Franklin Elementary School

1433 San Antonio Avenue

School District

Alameda Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Alameda Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 07, 2016

We opted to move out of our home school for several reasons, including low average test scores and large school population. Franklin has been a fantastic fit for our son, now a third grader. The teachers in earlier grades were not the best, in our opinion, but so second and third grade experience have been fantastic. The teachers are very caring, the staff is accessible, and the after school program is great. Our son has made many good friends, been academically challenged, and grown up surrounded by a vey supportive PTA community that provides for those school items outside of the traditional school budget. We feel very fortunate that we are Franklin Falcons.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2015

Good community and diverse student population. Teaching methods are surprisingly traditional for the Bay Area with a strong emphasis (and reliance) on testing. School is bursting and many grades are over enrolled, which means you may be bumped after the first week if you are new and the grade is over subscribed. Principal is energetic, but not a able to successfully direct all of her teaching staff. Instead she does quite a bit of "horse trading," rewarding active volunteer parents (who will complain) with spots in the best classrooms (so they won't complain). This is not really a secret among Franklin parents. Lots of chess strategic moves by the principal to favor the active PTA complainers. We were new to the school and (no surprise) our child landed in one of the marginal teacher classrooms. Rough year for our child, who made great social connections, but was not supported well and lost a year academically. We tried to address with the principal mid-year and didn't make any real progress. After solid and caring K-4 teachers at our child's previous school, Franklin was a huge disappointment for us.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

Addressing the ethnicity comments below. Yes, Franklin is pretty white like much of Alameda. Our son half Asian, half Caucasian. I have not personally felt looked down upon as a minority but I am very confidently not white. There are teachers of color and male teachers at the school. I'm not sure we should judge the staff by the color of their skin or gender but rather their competency.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

I am very happy with the school overall. All of the things mentioned about staff, PTA, diversity of student body, and overall commitment by everybody involved is very impressive. However, I don't see much diversity in terms of teaching staff and school personnel. Students should see other ethnicities represented on staff. Perhaps something to consider when it comes to hiring time.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2013

Our child went here for half of his elementary years. We were not impressed. The pros are great parental involvement (most of these parents have plenty of resources) and some very good teachers. The cons some teachers just teaching to the test, not a very inclusive community and a condescending vibe towards minorities. All the great things we had heard about this school seemed to be just parents wanting to believe their kids' schools is so great. Many of the wealthy families in the neighborhood are very invested, which also means they have a bit too much leverage with the principal. Not a bad school but it's not all the great things it's said to be.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

Franklin Elementary is an amazing School, with caring and knowledgeable staff. I consider this school's community our extended family. Thanks to the small size of the school, and excellent communications between parents, staff, and the extremely active PTA, I feel blessed to have both my children be able to attend such a stellar public school. 5th Graders graduate with a wonderful set of life skills as well as a great foundation for middle school when leaving Franklin School.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

Franklin is a great small neighborhood school in the heart of Alameda. The PTA is very actively involved in enriching the students' experience, and the teachers really seem to care. The overall community of parents, students, teachers and staff are warm and welcoming. The school facility itself is a little lacking in green space -- having grown up in a suburb where every school was surrounded by lush grassy fields, this bothered me a little before my son started at the school. However, I am willing to overlook this minor flaw as the park across the street is very convenient for recess/PE/extracurricular picnics.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

We have had two children at Franklin School and have been very pleased with the school. On the whole the teachers are very good (although some are not as strong as others). The teachers are very accessible, and easy to reach if you have questions or concerns about your child. The parents are very involved, which I believe makes all the difference. We are very happy about how well-prepared our older daughter was for middle school. Most importantly, Franklin fosters a very positive atmosphere for the kids. Our kids have always been excited to go to school!
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

We consider ourselves very fortunate to have both our children enrolled at Franklin. The teachers are all fantastic as are the students. Both children have made numerous friends - which have turned into family friendships. The the community of parents (and grandparents!) contribute so much to this school: PTA involvement, volunteering in the classroom, art projects, etc. My children are thriving and we couldn't be happier.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

My husband and I are thrilled with Franklin School. Our 4rth grader and 1st grader have had excellent teachers who are passionate about teaching and learning, understand diversity and differentiated instruction, integrate creative projects throughout the year, and also know how to cover the basics. We also love the parent community. We've made lasting friendships and genuinely enjoy participating in school fund raising events, and community building activities because of how committed all the parents are (and how much fun we all like to have). The kids are safe, welcome, and always in good hands with community of parents and teachers at Franklin.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

Franklin has a dedicated staff and parents that make the school a great place for students to thrive and learn.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

We have two children in school at Franklin elementary in Alameda & are continually impressed by the teachers, staff and active parent community. This is our 5th year at Franklin & our children are thriving academically and enjoy the community events throughout the year. We are fortunate & proud to be a Franklin family.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

My wife and I have two sons at Franklin Elementary School. We've been very involved in the school community for the past five years and we're constantly impressed by the talent and dedication of the teachers, staff, and parents. This is a group of people who step up every day to make sure the children are receiving an excellent, well-rounded education, despite State budget cuts. If you're considering Franklin for your child, we encourage you to schedule a visit. You'll find a diverse, welcoming community and happy children who are excited about their school and eager to learn.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

Franklin school has a wonderfull, small-school feel. The culture is that of a warm, caring and thoughtful community. There are some outstanding, innovative teachers who are well supported. The parents and the PTA are the heart and soul of the Franklin community and are very active and capable.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

To Know: This year we have ~320 students from a large socio-economic and geographic spectrum. The families are almost all from the district and many walk/ride bike and or scoot to school. Each grade has two classes ranging from 24 students to 32(? - upper grades). There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for at-home working parents and not-at-home working parents. What We Like: I have experienced the teachers as highly engaged and dedicated to bringing out the best abilities in their students (my daughter has been at Franklin for two years - this is her third and she dances her way to school - I'm not kidding!). There is a good balance between the structure necessary for rote learning and the creativity necessary for innovation. PTA= exceptionally supportive; bringing many assemblies, added resources and fundraising activities to students and parents. Parents are heavily involved, enriching classrooms and participating in the extracurricular development of the students. How to Improve: Need to let more people know about Franklin as an option for K-5. Would love to see the building updated (?Painted) - but when push comes to shove, glad to see the $ go toward the kids!
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

My oldest daughter, a fourth grader, has attended Franklin for almost two years. We absolutely love the diverse student body, the active and engaged PTA, and the overall sense of community spirit here. Our son just started kindergarten at Franklin and we have a one-year-old as well. We feel so lucky that we will be able to call Franklin "home" for many more years. Franklin truly IS a great school.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

We love the school. We like that it's a small school and it feels like family and very much a part of the community. We have a great set of parents that are so dedicated in making the school a fun, safe and a good learning environment for the kids. The teachers are also very dedicated to their students.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

Consistently a great school. Two kids, 6 years apart. Still great after the break. Teachers very approachable and administration actually does what it says it will. Love.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

We moved to this little community to take advantage of the small town feeling and the neighborhood schools. Not often anymore can your child can attend the school down the street. We have been thrilled with our experience with this Elementary school. The staff and teachers treat the children with love and care. Everyone seems so vested in the community. It's a win win situation.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

It could be a private school. The closeness and sense of belonging is incredible. My family is safe here and it is a fantastic school to attend. Teachers, staff and parents all work hard to be the best. No complacency, no slackers, no teachers here for a paycheck. Teachers care and put in the extra time needed regardless of their contracts to make their students and colleagues the best they can be. The PTA is fantastic and supportive to all. I can not say enough about the wonderful 6 years and counting we have been attending.