Franklin Elementary School

This is an excellent school in all sense of the word. My child has already two years in this school and teachers are above and beyond. Love the school environment! My child goes to school everyday with a smile on her face…

You could do just about anything and get away with it. Cafeteria was promised a panini press and salad bar but was denied after covid. No discipline unless dress code related. Principal doesn’t know how to lead students or handle conflict.

There is a huge new gym and auditorium. The principal is amazing and inspirational. My son has learned so much in his years at Hoover. I would highly recommend this school. The PTA is very involved and has put together some great programming for the kids. I think it is the best run school in Bergenfield.

Have two children at the school and we are very happy with their performance. Their Armenian and French language abilities astound us! We are not thrilled with Common Core, math especially but not much can be done with that. All their teachers are very caring and supportive, reaching out to parents and making students feel secure and supported. Unsure why another reviewer said there were bullying issues, neither of my children complain beyond what is normal for their age. Both later explain that differences were sorted out and now they are friends with those that they felt slighted by. If you have children at this school and your children complain about bullying, remember as a parent what it was like when you were growing up, especially if you went to a public school. Support your children, teach them social skills, open their eyes to how the world works, push your children to be more creative in how they deal with classmates. If your children complain about bullying at this school, unfortunately the next school will most probably be exponentially worse for them. This is the gentlest school they will ever attend.In regards to leadership point, the principals have changed but the gentle nature of the school has been in place under both principals. Lack of leadership? Did not see that with either principal, both were driven to getting the best out of the school with the budgets they have. If there was more money, more could be done but I do not see my children suffering going to Hovnanian. Is it a panacea, no. Do I think the school board places too much time, money and effort into accreditations, yes. Fundraising at the school could be run better. All in all, the school is safe and well run academically. (Unaware that the school has resources to handle special education students-wish they could-that is why we gave a middling grade.)

As a current parent in 2022 the first reviewer from 2017 is still spot on today about wanting to promote an image of caring and warmth. But it’s all fake. They are consistently not proactive when it comes to protecting children. And they feel no obligation to communicate with parents proactively or answer to them should problems arise. The head administrator actually told my wife and I to our faces that how they run things is none of our business. You want to know what their school policy is regarding student safety? Forget it. A problem arises with your kid and you want information to understand what happened? Forget it. You want to know specifics about how a problem your kid is having is going to be addressed? In the words of the head administrator if you expect that type of communication and respect as a parent “ then you chose the wrong school.” Thank you, Rabbi and we couldn’t possibly agree more.