Benjamin Franklin High School

18864 East Germann Road

School District

Benjamin Franklin Charter School
Grade

7-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 June 23, 2022

Good school with some flaws. Homework load is great. Not too much. Students are kind. Teachers are mainly good and administrators are very nice.
Submitted by student on June 23, 2022

I switched here halfway through my junior year and it felt like I had been at this school for forever. All the students and staff are so nice and so welcoming. I’ve loved it!!
Submitted by student on June 15, 2022

Everyone at this school is very welcoming and is always ready to help you if you let them. Going down the halls during passing period, you always know everyone you see or have talked to them at least once wether it was on your own or in a group project in class. I feel like the students are what make Ben Franklin, Ben Franklin with everyone being so nice and open and just trying to have fun even though it is school and not everyone wants to be there no matter what school they go to. I have been at Benjamin Franklin High School since 7th grade and about to start my senior year and I can honestly say I will miss this school when I graduate.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2021

This school used to be great. Now it has devolved into a mediocre, run-of-the-mill district school.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2020

Some of it was good but when kids become so anxious about school and the perfection that is demanded of them that they start picking at their skin and have anxiety about even driving by the school something is wrong. I know for some families its a great fit but if you send you children here I would be very watchful of their behaviors before the damage it has caused is too late!!
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2018

My daughter joined the Ben Franklin environment when this jr. high/high school opened, for her it was 7th grade. It has been perfect for her learning style. Advanced curriculum has helped her stay engaged and more prepared for college courses. The smaller enrollment has also resulted in a more close at student body, faculty and parental support.We are proud to be part of the first group of students to complete 7th-12th grade at this excellent charter.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2018

This is a great school if you have a kid that wants to learn or the time to push a somewhat distracted teenager. These kids are doing stuff I did in college and doing it well. The downside is it is hard, but so is life.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2018

My son enjoys his classes and how his teachers interact with the children. He is in honors classes and maintains high grades. Plus is able to do any outside orchestra. He really does enjoy this school and his teachers.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2017

All of my sons have been students at BFHS. Academics, values, arts and sports. A classical approach in education that builds strong skills and character... never disappoints.
Submitted by other on November 14, 2016

My son has only been at the school for a short time, yet he absolutely love it. From what I have experienced with staff, extremely helpful, seems like they love their job. The Dean of the school is amazing keeps me very well informed if my sons progress. I would absolutely recommend BFHS to others.Thanks BFHSA happy mom
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2016

In short, this school tries to do everything "right". Unlike so many schools that send mixed messages to students depending on the situation - BFHS compels students to act with integrity in all areas of school life. Not only that, they "walk the walk". If there is an issue, teachers and staff go above and beyond to rectify it. BFHS has an amazing collection of people who do their best for each student. Finally, the classical education is unsurpassed. My two children are challenged with the best thoughts, ideas, literature, and curriculum by thoughtful, caring, and highly educated teachers. I would not send my children anywhere else.
Submitted by other on July 10, 2016

This school is fine for regular kids, however is beyond terrible for any child with special needs or who needs additional help. My child qualifies for an IEP yet because he is not multiple grade levels behind they refused to do an IEP and would only do a 504. They sent it home for my signature, it was missing information so I corrected it and never received a revised copy despite 3 emails to the secretary and 1 to the principal. Their English teacher's idea of tutoring was to give my son "busy work" instead of actually trying to figure out what he needed help in and why he wasn't understanding it. The teacher shouldn't be telling me, the parent, she doesn't know how to help him and asking if I have any ideas! I also did not feel my son should be promoted to the next grade since he was receiving Ds and Fs in almost all classes, to which the principal told me that it was not my decision as the parent it was their decision as the school and even if he received all Fs they were still going to promote him because he could pass the standardized state testing. My son will not be returning to this school. He loved the teachers and the kids but the administration obviously doesn't care about helping the kids, only about their bottom line and their test scores. Please, if your child is special needs, run don't walk away from this school.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2015

I've never met so many amazing and passionate teachers, staff and principal as I have at Ben Franklin High School. I love that each teacher believes that their class is the most important subject. Their excitement and enthusiasm for teaching carries over to my youth who attend there, and they know and feel that each teacher believes in what they are teaching. As a parent I love knowing that they care for my children as a person and not just a number.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2015

I love this school. I was looking for a school that taught in the classical education style and this school does this well and with purpuse. My son has excelled here. The teachers are well versed in their subjects and they get students excited about learning because they are excited about it. The principal is wonderful and has a vision for the school and the students. He is very approachable and willing to help parents with problems that arise. BFHS has been growing it's sports programs and offers almost all high school sports and clubs. If you are looking for the best curriculum with sports and a student body with high standards and morals this is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2015

lack of racial diversity, racism, damp nasty . the school administration treat parents disrespectfully a former student This school has a lot of room for improvement. I went to this school and they really do not care about the students. I would never recommend this school if you care about your child's education.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2014

We have sent all seven of our children through the Benjamin Franklin system, and have been 100% elated with the education they have received. BFHS has provided them with a safe, nurturing atmosphere, while challenging their minds and preparing them for the future. Our four children who have already graduated from BF have been admitted to a top university, and we could not be happier with their preparation for rigorous academic life. We HIGHLY recommend BFHS to all who are looking for a challenging alternative to the public school system. Rick and Lisa Andreasen
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2014

Our family made the switch to Benjamin Franklin 2 yrs ago. We have been very impressed with the caring administration and teachers. The principal (Mr. McAfee) truly cares and respects each student. He has their best interest at heart and makes himself assessable to parents and students alike. Overall the teachers love the subject they teach and therefore convey their passion to the students. My son loves the atmosphere and his fellow students seem genuinely happy to be at school. Our biggest reason for choosing Ben Franklin over other charters schools is the high standard they have for students education, attitude, behavior, and dress. The students are expected to abide by these standards and thrive in the environment.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2014

My son is a sophomore and is having a great experience. This is his second year at this high school. We have seen him improve academically, athletically, and socially. As a rule, the teachers care and communicate very well. I really like how involved the parents are in support of the programs. Despite the size of the school, the sports programs have "big school" energy and excitement. The programs are still young and developing but they are making great progress.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2014

My son was a 7th grade student last year. Unfortunately we had to move to a different State so he spent just one year but it was enough to know the competency and quality education Benjamin Franklin showed. I'm happy We enrolled him in this school even though it last just for one year. Great teachers and my son enjoyed it very much. I thought it would be hard for him since he came from different education system (Montessori) but he transitioned better as I expected.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

My sons started at this school in 2013 in 8th and 10th grades. Their experience has been everything we hoped it would be. Most of the students WANT to be there, are interested in learning and helping each other. The teachers are fresh and enthusiastic. They take responsibility for providing an interesting and successful learning experience. The office staff is competent and reasonable. The student body in general is positive. It's a place a student can feel safe and a parent can feel connected with their teachers. My sons are thriving in a place focused on the basic elements of education including foreign language, athletics, art and music. The texts are quality and they are reading new books, not just what always has been. The sports teams have had quality coaches invested in building character and success on and off the playing field. Oh, and the music department! Stop here! These are concerts I actually look FORWARD to attending. It's an organization we feel is worth investing our time, energy and emotion into. My son said to me, "Mom, this is it! I don't care what happens, THIS is where I want to graduate from. This school is just right for me!"