4 Appleton Cmn
Franklin, MA 02038

My son went to school here, and while he wasn't the most diligent of students, he received an exceptional amount of support for four years. The teachers were genuinely concerned for student welfare and academic achievement and reached out (usually by email) to update parents on classroom activities. The high school offered many opportunities for student engagement with after-school clubs, sports programs, and summer camps. My son required a special ed plan and received one. It was reviewed periodically and measured for goal setting. When the pandemic hit, it was very, very hard for everyone. The teachers tried to be flexible and creative to maintain interest in remote learning and when the students returned to classrooms, hygiene was of extreme importance--hand washing, wiping down desks, masking, etc. All in all, my son had a very good experience at this school.

Communication exists in a newsletter only that constantly has incorrect information. Kids whom lash out cause they've had enough bullying tend to be the ones punished not the bullies themselves. Some teachers are excellent and caring while more than half forget these are middle schoolers and to treat them as such (meaning not adults just basically becoming a teen). Environment is not a happy one at the school. Principal is rarely seen and doesn't know kids names.

I disagree with the person that said this is a great school. Parents are fed up. The ones who love Oak are cliquey and busybodies. If you’re a working parent or not able to volunteer money or time, don’t expect to be welcomed. There are some great teachers but serious issues are swept under the rug by administration. If your child doesn’t need extra help or academic support, you will love Oak. The minute your child struggles and you request extra help you’ll be treated differently. The staff gossip about parents and there is a negative culture. The PCC (the school’s PTA) spends a large portion of their funds on teacher appreciation and sucking up. Majority of the teachers are paid very well (close to or above 6 figure salary). If you enjoy sucking up and never questioning anything, you’ll love Oak. If you are concerned about how a school responds to behaviors, bullying, or struggling academics then please do not choose Oak. It only gets worse in the middle school. Choose a house in the Keller zone if you can or avoid Franklin entirely.