Franklin Road Academy

We shopped extensively for a new school for our kids. The most important factors were the administration of the school, quality of teachers, the curriculum and finally the social environment from a child's perspective. We have been very pleased with FRA. The school is led by Dr. Sissy Wade who has built a strong administration team whose focus is on creating a leading-edge curriculum and a learning environment that produces really smart kids who have confidence and the tools to achieve whatever they set their heart and mind to. The school is quick to identify and adapt to the needs of the student (provide gifted curriculum or extra assistance) without drawing attention to the student (very important to the kids because they tend to want to blend in during the teen years). The staff is outstanding at providing a caring learning environment that sets the bar high but not unattainable. All of the teachers are very in tune with the kids. The school has extensive programs in the arts and sports. Most notably are the programs that help develop one's character. FRA is built on a stellar administration which encourages and enables kids to be the best they can be.
--Submitted by a parent

When I was younger, my dream was to graduate from FRA and send my kids there once they became of age. Now I realize that if the school continues on the downward path that it is on, I won't want my children anywhere near it. The academics are fine and the teachers are very attentive and caring, but the administration and board are trying to make the school something that it is not. They have become almost obsessed with trying to make the school on par in football with other schools, such as Ensworth and Brentwood Academy. They don't understand that not being on par with those schools in football doesn't matter to the students or even parents. The school has thrived on being good at other sports in the past, and that had been what was setting us apart. Also, the tablet PC programs that the school administered is almost pointless. The point of the program, in the eyes of the board and administration, was to set the school apart technologically, but it actually has put us behind in my opinion. The computer allow us to write on the screens, but they are poorly constructed computer and almost useless for anything but writing. The cons of the program far outweigh the benefits.

FRA is an excellent school. I attended the school kindergarten through senior year and now have three children at the school. The excellent teachers meet the needs of my children. Each child is unique yet matched with the teacher that works with my child's needs. I love that my children can play on the football team and participate in the school play. Dr. Sissy Wade, head of school, leads well and excels in the academic field. I know FRA is preparing my children for college and to be able to succeed in their college choice.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children attended 2 years. My husband was an alumni and we had great expectations. Not only disapointed but confused about the curriculum or lack of one. Never have I seen their elementary curriculum and the math and reading areas in pre-k and kindergarten were weak. I taught kindergarten for 9 years so I should know. We had to tutor an entire summer to prepare our children for a different school.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, what a terrific school! I have two children currently attending FRA, both of whom are blossoming. The best part about FRA is that everyone can be somebody. Opportunities abound in art, athletics and academics. The culture at FRA is wholesome integrity matters. I do not believe there is a better college preparatory school in middle Tennessee.
--Submitted by a parent

The academics were above average when I was a student there from 8th-11th grades (2003-2007). Most teachers were kind, caring, and willing to help students outside of class. I found many of the parents and students to be snobby, condescending, self-absorbed, very cliquish, and extremely materialistic. I left the school after my junior year because I was subjected to so much bullying and mistreatment. In my opinion, the whole "Scholars with Integrity and Balance" thing is a farce; most of the administrators (esp. the Head of School) are interested in nothing but money and prestige. The tablet PC program was introduced my sophomore year of high school. In some ways, the laptops improved learning (especially for writing & research purposes), but they also made learning more difficult in math & science classes.

The most impressive school .... amazing teachers and you can tell the kids are happy by the smiles you see on their faces everyday...
--Submitted by a parent

Not only a parent, but an alum as well, FRA is like no other. A student can truly go anywhere and do anything and know that they are prepared for every opportunity.
--Submitted by a parent

It's not great. I'm definitely getting out of there as soon as I can. You aren't welcome if you've been there for a while. There are cliques, and they are very unfriendly. I would not recommend it.
--Submitted by a student

Very supportive, kind, nurturing and loving environment along with top notch teachers and academics! Kudos to all at FRA for giving our recent graduate a top notch education!! We love ya'll
--Submitted by a parent