Franconia Elementary School

I had two kids attend FES for one year. We were very disappointed. My son s 1st grade teacher was pleasant but disorganized. My wife and I worked hard to communicate with the teacher and to develop strategies to help our son, but the teacher was unable to implement the strategies or develop her own. We sat in the back of the classroom for an hour one day and observed that the teacher was engaged with about one-third of the class, spent half her time disciplining one-third of the class, and completely ignored the other third of the class. My daughter s 2nd grade teacher was much better but just did not have the time or resources to help a child having difficulty with reading. Because my daughter was falling behind we fought for and finally received an IEP; however, the IEP was completely inadequate. The IEP committee was disorganized and could not explain basic concepts. The primary focus of this school is the SOL scores rather than actually teaching. Today, after a year in private school, both kids are making great strides, happy, and well adjusted. If you have the money, put your kids in a private school. If you don t, be prepared to fight thebureaucracy for resources.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attended FES between 2004-2008. My oldest has ADHD and had an IEP. His standardized test scores were very low, but he was making good grades in class. Then my younger son started school. He was also making good grades, but his state exams were much lower than I expected. I actually started to believe that my kids must just be below average and was happy that they were at least doing well in class. Then we moved. Within two months at the new school, both of them were reading at grade level. It's been two years now and their standardized test scores are above average. My oldest is still playing catch-up, but is almost off his IEP now. I loved FES while we were there. I just had no idea how terrible the acedemics were until we moved. I wish I had acted sooner.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience at Franconia has not been a very positive one. We've found it difficult to communicate with teachers and administrators alike, and have felt that our daughter's academic progress has been slowed considerably since coming to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Before attending Franconia, we'd heard nothing but praises for the teachers, fellow students and staff members. Our child has been there some years now. There are plenty of activities for families to participate in and the student population is small enough to keep it very much the 'Community School' it truly is. Teachers are very personable and responsive to parents when it comes to all issues, questions, challenges, etc. Office staff are helpful and efficient. During this upcoming transition year, there will be lots of challenges for the teachers, staff and students alike. In about one year, a brand new, overhauled school facility will be the reward. Franconia will soon have a brand new library, stage, office, cafeteria, classrooms and more. This school is an excellent choice for all students, whether considered below, above or of average intelligence.
--Submitted by a parent

I had two kids here, one in K and the other in 2nd grade. In my opinion their 'standards of learning' are not up to par with other elementary schools in the area. Preliminary tests showed BOTH of my children to be academically almost 1 year ahead of their peers?! Although I love my kids, I promise you they are/were not! That was my first red flag. My second red flag was when my K routinely came home with a LOT more homework then my 2nd grader? The 3rd red flag was when my Kindergartener came home upset that one of her classmates called her a 'Mother Effer' (the unedited version)! But the last straw for me was another K classmate gave a SEX ED 101 course and told the other kids what she had seen her parents doing in the bedroom...in detail! Where exactly were the teachers during all this?
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. At Franconia you feel a part of a family. My children started the school year mid-way through and on my first visit to the school every staff member we encountered knew my children's names. I really feel that the teachers and staff know my children and care about them.
--Submitted by a parent

Franconia is a great small community school. With a focus on arts integration the students excell through a variety of learning disicplines.
--Submitted by a teacher

As a military family, we have seen schools across the country for our two children. Franconia has high quality academics, arts, music and above all, a highly motivated and professional faculty. Dr. Jackson is by far the most involved principal that we have yet encountered. Even on your first meeting, you can see that the students are Job #1 at Franconia, and she exudes positive attitude, good will, and confidence. Our children are extremely fortunate to attend Franconia,
--Submitted by a parent

This is a older school in transition; within an area also experiencing rapid growth. Keep your eye on it. The principal and faculty are very involved, and should meet any parents requirements.
--Submitted by a parent