Franklin Avenue Elementary School

1910 North Commonwealth Avenue

School District

Los Angeles Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Los Angeles 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 May 30, 2024

My daughter attended fourth grade at Franklin this year. Ultimately, she withdrew because the principal and teacher refused to open a window and consistently run air filters in the classroom, even when there were covid cases in the classroom and in the school. We REALLY wanted her to attend, as it is our home school, the kids are nice, and our daughter is a social butterfly. We went back and forth with the principal, teacher, and LAUSD admin, all of whom insisted that the LAUSD policy was that windows could not be opened, even though there are many schools that do have windows open. It came down to the teacher, who didn't want to open a window; and the principal, who backed whatever the teacher wanted. So, we got unlucky with the assigned teacher, but the principal wouldn't consider transferring her to another classroom, either, where another teacher might have been amenable to opening a window. It was all very frustrating trying to get them to open one fricking window so that our daughter could attend school. We thought that since she is highly gifted, the school might budge, but it didn't help one bit. So we homeschooled, and in the fall, our child will have to travel 45 minutes each way on a school bus to a magnet school that serves highly gifted children and has no problem opening a window or running air filters consistently. Even though we'd rather have her attend the local neighborhood school that is a 5-minute walk from our house, there are other significant concerns: 1. Construction on a new school building will be ongoing until 2027, creating an active construction zone with lots of air and noise pollution during the school day and decreasing the playground space by more than half. 2. The main school building is not earthquake-safe. It has been on the AB 300 list, identifying school buildings needing earthquake retrofits, since 1999, and NOTHING has been done to address this so far. Why are they building a NEW classroom building instead of fixing the old one, when the new one is NOT slated to replace the old one? 3. The gifted programs (GATE and SAS) exist, but pretty nominally. My daughter was identified as highly gifted, but there was no differentiated instruction or special programming for her. The most her teacher did was she seated her with three other gifted kids, but they didn't get differentiated instruction or assignments. Some positives: nice kids; nice parents; diversity; talented and encouraging art and music teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2024

So impressed with the teachers and parent involvement. Our duaghter has learned so much in her first six months of TK. I only have seen great things thus far and looking forward to the future.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2023

My son went to Franklin last year as a Kindergartener and enjoyed school and learned more than I thought possible. The parents are involved in fundraising and decision making. Diversity is celebrated. It's a kind and safe environment for learning. We are very lucky for it to be our home school.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2022

This school has gone SO far downhill. The principal is awful! The office staff refuses to communicate with parents, its so strange. The don't actually have an SAS program so I'm not sure why its listed. They play favorites with parents they like and ignore others. Honestly, with so many other great school in the area I'm shocked people still enroll.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2022

This school has one of the worst principles! She is horrible! She screams at kids, belittles them in front of their classmates. My daughter has come home crying due to this horrible principle. Let LAUSD HR dept if you have similar experience/
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2021

This school is poorly managed from the top down beginning with the principal.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2020

Our experience at this school has been positive.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2020

Great. An academically-focused public school is a bit of a rude awakening after private play-based preschool, but the kids are leaning fast. Parents are really nice and the new family get togethers are so welcome. Wish there were even a tiny patch of grass—it’s all asphalt. Also the kids have to wait in line to play in the one gym structure, “The apparatus.” Yikes.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2019

My son arrived after the school year had began and without speaking any English as we moved from overseas. The principal was so very kind from the beginning. They payed a lot of attention on my son, the English Learner Program is serious, very open to parents and his kindergarden teacher Mr. Lawton is absolutely amazing, sweet, fun and yet extremely concerned about the education . My son literally cries on weekends because he wants to go to School. I would recommend this school to anyone who lives around.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2017

I love this school and I feel that my daughter is learning a lot and doing many activities.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2017

Our son has been here for three years now (TK, Kinder, 1st). He has really had a great experience. He's a smart little dude and he's learning a lot, as well as learning social skills. The school is very multicultural and all the kids mix together... they don't "self-segregate" which is awesome. Great teachers, great students, great parents. The community is very involved in a good, not annoying, way. Love it.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2017

Based on my visit to the school and trying to get my daughter enrolled I had a terrible experience. The front desk was dismissive and rude. I was inquiring about the enrollment process since we are new to LAUSD and they were short and did not want to help. I was trying to take notes on what the process was and I felt rushed out the building. Since this is one of the few schools in the neighborhood with the SAS program I have to deal with them but as we all know... you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2014

Excellent school - great teachers - great attitudes - really attentive top notch all around
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2014

Franklin is falling behind and should take cues from better schools. I would much rather be back at Mt Washington Elementary and can see now what made that school above the rest.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2014

Great school....superb parent involvement...(mostly) wonderful teachers (maybe couple who should retire) however with that said as an overall this school is awesome. We are more than thrilled to be a Franklin Fox Family.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2014

There is a definite bias towards children of parents that are deeply involved with fund raising activities. I had to transfer my son out of Franklin due to continuous problems with bullying. Teachers and administration refuse to take action out of fear of reprisal from a parent that is heavily involved in extracurricular activities. Even after multilple compliants from multiple parents.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

fun, friendly and an awesome part of the community! The parental involvement makes this school stand out in hard economic times.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

I love this school! Awesome staff, principle, and families!! Thanks to all the continued support from the generous parents and community. Despite the budget cuts Franklin still thrives!
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

Franklin was a fantastic experience for my eldest child who graduated last June. He is now thriving at middle school. My younger two are also thriving at Franklin. There is a focus on arts, but still teaches the basics.Test scores keep improving. My kids keep learning and stay interested in the subjects.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2013

Our school is fantastic! It has wonderful teachers who really cares about the children and their education and value each individual. It has survived cuts in the economy due to involved and generous parents. We love our school!