Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

5206 Northwest Franklin Street

School District

Vancouver
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Vancouver 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 January 24, 2025

Our child went to Franklin for all 6 years; Kindergarten through 5th grade. She was in the Mandarin program with little home exposure to Mandarin. We found the school excellent, the teachers caring and supportive but also hard. They helped the kids learn how to work hard, be consistent, and responsible for themselves. Our child never experienced any bullying but I knew if it ever happened the administrators would take action. The teachers, staff, and counselor support kindness and caring attention to students and others first and foremost and it shows in the respectful, caring person she has become. The experience at Franklin is exemplary, and we chose private school for middle school because no other school could measure up to Franklin's experience. Our child's learning and dedication were impressive to watch. Our child went from struggling to read and joining the English club to devouring 500 page books by the end of her tenure with Franklin. We are thankful every day for the opportunity to experience Franklin and will continue to support the school and community.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2022

My child has not been here that long, as she just started K not too long ago, but my experience with this school has been fantastic. There's definitely a culture amongst the staff and principal that genuinely cares about the students. There's a lot of communication with family on what was learned and how to help your child progress. I've really enjoyed my child's time here so far.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2022

Mandarin program: Most teachers have no idea of what learning neurodiversity is. If your kid is different in anyway be prepared to have your child labeled, bullied, and publicly shamed. Make sure you have a good child psychiatrist at hand, because your child will need it. The principal is a joke. The counselor is excellent, as long as your kid conforms.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2019

We are now in our 4th year in the Mandarin Program and I still pinch myself ..... I feel like my child is in a private school. Are the teachers strict? YES. Do they expect a lot? YES. But I appreciate the strict structure. The Mandarin program does not allow you to volunteer IN the classroom but there is ALWAYS an open door policy and there are plenty of other opportunities to be involved and volunteer to get to know the staff and students (Field Trips/Library time/ Office help) and you are welcome to join your child for lunch ANYTIME. The Staff is wonderful and the PTA/Quan Ren does an outstanding job of organizing a variety of events throughout the year for kids to participate in outside of school hours. I have never witnessed any bullying and the one time I did approach the administration about a question the Principal addressed it RIGHT AWAY. The Mandarin program is TOUGH - My child has homework almost every day - think about it - your child is learning everything another child in a regular Elementary school is learning PLUS another language. So as a parent you HAVE TO BE COMMITTED to helping at home -you have to supplement the English at home (reading/math) you cannot expect the teachers to do EVERYTHING for you - but the school gives you every tool you need for your child to be successful in the program. THIS SCHOOL IS AMAZING!
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2019

I rated Franklin a few moment ago and now I need to add that my son is not in the Mandarin program. I was somewhat shocked to read about parents being unwelcome in the classroom and how "strict" teachers are... Outside of the program the teachers can be "strict" at times given particular situations, but it definitely is NOT noteworthy. I volunteer at LEAST once a week in his classroom, interact with staff and administrators all the time and I've been nothing but welcomed. I've heard only good things about the Mandarin program until reading this and my experience is outside of the program.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2019

This is an excellent school! We love it!
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2018

The principal could care less about helping and is more concerned about making himself look good. He is rude, condescending and does not care to truly find resolutions to issues. I have dealt with bullying and with discrimination issues. I am moving my children after this year.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2018

My child is in the Mandarin program. I will be so happy when she graduates 5th grade and we do t ever have to go back. The Mabdarin program is a great program. However the teachers are from China and some of them could use a team teacher approach to help them with how the students are treated. A few of the teachers are very harsh. Yelling and shaming is not unusual. The principal does not like to address problems. He wants to take the easiest route, rather than fix anything. He is condescending to women as well. I have personally had some experiences with him I still can’t believe. It’s too much to write. Bottom line, he couldn’t care less about the students, especially those in need. I am so sad to have to say these things, but it is true. My advice if you put your child in Franklin, be strong. Do not be intimidated or stop protecting and fighting for your child. They deserve it!
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2017

My son goes to this school. He had a rough start. However, the school's administration and educators did everything within their power to help him adjust and participate. The administration have been accommodating to our family needs, worked with our busy schedules and respected our time. We never felt forced or coerced into doing anything. The excellent staff and leadership make this school a pillar of our community.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2017

The Mandarin immersion is a good opportunity but more than once we have thought about leaving this school because of the way the administration does not build community. As an example you cannot even go into your child's class when you drop them off. You are not welcome as a volunteer. In short, the impression is parents are just a nuisance they must deal with and they are the experts on our children. Plus side, my child is learning mandarin. Not sure it's worth all we must tolerate that is not the norm in elementary schools.
Submitted by other on January 26, 2016

Two kids in the Chinese immersion program. This is a world-class opportunity, with a dedicated staff, committed parents, great institutional support. I realize only 3/4 of the students here are in the immersion program and I can't speak for the non-immersion classes. However, dual language immersion is something that students are clamoring for around the world, so I think it would be a mistake to use Franklin but not take advantage of the Chinese program. The school is safe, it is clean, and because of all the dedicated immersion teachers and parents, the overall level of participation in school activities is very high.We stumbled into this program years ago and have felt incredibly blessed by it. What an incredible opportunity in Vancouver!
Submitted by other on May 24, 2015

We have a child in the Mandarin Immersion program. We love it here and have been very happy with how much he's learned and the principal/teachers. There is a lot of pride in this school and numerous events for families and students through both the PTA and the Quan Ren Mandarin Parents group. We support both. School is also what you make of it. Similar to th comment below, we volunteer and do see some children unkept and unprepared. I feel for them and think this would be a very difficult program if nothing was done outside of school. This program takes a commitment and we do about an hour every night of Mandarin books/CDs, and homework. I do think they should stress this more during the "lottery" orientation for admission. Our 6 year old has more work than our middle schooler.....but we feel it's worth it and our son loves going every day. He's above grade level in both English, Math and Mandarin and we've also learned some of this language with him :)
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2014

I'm sorry, I'm going to have to disagree with the previous parent. I also have more than one student at Franklin, now and in the past few years- not in the Mandarin program. Franklin teachers are very dedicated and are excellent at their job. Education is a partnership. Parents need to do their part as well. I am at the school,frequently and work with some of the students. Many of these children have been let down by parents who obviously don't work with them at home or who can't find the time to help at school. There is always an excuse for why forms can't be returned, why they can't show up for parent conferences, why their children in 4th & 5th grade still don't have times tables memorized, etc. However, there is always time to blame others, especially teachers, in today's society for the simple lack of good and attentive parenting. So, parents who like to complain about our little school-when was the last time you were at a PTA meeting or volunteered at the school? When was the last time you showed interest in what is going on at school, besides finding more things to complain about? I see a lot of caring and hard working people at Franklin, it's a shame you can't see it.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2014

I have 2 children in this school. One is in 4th grade and the other is in 1st grade. I have noticed that my older child has slowly decreased her interest and progress in school. I have read all the other reviews and these parents need to wake up and smell the roses. They are completely happy with their children being at one of the worst schools in Vancouver. Why do you think they chose this school to be taken over by the Chineese Immersion? Ultimately I feel sorry for the children because the parents are failing their kids by standing by and letting their children get sub-par education. I am following in other families footsteps and am selling my house and moving somewhere that has acceptable schools. No disrespect to anyone, but come on parents "DON'T FAIL YOUR CHILDREN"!
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2014

One sided school! Kids not treated equally! If your child is not in the mandarin program forget about it! It is too crowded because of the program and boundary exceptions! It's a mess!
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2012

Our son attends Franklin and he has really blossomed here. We love the teachers and principal. The school has such a sweet, small-school environment and the PTA organizes many family-centered events. We couldn't be happier!
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2011

I cannot say enough great things about this school. My child is in the Chinese Immersion program and every day I am astounded with what she is learning. The immersion program is incredible! The immersion parents are highly involved which has helped to make this two -year old program a success.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2008

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