a huge house or make $250k. My kids are accepted by the kids they want to hang out with. Some of the rich kids don't have anything to be proud of (such as personal accomplishments or attributes), so their proud of being rich.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my sons went to Franklin Regional all four years; my third son is set to start their next year. It is definitely a rich white school culture, but its academics are disappointing to say the least. The primary focus of the curriculum is to standardized tests so the students will get high marks on them. My oldest son was in all of the honors programs, and none of my sons hardly ever have any homework. When we moved here from the State College school district, both of my sons said it was about a year and a half before they saw any new subject material in any class. In college now, my oldest son was not well-prepared even though he got high marks all years at FR. I would rank the entire school system here as poor for the academic challenge and growth opportunities it offers its students. Additionally the snobbish over-emphasis upon parental income among the students is something I often hear negatively commented on by former students, even years later. I'm sorry, but giving a 16 year old a new Acura SUV to drive to school does nothing whatsoever to build his or her character. It just reinforces the sense of entitlement transfused directly from parent to child.
—Submitted by a parent

worst school in america. the only way to fit in is that you live in a huge house and make over $250,000. Don't let your kids deal with the rich kids they will harass them til they can't take it no more. The atheletes and the cheerleaders get treated like gold from teachers and students while everyone else is treated like dirt. stay away from this school.
—Submitted by a student

Everyone moves here because of the school district. the students here are bullies! football team & cheerleaders get special treatment. There are cliques who bully everyone and the school officer does nothing. these students are exempt from punishment. moving here think again. School needs administrators who do there job! Moving away because of the bullying problem. And yes Franklin Regional ther most definately is a problem with BULLYS!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible Principals, My son has been bullied over and over because he is new and quiet, we are moving from this district
—Submitted by a parent

Poor for new students entering the district, if you are an outsider coming in, that is how you are treated, the children, parents and teachers are rude, unless you live in a huge home. My daughter is now being bullied mentally by some of the other girls, talking about her, laughing at her, etc.... Very bad for her self esteem, we are looking to sell our home and move, I wont have my children treated this way. We are a middle income family, friendly and clean, we have a new car, but those things are not good enough for the snobs that live here
—Submitted by a parent

Franklin has great teachers!!The people in the office though aren't very caring and think of themselves.We have great principals and of course there are good students and bad students but you learn to accept it because it's like that at every school.
—Submitted by a student

Good HS. Some teachers are fantastic. The French programs is the best in Foreign languages. Too much emphasis on sports though.
—Submitted by a parent

In the Honors and Advanced Placement tracks, I saw class mates go on to Harvard, Brown, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh Honors, and other great, and selective, schools like Grove City. If you are intelligent, you will do very well at FR and beyond.

Okay. As a senior at the high school, I think I can clear up some issues. The school IS undoubtedly beneficial to more intelligent students, but makes long strides in accommodating all levels of ability. Parental involvement IS encouraged, but often in a monetary sense; stay-at-home moms often fill the ranks of the PTO, leaving some parents out in the cold. Pressure to succeed ABSOLUTELY exists; however, it is for this reason that so many graduates DO succeed. The high school is home to many incredible teachers; however, poor-quality teachers can also be found. It's anyone's guess whether or not the fact that the 'better' teachers often teach honors- and AP- level classes is a coincidence. The most important thing to remember is that students reap what they sow. Those that use the resources to their benefit often succeed; those that are content to float often languish.
—Submitted by a student

Quality of academic programs is excellent Arts are alive and thriving at FR. Parent involvement mostly in sports, arts, etc. Great school for super smart kids and kids with problems as well; if yours is an average or low average kid, teachers seem to ignore them unless parents get involved with teachers. Counselors are NOT good, unless you have a brainiac for a child; otherwise, you'll need to do the college application leg work yourself. After all, who knows the child (student) better than his parents?
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school and a fantastic school district. Great parental involvment and I feel very attending classes at Franklin.
—Submitted by Dan Kohrs, a student

I'm a freshman student here at FRHS, and I beleive that this school district is rather good. Although the academic program is a high standard it makes you as a student to work for good grades. FR offers many different clubs that a student has the oppurtunity to join, such as the Caring Team, National Honors Society, and Kids Helping Kids etc. The Parent involvement in our school is very low. A parent usually doesn't get involved unless there is something in it for them or their kid.
—Submitted by a student

Our son is a tenth grader at Franklin. He is (to our regret) an indifferent student, but is receiving an excellent education. The teachers knock themselves out to motivate and challenge him. He is not taking all honors classes, but his teachers make every effort to reach him. He is involved in a sport, which has opened up a social life. There are multiple opportunities for extracurricular activities in the performing arts and sports. The students I observe (and I am often at the school) are friendly, well-adjusted and focused. There are a variety of opportunities for parents to be involved, if they are willing to give of their time.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student in this district and do feel that about 90% of the teachers were wonderful and encouraging. The behavior of the other students, lack of discipline, and the administrations catering to the wealthy children made my experience negative. I would not send my children to Franklin unless I wnated them to turn into materialistic rude adults.
—Submitted by a former student

I must be missing something. I don't see the school itself as the problem. I have a teen in the highschool who is academically gifted and artistic, but the environment at the school does not nurture, rather it zaps the energy, spirit, and originality out of students who don't cut the mold. The teachers and administration are some of the best. The students, because of their parental influence and upbringing are shallow and cruel. Most people in this town live in a bubble! If you have looks, money, are willing to conform, and have a superficial attitude toward others and life, (other than money)...you'll be fine! Otherwise forget it, they'll chew you up and spit you out. Too bad for the kids. With so much money, education and opportunity in this town we could be outstanding. My teen is creative thinks for herself, outside of the box-that's not accepted at FRHS.
—Submitted by a parent

Low class selection, dis-liked administration. Revolves everything around sports and cares not for anyone else.
—Submitted by a student

I have one child and he is in the Senior High School. He has been part of the learning support program since he was in 7th grade and he will be a senior this coming school year. We chose Franklin Regional because of the high standards and it's reputation. The teachers are top rate; some of the best and they care. My son is an average student by most school standards. The average student in this school district is above average and therefore the average student, like my son get somehow left behind. This is evident at the number of honors and AP classes that are offered. An example of this is in the Class of 2004 our of 305 graduating seniors-50 graduated with over a 4.0, and 165 graduated with a 3.0 or higher. One aspect that needs improvement is the administration of the high school and the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have 2 children in Franklin Regional School district, 1 in the Sr. High and the other in Middle School. I think that the district is excellent. We have had nothing but positive experiences since the first day my daughter entered the first grade at Sloan Elementary. The teachers have all been exceptional. Our experience has been that the teachers go above and beyond what is required of them. The administration are supportive, great communicators and up to date on the most recent educational methodologies. The extra curricular activities offered are expansive. There is something for every student to become involved in if they so choose. I have one child who participates in the gifted program and my oldest child currently is taking demanding advanced placement classes, she will be more than equipped when she begins her freshman year in college.
—Submitted by a parent

Several problems with this school. Have had one graduate from the system, one still in. Oldest child was saved only by the gifted program. Second, parental involvement is not encouraged. Unless you are stay at home mom, forget the PTO, which proudly meets during the day and refuses to even consider changing, stating that parents don't come even at night. I threw my hands up a long time ago with the closing of ranks and the flagrant protection of the kids with the parents with the most money. I'd move if I could afford it and provide my last child a real view of the world.
—Submitted by a parent