Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Gilbert

1475 South Val Vista Drive

School District

Benjamin Franklin Charter School
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

charter

School Map for Benjamin Franklin Charter School

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 July 24, 2024

This used to be a good school. Some of the teachers are great, some are okay, which is to be expected. We never had a bad teacher.The administration however is absolutely horrible. They waste money on poorly planned construction and the office staff can be downright rude. The pickup is out of a horror movie and will likely give you PTSD or nightmares. You can sit in line for 40 minutes waiting to pick up your kids, only to finally get to the front of the line and principal shuts the gate in your face and tells you to go to the office. You will then be getting out of your car to sign your child out in the office because the administration is so incompetent at running the pickup, and all after waiting in a 40 minute line in Arizona summer heat. Going to the dentist for a root canal is a less painful experience than picking your child up from this school.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2023

Don’t send your child here. If, you want a super rigid, overly disciplined, no flexibility nor accommodations to help your child to thrive and grow then send them here. Your concerns wont be addressed and if you have concerns they don’t want to investigate you will be considered to be crossing professional boundaries because you are too involved as a parent in your child’s school educational system. The teachers don’t respect the students but rather talk down to them but expect all of the respect from the students. The administration in this school cares about numbers and is very superficial and cares more about the overall appearance of the school and children fitting into the model of their school system and if your child learns differently or has any type of special needs this isn’t the place for you child. As, their needs won’t be addressed or will seem problematic for the teacher who really doesn’t want to have to accommodate the child’s needs. The whole school administration office (except for maybe one of the front office staff members who are polite) they are very condescending in how they communicate with you and clearly exhibit clear qualities of covert narcissists. They gossip about parents. They are very dismissive to any concerns that needs to be addressed and will not respond and act as if it’s not happening and that you are being a problem to address concerns. Don’t fall for the hype. The children never look happy to go to school. The favorite part of the students day is recess. No child should be told no to go use the bathroom or to get water. When you go into the school you never hear any of the children voices and you can hear a pencil drop. The students are told that they aren’t allowed to look at each or other or speak to each other only face the board and be still and quiet. Lacks social and emotional development due to being overly strict and no group or hands on activities just work sheets. The only socialization they have is at recess. Students are afraid to speak and to ask teachers for help. Teachers put up a closed sign and won’t address students with questions here are to be seen and not heard and so are the parents. If, your child isn’t a naturally shy and quiet and respectful student then they will be dealt with more harshly and hounded to do things the proper way. They don’t meet students where they are and they teach ahead and don’t look back and your will be considered as to be falling behind when they are on grade level.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2023

We love Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Gilbert campus!
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2023

We have had all of our children at BFCS -Gilbert with the oldest spending his entire elementary years there. We couldn’t be happier with our experience. Excellent teachers who care and a curriculum that emphasizes being a good citizen is equally as important as getting good grades.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2017

Loved everything about this school. Very disciplined, teachers are amazing, staff is very friendly ! My kids are leading a whole lot! I just hate that the don’t have a cafeteria.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2015

Benjamin Franklin has a great curriculum. My children learn something they are excited about daily. They should add something for the more advanced kids too! They are all at the same level. Now if you don't fit into their mold- they are soon agianst you. Since the new principal has taken over things have changed for the worse! The principal has three kids that attend the school. Its funny how all three won first place in the poetry contest for their grade.... They had the winner and the runner up come up to the stage. The winner received a medal and recited their poem, while the runner up stood in the shadows while looking at the ground. Why even have them come up? They never follow up with you about issues. We had bullying issues the last two years and not one time did anyone follow up about it. They do not background check, anyone can just sign and walk in at their leisure, have lunch, go on field trips or play with the kids at recess:( They are not professional, the old principal and staff should return... My wish for this school is that they have a program for more advanced kids and to learn how to treat everyone equally- reguardless of race, wealth, and religion!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2014

I love this school. I gave two children that went there for first grade and finishing second grade. I will be keeping them in the school for all grades. The teachers are great, knowledgeable, and provide free tutoring for students that need help. Both of the teacher help my kids when needed to help them excell. I would definitely recommend this school. Yes, this school is focused on having each child excell and it is intense where they learn language arts and math. They also have fun things that the kids love like art, music, P.E.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2014

This is my sons first year and we love it! The curriculum has really helped him improve and understand what he is learning. The teachers are highly trained and love what they do.
Submitted by other on March 25, 2014

This school leaves much to be desired. They do not take the time to teach your child its hurry, hurry, hurry, and on to the next. If your child gets upset because they are not keeping up the teacher is of no help. I experienced this first hand while helping in the classroom. I'm so glad my child no longer attends this school. They cater to the A students while others go by the way side. When a school brags about their A+ ratings I d be leery as to how they received it.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2014

Great school, awesome teachers and staff! This is our ninth year at this campus and I've been very pleased with the education that my children have received here.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

I am a veteran parent and on the parent board. The academic program is the best there is. I have had dealings with the executive director and find him to be egotistical and not caring about parenyts and their concerns. He can be very condescending if you approach him with issues.
Submitted by principal on June 24, 2013

We are excited about the construction of our new campus and look forward to it's opening this August for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year! Enrollment opportunities have increased due to this expansion. Please call 480-632-0722 to inquire about enrolling your child today.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2012

This school is very hit and miss. If you student is a great student, by all means send them. They seem to teach ahead and don't look back much. If your student is popular even better. However if you have a student that is a c student, this school will pass right by them and missing concepts that will affect your child later. Nothing is done about bullying as my son was bullied, I had multiple talks with the principle and things did not get better. This is an accurate rating as my kids went to school her from kindergarten to 5th grade. If you are lucky enough to get a great teacher which there are some in here for sure you will be great. One bad teacher will make your life and kids life really tough. We were not able to switch teachers instead the school would rather you left since they have a wait list. My students bad grades were listed on a wall for everyone to see.Between the bullying and posting bad grades on the wall for all to see my kids confidence was faltering at an all time low. The best thing I did was pull my kids out. I now have a happy healthy kid who still gets C's but gets more help to understand what he missed.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2012

As a parent at BFCS of many years at Gilbert Campus their is a procedure to follow regarding these issues concerning your child. The first step should have been to first talk to the teacher and then the principal after that you can contact the administration. I know for a fact all issues have always been dealt with fairness and resolved happily. It is unkind to bash a specific person simply because of differences of opinions. We are all adults and should deal with things as such. Door #2 is an amazing person, who is highly qualified and loves the children. I feel sad when teachers are treated unfairly because of all they do and deal with on a daily basis. Please remember we all have bad days, bad moments and tough times. We are here to learn to be kind and be good examples for the children of the future.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2012

Amazing curriculum, great staff and teachers. I have been a parent here at BFCS for over seven years, and will continue to be one untill all my children have concluded sixth grade. Here at Benjamin Franklin Charter School teachers are trained to teach a well rounded curriculum. The renowned Spalding and Saxon math method of teaching are implemented , as well as deep study of the American constitution. The teachers follow an oustanding code of conduct, and are loving ,friendly to the children and parents. The principal is great with children , and deals with them with fairness. When problems arise he is always willing and ready to meet the child and the parents to help solve problems. I honestly have not to deal with the principal very often, because I was able to resolve most all issues by first consulting with my child's teacher. All the office staff is cordial and helpful to those that belong and are just visiting the campus. I am well pleased with the school, but most importantly with the type of education provided here. Ounce again the curriculum, the discipline, and the structured enviroment is outstanding. Visit our school and see for yourself.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2011

I have been with this school for many years. I love the academics and staff. I know that my children were loved, cared for and taught well. My older children have excelled as teenagers because of this program. This past month has been two of our families favorite highlights. Fall festival and the Veteran's Day program. What a great way to help create a family friendly environment. Thank you to the staff and all of the parent volunteers.