4111 Renton Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98108

We were worried that our teen, coming from a small private school, would have difficulties at such a large, diverse high school. Franklin High was the best choice we ever could have made. Our teen is getting more from the experience at Franklin than we ever dreamed. The kids are great, welcoming, tolerant, fun, and even polite to adults (I always appreciate that). The academics are challenging and prepare students well, as our teen's PSAT scores would attest. AP and honors classes make for lots of homework, but there is also plenty of fun happening too. Our teen is stronger, smarter, and happier because she goes to Franklin. There is not a bunch of privileged, entitled kids expecting everything to be handed to them, judging others who have less. It's a good place to be.

My kids have been going to this school since kindergarten and they've had great experiences. All teachers and staff have been very dedicated and caring. The student body is very diverse and there is a big focus on inclusion and kindness. It's not a hyper-focused on academics or homework or producing high achievers, which I appreciate. The kids still learn a lot, but they make it interesting and fun - the focus is more on happy, well-rounded kids.

The principal barely communicates or interacts with the parents. Modes of receiving communication has been nothing but challenges and you have to persist or ask the most involved parents or Facebook group just to get a simple answer. They tout this wonderful new TAF program that has done really nothing to help diversity, inclusion or parent involvement. My son who has a high IQ but a learning disability doesn't fit in and is bullied and hurt physically. To get special education services for him, I've had to threaten to get the courts involved because they don't even respond to my multiple requests. They are just shuffling kids in and out and hoping that no one raises a stink about these poor conditions - even the most hardcore PTA parent friend of mine gave up and changed schools. I have had mixed experiences with teachers - the nurse and some teachers are great in trying to help my son (with education and bullying), but some staff should not even be there because they are dismissive and lack basic manners. The school facilities are worn out and parking/traffic is horrible being next to main streets and the Franz bread company. If they had more organization, these low-income issues wouldn't be a problem but leadership is severely lacking. We're just trying to get through and finish with this school so we can move to a better place for high school. Would not recommend this school unless you have no other options and your child isn't special needs and can fight back with bullies or fly under the radar. I used to think these low income schools need help with funding but now I'm realizing why they shouldn't be funded unless a really stellar principal can come in and make changes.I have another child in a West Seattle elementary school who got in by lottery and I am sacrificing the commute to keep him there because the difference between that school and these south end school is night and day. I've even pulled my daughter out of a different south end school due to the same type of conditions.