Ben Franklin Elementary School

I am extremely impressed with the special education program at Ben Franklin. The teachers are some of the most caring individuals I have ever met. They work hard to meet their students' needs. IEP meetings are run smoothly,. Parent input is always accepted, and communication has been exceptional.

The holiday music program was outstanding this year. Lots of smiles in the audience and on stage. Thanks for the long hours it took to prepare for the performance.

Tremendously lacking in the professional ability (though not lacking material resources) to support children with ANY type of physical need or intellectual deficit - however minor. Withdrew our child after two years and enrolled in a private school that readily handled the physical disability (though they were not legally required to do so). Recommend you avoid this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to this school district for the special ed program after meeting with the early childhood teacher and district special needs director. Our son has autism and I feel that the special ed teachers and support staff have a good understanding of ASD. We have never had a problem with an IEP, even when expecting one his needs were met, my concerns addressed and they almost always exceed my expectations - often offering services I didn't think to ask for. We've been at the school 5 years now. When a problem arises like bullying, they take it seriously and have addressed my concerns starting the very next day. High involvement from parents lends to a sense of community. They have wonderful teachers and it is a newer facility. I do recommend this school for special ed and regular education. It is the reason we moved to the area and I do not regret that decision.
--Submitted by a parent

The new principal is outstanding......but some of the teachers are lacking basic teacher/parent relation skills. Often, I have attempted to contact my children's teacher but calls are not returned. The open door policy that most schools have is not utilized here. One of the secretaries is very rude and seem to almost attack one if they want to visit there own child's room unannounced. The PTA is great and they come up with great family activities.....I just wish some of these teachers had better communication skills.
--Submitted by a parent

Terrible special education program. They have all of the resources they could ask for, (an entire classroom dedicated to sensory issues, etc.) so it appears as though it would be a great place for sped students, but they were generally unsupportive. The staff created a downright negative environment for my child with Asperger's, often punishing and shaming the child for symptoms of the disorder. They also continuously pushed the idea of medication, after being told repeatedly that we were opposed to it. We have since moved to a different district where my child's entire school experience has improved greatly and medication has never been mentioned... I would not suggest this school to anyone who has a child with special needs. There seems to be a lack of basic understanding, even on the part of the special education teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the wonderful parents and teachers that help make this school such a great place to be.
--Submitted by a parent

Ben Franklin is a well rounded school in academic, mucic, art & extracuricular activities! Parent involvement is very obvious in the school and in the children.
--Submitted by a teacher