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GreatSchools Rating

Benjamin Franklin Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 944 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 5 ratings

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20 reviews of this school


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Posted March 26, 2013

This school is great! It is such a friendly environment. My daughter is attending here and she has a good group of friends. There is always something going on to keep the students engaged in activities, but they have to get involved. There is a lot of learning going on in the Pre-AP classes and the teachers are wonderful (minus about 5). The principal and assistant principal's work well together to solve problems in a timely manner and show strong school leadership. There is no school without problems, and this administration keeps the school safe. Since the student body consits of 945 students, more parent involvement is needed. Overall - I am very pleased with the Franklin Falcolns!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 6, 2012

the principal is great. Some teachers are just wonderful, but the fact of the matter is, there just is'nt enough. The students can be just as rude as the teachers. Don't get me wrong, there is good students. Next,year I'm going to dealey. I'm gonna miss some things, but I am happy to leave.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 7, 2011

My daughter attends here and I'm grateful that it is her 8th grade year. She has been exposed to far more ridiculous and childish behavior from the TEACHERS than I ever thought possible. A couple of the teachers care more about meeting the children, and that's what they are, CHILDREN, on a somewhat equal level and to do that the teachers feel it necessary to use foul language, partake in middle school gossip and, most upsetting to me is that they do not use proper grammar and English when communicating with the students. Aren't they supposed to be a role models and lead by example? What happened to the importance of spelling correctly and using the correct words in a sentence? It's insulting to parents like myself that have to correct the teacher who is supposed to be educating our children. Granted, my daughter has been accepted by most students and she loves the friends that she has made. However, I feel that there needs to be more parental influence and supervision in their children's lives. I'm shocked by how many of my daughter's friends get away with the raunchiest clothes and the least amount of supervision.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 14, 2011

This school is the worse school ever. They have some very horrible teachers, sometimes you wonder who the adults are. Some of the teachers act just like kids. Instead of kids bullying each other the teachers are the bullies at this school. They do have so good teachers there, but not very many. I would not recommend this school to anyone. The teachers make comments to students that is very disrespectful, and will embarrass students in front of other students, and think it is ok. They do have gangs, and drugs in this school. The teachers are not held accountable for their actions. What ever happen to the good schools with good teachers that care about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 18, 2011

I am a former student at Benjamin Franklin Its an average school and is getting better by the year the teachers I had were great cause they always stayed on us and were strict and always knew we could go places wherever the school focuses a lot on the arts dancing singing art basketball track baseball all that and I think Benjamin Franklin Is One Of the best schools you could go to


Posted October 1, 2010

Too much violence in this school. There are gangs. Boys threaten to jump others in so they can bully other unsuspecting kids. Too many unskilled & unqualified teachers. The Principal got a promotion to another school and now the teachers are left like chickens without their heads walking around. The kids in this school are extremely disrespectful and too busy with hooking up, looking fresh or skipping classes in plain sight of the staff to get an education. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE. Concerned parent of two in this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 13, 2010

Benjamin Franklin Middle School went down hill in 2009. Other students treat other students disrespectful, students don't pay attention in school, and i heard that other students on cheated in the Taks test 2009- 2010. 2009 - 2010 WAS THE WROST SCHOOL YEAR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Posted December 18, 2008

i am an 8th grade student at franklin. i have to say that one of the poor reviews about the school are somewhat true. the principals philosophy is great except that it needs to be enforced much more. i also agree with one of the reviews that stated that some of the pre-ap class teachers are not fit and not prepared to teach an advanced placement class.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 2, 2008

Its terrible. Students aren't even learing as well, their mainly focusing on their own selves. And i dont see any improvement..Whatsoever.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 3, 2007

Franklin Middle School is close to average at best. The so-called advanced classes are sub-par at best and the principal knows very little about academics and has a poor 'my way or the highway' philosophy in regards to parents, students and faculty. Needs to be moved. A lot of the teachers are poorly educated and prepared.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2007

This is a great middle school in Disd. It has great teachers and the facilities are excellent. A great surrounding neighborhood is surrounding the school so safety is not a issue. Its great.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 11, 2007

Benjamin franklin middle school is the best school I know. I am a student that comes here and I am learning so much and I am getting treated the way I want to be treated.All of the teachers are wonderful and the teachers are on track 24/7 ,it is just wonderful.Im just glad that I am hear and I am enjoying myself at this school.
—Submitted by chicken butt, a former student


Posted June 29, 2006

THe parental involvmenet is not that great. The extra curricular activities are average. The reachers really don't spend that much time with a student individually but if you have no other choice this school isn't gonna kill you. Tutoring programs are horrible here. If you have another choice than Franklin, take it. I had a fun time here for 2 years but didn't learn much and I attend the Talented and Gifted Magnet now. It wasn't me, its the school.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted March 17, 2006

Good school and good academic program. Very good programs.Good facilities and excellent library. Teachers very helpful and students involved in various clubs and music programs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 6, 2006

Franklin Middle School is an average middle school in Dallas I.S.D. The school is clean and the children are well behaved. The quality of academic programs are fair.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 22, 2005

Great school. Glad to support public education like this!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 11, 2005

The academic programs are average for DISD. My girls have attended Dallas schools since 5th grade. They fall short from neighboring school districts. Extracurricular activities are well planned out at this school keeping parents informed. Level of parent involvement is very good. I do believe that the principal is over taxed with his duties. To get a teacher to respond to your concerns is at times lenthly. You have to keep on them to repond to you. Not all the teachers are like this. There are a few that if your child has a problem they will not lift a finger to help them understand. If you have a child that needs more explanation on things rather than staright text book coverage, Dallas School system as a whole will not help you. Dont be mislead by the metal detectors they dont catch everything.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 11, 2005

My son entered this school from private school and has gain much needed confidence. Part of the confidence gain is that he is academically way above many of the other students in his class. The science and math departments even in the pre-ap curriculum is not preparing the students for more advanced math or science. There is a severe lacking in attitude from the principal on down. If you get in the wrong 'pod' you lose. Need a strong principal who can bring in quality teachers and get rid of the old ones who are just waiting to retire.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 1, 2005

Benjamin Franklin Middle School, I find it odd, that the kids don't have books for all their classes, yet the PTA has over $5000 in their account. Why doesn't the PTA buy books? Kids are allowed to use notes for thier test, so are they really learning? NO! Music & Arts, okay. School Dress Code: Not the same for girls and boys, boys MUST tuck their shirts in, yet girls don't. Students (boys) will get ISS for not tucking thier shirts in, yet girls can wear skirts so short that thier butt is showing and shirts so short that thier tummy is showing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 5, 2005

Franklin middle school has great students but most are overrun by Hispanics. Ff ther were more ethnisity it could be better. The principle Mr. jones is terrific.
—Submitted by cierra green, a former student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2011.

289 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
75%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

287 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
92%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2011.

332 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
64%

2008

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

332 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
83%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 94% in 2011.

331 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
88%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

The state average for Math was 73% in 2011.

350 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
72%

2008

 
 
77%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

351 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
93%
Science

The state average for Science was 79% in 2011.

350 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
49%

2008

 
 
49%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 95% in 2011.

346 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
83%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students70%
Female75%
Male66%
Black or African American60%
Asiann/a
Hispanic71%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White84%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education36%
Not special education73%
Limited English proficient (LEP)60%
Proficient in English72%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant71%
Gifted/talented94%

Reading

All Students76%
Female85%
Male68%
Black or African American69%
Asiann/a
Hispanic78%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White85%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education52%
Not special education78%
Limited English proficient (LEP)61%
Proficient in English78%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant77%
Gifted/talented98%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students67%
Female69%
Male66%
Black or African American62%
Asian100%
Hispanic65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White91%
Economically disadvantaged63%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Special education32%
Not special education70%
Limited English proficient (LEP)51%
Proficient in English76%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant67%
Gifted/talented98%

Reading

All Students82%
Female87%
Male78%
Black or African American83%
Asian80%
Hispanic79%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged78%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Special education43%
Not special education85%
Limited English proficient (LEP)65%
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant82%
Gifted/talented98%

Writing

All Students89%
Female93%
Male86%
Black or African American92%
Asian100%
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White97%
Economically disadvantaged86%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education38%
Not special education93%
Limited English proficient (LEP)76%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students84%
Female83%
Male85%
Black or African American68%
Asian100%
Hispanic87%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Special education50%
Not special education87%
Limited English proficient (LEP)77%
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students91%
Female93%
Male90%
Black or African American87%
Asian100%
Hispanic91%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special education59%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)82%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students72%
Female71%
Male73%
Black or African American63%
Asian67%
Hispanic70%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged66%
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Special education37%
Not special education75%
Limited English proficient (LEP)44%
Proficient in English80%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant72%
Gifted/talented98%

Social Studies

All Students97%
Female96%
Male97%
Black or African American96%
Asian100%
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged96%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special education85%
Not special education97%
Limited English proficient (LEP)90%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented98%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Academically Unacceptable".

About the tests


Texas uses Accountability Ratings to indicate the overall performance of each school and district. The ratings are based on TAKS test results, dropout rates for grades 7 and 8 and school completion rates for grades 9 through 12. Schools and districts rated under standard accountability procedures are designated as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Schools and districts rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures are designated as either AEA: Academically Acceptable or AEA: Academically Unacceptable.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 66% 48%
Black 22% 14%
White 10% 34%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 11%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 16%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 25%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 74%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 8%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 27%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 17%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 23%N/A23%
21 or more years 24%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

6920 Meadow Rd
Dallas, TX 75230
Phone: (972) 502-7100

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