Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

The student-led goal setting conferences have empowered my son to think and plan clearly for the year, and to celebrate success in achieving his goals. The teachers have been available and flexible in managing any issues that come up, academically or socially.
—Submitted by a parent

Ben Franklin Elementary is a great school because the teachers and staff are dedicated to the children. We also have a very active and involved PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

All the staff is committed to the success of the students. Parents are welcome anytime, anywhere in the school. The facilities are fairly new and well manteined.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing Specialists! Fantastic Parent involvement...an overall wonderful place to learn, grow and accept others differences!
—Submitted by a parent

UPDATE: I previously posted and wanted to provide my opinion of the new school year thus far. First, the new Principal, Ms. Fricke, seems great. She is visible and available and seems to have a good rapport with both parents and children. I noticed on the 1st day of school, she was even addressing some children by their first names! Secondly, regarding my issue with bullying, the respecitve parties (new teachers and staff) were made aware of the previous situation prior to the new school year beginning. I certainly appreciate the work that the school counselor did over the summer to inform the the new teachers of the previous conflicts between the two children; so that both children can start off the new school year on good footing and hopefully succeed without the past years' issues continuing.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids have gone to this school since kindergarten (going on 5 years now). While reading the previous comments (both good and bad) I can safely say they are all true. The teacher dedication and extra activities are great, however the teacher turnover has been over 50% in the 4 years we've been there. The parant envolvement is great depending on the class makeup. Some rooms have a lot, while others are somewhat baren. There is definately a bullying problem and the student dispersment seems rather odd with most of the troubled kids placed in the same class, while the other class room of the same grade has almost no problem children. Now the biggest complaint, class size. Lake Washington prides itself in being a high standard for education, however Franklin's class size is at 27 per classroom. Well above the national average.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the full time Quest program at Franklin. She has had a wonderful time and she has been challenged. The new building is not much to get excited about. It was built as an office building rather than evaluating what an elementary school needs. The paper supply is right next to the pottery kilm. Very noisy building. Three story dividing doors (Lunch room/Gym), without electricity the doors will not be able to move.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to this school since Kindergarten. Its a great school with Great staff. PTA is really good and helpful has lot of after school activities. Teachers are all good and dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this area for this school and have been very pleased. The teaching stratagies are great and there are lots of positive reinforcement which goes a long way. Every month a different character trait is focused on and they kids are highly recognized for thier effort in applying these traits, great thing to have in a public school. We have had a great experience so far and look forward to that continuing.
—Submitted by POLLY Masaniai, a parent

Great School where the teachers, office staff and parents make the difference. The priniciple has very good control of the school. The staff is like a family and the children and teachers love the school. The parental envolvement is high - so high that our teacher wonders how she can utilize 20 volunteers. Extra curricular programs are very high quality. The new building that opened up in 2006 is high quality, environmentally friendly. PTA envolvement is high. Test score results are high.
—Submitted by an administrator

My two children have gone to this school since Kindergarten. They are in 1ST and 3RD grade. This school is a wonderful place with many after school activities such as chess, art, science ect. They are getting a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a special needs child. We are not having a good experience. Since the beginning of the school year I have requested five conferences. I don't feel my sons needs are being met or taken seriously.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides so many extra activities. My kindergarten son was in after school Spanish and chess club. His class had half of the class in accelerated reading. His teacher Mrs. Sanchez was so wonderful. She had the kids put on a Mothers Day lunch with the kids escorting us to the tables and serving us. The made pen flower sets and so much more!! She really went the extra mile. All of the teachers seem very involved and we can't wait to see what 1ST grade will be like for our son!
—Submitted by a parent