Ben Franklin Elementary School

7620 South 83rd Street

School District

Franklin Public
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Franklin Public 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 May 01, 2023

We have 2 kids going in this school and they have made tremendous progress with their academics with the support from teachers and staff. The overall community is great, equitable and supporting.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2023

We absolutely love this school and could not disagree more with the negative reviews. Our children have had wonderful experiences here and my interaction with both teachers, office staff and special education staff has been outstanding. Everyone is always respectful, cheerful and welcoming. We utilize multiple services within the school and continue to have positive experiences. We love Ben Franklin!
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2019

Staff/office workers (including Principle) are rude as soon as you greet them during school hours. There is no point at discussing any concerns as they already made up their mind that they don’t care about treating you or the students as human beings. They will always talk to you in a rude tone, like you’re an annoyance. I get that it’s stressful at times, but part of their job is to be mindful, caring and respectful at all times to model for the children. None of which I experienced or observed. I hope you find this helpful when deciding if this school is a good fit for you and your child.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2017

Heather Tait is the worst. She clearly should not be working with children. I have two children that have the unfortunate experience of being in her music class. Her reputation precedes her and brings the entire school down.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2015

My husband and I attended catholic schools throughout our education. We debated catholic vs. Ben Franklin. We decided to try BF. We have been extremely impressed with the school overall. The principal is outstanding. Yes you have a rude office employee who should be replaced and bumps with teachers but overall this is a top-notch school. Our son loves it.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

I couldn't agree more with other parent review. This school has the worst school office staff anywhere, very rude and condescending and you will fall on deaf ears if you attempt to have any of your concerns addressed with the administrators (principal,superintendent). Parent involvement is NOT encouraged here, so when choosing a school do not base it solely off test scores because the culture within the school is just as vital. Worst Franklin elementary school!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

teachers are very caring. lots of parent involvment which I like. Wish school would open a few minutes earlier. Is like a herd of cattle when the doors open.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2013

Unfriendly office staff. The school is set in its ways and unless the child can conform to the standard teaching methods DON'T send your child here. If your child struggles in any area do NOT expect any help from the teachers to improve the learning environment for your child. Can't wait until the school year is over to get my child OUT of this school.
Submitted by other on April 06, 2012

I am extremely impressed with the special education program at Ben Franklin. The teachers are some of the most caring individuals I have ever met. They work hard to meet their students' needs. IEP meetings are run smoothly,. Parent input is always accepted, and communication has been exceptional.
Submitted by other on December 31, 2011

The holiday music program was outstanding this year. Lots of smiles in the audience and on stage. Thanks for the long hours it took to prepare for the performance.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2011

Tremendously lacking in the professional ability (though not lacking material resources) to support children with ANY type of physical need or intellectual deficit - however minor. Withdrew our child after two years and enrolled in a private school that readily handled the physical disability (though they were not legally required to do so). Recommend you avoid this school.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2011

We moved to this school district for the special ed program after meeting with the early childhood teacher and district special needs director. Our son has autism and I feel that the special ed teachers and support staff have a good understanding of ASD. We have never had a problem with an IEP, even when expecting one his needs were met, my concerns addressed and they almost always exceed my expectations - often offering services I didn't think to ask for. We've been at the school 5 years now. When a problem arises like bullying, they take it seriously and have addressed my concerns starting the very next day. High involvement from parents lends to a sense of community. They have wonderful teachers and it is a newer facility. I do recommend this school for special ed and regular education. It is the reason we moved to the area and I do not regret that decision.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2011

The new principal is outstanding......but some of the teachers are lacking basic teacher/parent relation skills. Often, I have attempted to contact my children's teacher but calls are not returned. The open door policy that most schools have is not utilized here. One of the secretaries is very rude and seem to almost attack one if they want to visit there own child's room unannounced. The PTA is great and they come up with great family activities.....I just wish some of these teachers had better communication skills.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2011

Terrible special education program. They have all of the resources they could ask for, (an entire classroom dedicated to sensory issues, etc.) so it appears as though it would be a great place for sped students, but they were generally unsupportive. The staff created a downright negative environment for my child with Asperger's, often punishing and shaming the child for symptoms of the disorder. They also continuously pushed the idea of medication, after being told repeatedly that we were opposed to it. We have since moved to a different district where my child's entire school experience has improved greatly and medication has never been mentioned... I would not suggest this school to anyone who has a child with special needs. There seems to be a lack of basic understanding, even on the part of the special education teachers.