How many students are at The Franklin Academy?
Founded in 1971, The Franklin Academy now serves over 445 students from preschool through 8th grade.
How big are class sizes? What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Our student-to-teacher ratio is a trademark of our program and the school constantly keeps class sizes small. Our student class limit varies by grade and can often have more than one section. Pre-K to Preschool (3 to 5 years old): 1:10 student to teacher ratio. All preschool students must be 100% toilet trained. Lower School: Kindergarten – 4th Grade: 1 to up to 16 students to teacher ratio. Middle School: 5th – 8th Grade: 1 to up to 19 students to teacher ratio.
How experienced are the teachers?
Each Preschool teacher has a minimum of a degree or transferable educational experience, and most K-8th faculty members have a bachelor’s degree or advanced certifications (master’s degrees).
Does The Franklin Academy have any Accreditations?
Yes. The Franklin Academy’s preschool through 8th grade is proud to be accredited with Cognia. Franklin Academy is also STEM certified, as of 2023 and proud to win the Gold Medal for “Best Private School” in Bellingham Alive’s “Best in the Northwest” five years in a row (2021-2025)!
What do the courses look like?
Students are provided with the personalized education they need to excel in the following courses: Science, Humanities (Language Arts/Literature), Social Studies, and Math. Additional courses are added as students progress through the grade levels. Examples include:
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- Preschool: Spanish and Music (Pre-K students also get Physical Education)
- Lower School: Spanish, Music, Science/STEM/Technology, Art, Physical Education, and Library
- Middle School – Spanish, Engineering/Economic, Language Arts, Social Studies, Physical Education, Tech/Coding (5th Grade Technology), Art (5th Grade)/Nutritional Science (7th Grade)/Makerspace (8th Grade), and the choice of multiple electives ranging from options like Band/Choir, TFA Times, TFA News Show, and Robotics.
What facilities are in Robin Hall? (Preschool – 2nd Grade)
Robin Hall has 19 classrooms, as well as, a library, a gym space, a lunchroom, an outdoor playground, a chapel space, and an outdoor classroom area. Kindergarten and 2nd Grade go to Markell Hall for some of their specialist classes.
What facilities are in the Markell Hall? (3rd – 8th Grade)
Markell Hall has 18 classrooms, as well as a music room, a makerspace room, two science laboratories, a lunchroom, a library, locker rooms, a regular-sized gymnasium (convertible to performance space and Makerspace area), and a large field for use during recess, lunch, and afterschool activities.
What academic enrichment opportunities are offered during school?
We provide children with a personalized education they need to excel. A cross-grade curriculum focused on career exploration in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – using a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to help students experience real-world applications. Students in 5-8th Grade participate in four diverse electives each Wednesday, ranging from House Council, where a student-led group plans and implements student activities, to Canva-based Digital Scrapbooking, where students learn about storytelling through pictures, writing and digital creations.
What team sports or extracurricular opportunities are offered after school at The Franklin Academy?
We are part of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Associate (WIAA), and middle school sports teams compete within their league. Some of our team sports include cross-country, basketball, volleyball, and track & field.
There are opportunities for involvement with Passport Club, Math Team, Young Writers Workshop, Video Production Club, Chess Team, and Geography Bee.
What morning and afterschool care is available?
The Franklin Academy offers school care for families that need to drop students off early. The doors open at 7 AM and students will be dismissed to their homeroom/advisor classes at 8 a.m. The price for morning care is $10 per student per day. After school care is available until 5:30 p.m. The price is $45 per student per day. Note: It’s $55 a day if a parent needs both.
Some of our after school enrichment opportunities include the chess team, Robotics, and BAAY Theatre Workshops (talk to the front desk for an up-to-date list of offerings and Robin Hall Summer Camp opportunities for current families).
Does The Franklin Academy accept students of all religions?
Yes. The Franklin Academy is an independent, open, and accepting community. We warmly welcome students and teachers of all backgrounds and beliefs. Students assemble for chapel service once a week depending on age and have other opportunities to explore and discuss religious and spiritual matters. All are free to express their doubts and faiths. Our aim is to open minds, not to mold them.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, we have a success-oriented dress code (K-8) — Our students wear uniforms starting in Kindergarten since uniforms are proven to increase achievement by encouraging students to concentrate more on academics and less on their wardrobe.
What is the House League?
The Franklin Academy participates in a multi-grade house league throughout the year. Each student is assigned to one of our four Houses: Ershig (Cougars, Red), Ferlin (Sharks, Purple), Hess (Lions, Yellow), or Kaiser (Eagles, Green). Middle School students meet every morning and at the end of each day with fellow members of their House. This creates camaraderie between grade levels and gives students a place where they feel at home. The Houses also participate in friendly competitions to receive points and work their way to the House Cup!
Do students go on any field trips?
The Franklin Academy highlights many wonderful field trips that complement the academic curriculum (subject to change in new academic years).
- Preschool families are invited to go to pumpkin patches in the Fall
- Lower Grades go to Mt. Baker Theatre productions twice a year and several grades have signature experiences to bring their curriculum to life. For example, First Grade goes to the Seattle Science Center and 3rd Grade enjoys the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
- Middle School (5th – 8th Grade) students have the option of participating in full-day Ski Days (offered in February)
- 5th Grade enjoys Canoe Island French Camp, which is an outdoor education program near Orcas Island
- 6th Grade goes to NatureBridge on the Olympic Peninsula and investigates old growth forests, wilderness coasts, and alpine peaks
- 7th Grade goes to Philadelphia & DC to explore our American History and to discover information about our school’s namesake, Benjamin Franklin
- 8th Grade goes on an international trip to Costa Rica as a culmination of their language, literature, and history studies
What are some of the signature highlights of our program?
- We offer math 60 minutes daily and providing math advancement when a student’s academic performance and development readiness show advancement would benefit the student’s learning.
- Led by experienced, dedicated, and qualified teachers.
- Small class sizes with a quality teacher-to-student ratio at every grade level.
- Students routinely exceed state and national performance standards.
- Students receive 15% more in-class instructional time than public schools provide.
- Strong parent involvement – The Franklin Academy is not just a school; it’s a nurturing and supportive community.
- The Franklin Academy Science and Engineering Fair (since 2012) and Children’s Business Fair (since 2023)
- Consistent family communication with access to teachers and administration.
- An academic environment that follows national standards from experts in each subject area.
- A cross-grade curriculum focused on career exploration in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – using a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to help students experience real-world applications.
- A program emphasizing achievement, leadership, and moral & spiritual development.
- Service opportunities at each grade level, ranging from Kindergarteners delivering apples to our school neighborhood to 8th Graders serving a special soup at the Lighthouse Mission.
- We offer math 60 minutes daily and provide math advancement when a student’s academic performance and development readiness show advancement would benefit the student’s learning.
- Confidential tuition assistance is available for qualifying families.
