Parmenter

As a parent with a child who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), I have had a very positive experience. The school has been very accommodating and supportive of my child's unique needs and the special education staff has assisted my son in growing out of his educational delays. The staff, particularly the special education team, has been proactive in communicating with me and ensuring that my child receives the necessary resources and support.The IEP meetings are well-organized and the team is always open to my input and concerns. They make sure to tailor the educational plan to my child's specific needs, which has greatly helped in their academic and social development. The teachers are patient and understanding, and they work closely with the special education staff to implement the IEP effectively. And the administration is extremely responsive when I have a concern that needs to be addressed quickly.The school values a strong partnership with families, the pursuit of a classical body of knowledge, and responsibility for self and the community. The four pillars of their mission – Parents as Primary Educators, Classical Education, Character Education, and Community Service – guide all their activities and keep students, staff, families, administration, and board members engaged in a rich tradition of innovation and success.Overall, I am grateful for the support and dedication of the BFCCPS staff. They have created a nurturing environment where my child can thrive both academically and socially. If you are a parent of a child with an IEP, I would highly recommend considering BFCCPS for your child's education.

My daughter attended Kindergarten here and we had to sell our home and leave Franklin due to her horrible experience. She was bullied for the color of her skin (we're South Asian), in Kindergarten! Her teacher, though excellent, was not aware of it due to the large class size. The principal (Ashley) however, gets the award for continuing and supporting racism. When I brought up the situation with her, she initially blamed my daughter for bringing it upon herself. When I insisted, she spoke with the parents of the bullies. Then, that was it. She did not follow up with me, with the class or with anybody else. There was no systemic change. We were lucky enough to be able to leave the town. I later connected with various other minority parents and heard many stories of racism in the entire school district. We now live in a top school district with a lot of diversity. Kindness, equality, hope and good behavior are part of the school district's guidelines!! The difference is night and day in my daughter's experience. If you are not white, I would strongly caution you against buying a home in Franklin. Please don't put your children through needless suffering.

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.

We moved to the Jefferson district prior to having children. Once we had kids and looked to move to a larger home, we didn't even consider moving to another part of Franklin. The school has the nicest campus in town, the students all know each other, the administration makes it a point to know each student (the one negative comment from 2014 seems odd, and that principle has since left), and the communication with parents and partnership is amazing. They often look for feedback from families, champion kind and respectful behavior from their students, and have a great staff of teachers who really work as partners with their students' families.

My child started attending this school in 4th grade and her experience (being the new kid) was amazing from Day 1. Her teachers were fantastic and she's made wonderful friends!!! She's happy and thriving!