Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

12434 Northeast 60th Street

School District

Lake Washington
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Lake Washington 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 July 01, 2024

I cannot say enough good things about this school! The teachers are truly outstanding, and the level of parent engagement is exceptional. My two children have had incredible experiences here, including my special needs child, who has received unparalleled support and integration.While reading the reviews, it's clear that the most recent one-star review is an outlier, written by a single unhappy parent who attempted to rally others but failed. The overwhelming consensus among parents is positive for a reason: this school is a nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality educational environment. Don't let one dissenting voice overshadow the countless positive experiences shared by our community.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2023

My child has been at Benjamin Franklin for five years. Unfortunately, there has been a significant decline in support from the principal, and a recent change in associate principals. The principal either refuses to deal with parents that have valid concerns, or simply isn’t capable of addressing such concerns and issues. Parents are pushed off to the associate principal. The previous associate principal was outstanding! She provided never ending support, and made the school feel like a safe environment .Bullying, harassment, and racism is tolerated with little to no consequences for the aggressor. Teachers are hit and miss. My child had a couple of outstanding teachers, which was the main reason for staying at the school, in addition to the previous associate principal. Due to the unacceptable and continuing negativity and hostile environment in the classroom this year, it has come to the point where a change is needed and we will not be returning to Franklin in the future.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2022

Staff and principal, Keith Buechler, are amazing, and so dedicated to the children! Strong staff solidarity, friendly atmosphere, and great community. Very rich cultural diversity of the families and school knows how to adapt and tailor something for each kid. They know how to encourage doing more for advanced kids and sustain those with challenges with 1:1 teaching etc. We are truly impressed by the quality of the education offer of our school and our kids are thriving.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2021

This used to be a really great school. The school district made changes which created a high turnover in staff. The district make decisions based on unions and not for students. The new school staff has a very obvious indoctrination mentality. If you want a straight education for your child, looks elsewhere. There are a few great teachers left but you are likely to get a bad teacher who will not support your child.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2020

Pretty good overall. My daughter thinks it's totally amazing.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2016

My son started going to Franklin since last year and has been happy and excited. The new principle Mr. Cho is committed and passionate, and I fully trust him to address the ongoing growth challenges faced by the school. The teachers we met are all amazingly dedicated. The PTA is well organized and sponsor a lot of fun activities from after curriculum to family night out. I cannot say enough good things about the school
Submitted by other on July 28, 2014

I feel like the school should give you more freedom. They still make you line up outside in class order until your teacher comes outside to meet you. I understand for the younger kids, but for your last year of elementary school? That is insane! They should allow the older kids to go to their classroom all by themselves.