Admissions

Overview

The Franklin Academy aims to admit those applicants who are most able and eager to learn in this unique community of excellence. We accept and review a variety of application materials with the goal of assessing the multiple talents and interests in young people.

No single factor, such as grades or standardized test scores, is determinative. This Academy values diversity. As our mission states, we serve academically capable and willing students. We welcome the application of all learners – regardless of background or beliefs.

We offer in-person tours for potential families (virtual if you’re out-of-state or country).

Preschool Process

Schedule a Tour (in person or virtual if out of state). *Please bring your child to the tour OR plan to come to a Visitation on Friday, January 12th (more details as date approaches).
Receive/Submit an Application along with an application fee of $100.
Preschool applicants who have been in preschool or daycare prior are required to provide a Teacher Feedback Form.
Preschool Visitation Day is on Friday, January 12th (more details as the date approaches).
Acceptance Communicated via email.
Set up an appointment to complete enrollment.
Orientation with Teacher / First Day!

Note: All Preschool students MUST be 100% potty trained.

Kindergarten-1st Grade Process

Schedule a Tour (in-person or virtual if out of state).
Receive/Submit an Application along with an application fee of $100.
In addition to the application form, please submit comprehensive, current education records, including copies of progress reports (the past 2-3 years), 504/Individual Education Plans (if necessary), and standardized test results.
Please submit one (2) Teacher Feedback Forms (one from a current teacher).
Possible Kindergarten Readiness Assessment or Special Visit Day.
Acceptance Communicated.
Set up an appointment to complete enrollment.
Orientation with Homeroom Teacher / First Day!

2nd-4th Grade Process

Schedule a Tour (in-person or virtual if out of state).
Receive/Submit an Application along with an application fee of $100.
In addition to the application form, please submit comprehensive, current education records, including copies of progress reports (the past 2-3 years), 504/Individual Education Plans (if necessary), and standardized test results.
Please submit two (2) Teacher Feedback Forms (one needs to be a current homeroom teacher and a second from the homeroom teacher the previous school year).
We require the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) as part of our admission process. The ISEE is a standardized test offered nationally (including an Administered at-Home test for $150). Students only need to take the ISEE once and the results will be sent to the school you designate when you register. Please visit the ISEE website here for details, testing options, and a quick fact guide about what to expect from the ISEE. Registering for the ISEE exam should be completed at least three weeks prior to the actual test date. Note: The Franklin Academy’s Membership Code is 571680.
Special Visit Day (Part Day).
Acceptance Communicated via email.
Set up an appointment to complete the enrollment.
Orientation with Homeroom Teacher / First Day!

5th-8th Grade Process

Schedule a Tour (in-person or virtual).
Receive/Submit an Application along with a one-time application fee of $100.
In addition to the application form, please submit comprehensive, current education records, including copies of progress reports (the past 2-3 years), 504/Individual Education Plans (if necessary), and standardized test results.
Please submit two (2) Teacher Feedback Forms (one needs to be a current core subject teacher and a second from a core subject teacher).
We require the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) as part of our admission process. The ISEE is a standardized test offered nationally (including an Administered at-Home test for $200). Students only need to take the ISEE once and the results will be sent to the school you designate when you register. Please visit the ISEE website here for details, testing options, and a quick fact guide about what to expect from the ISEE. Registering for the ISEE exam should be completed at least three weeks prior to the actual test date. Note: The Franklin Academy’s Membership Code is 571680.
Special Visit Day (Part Day).
Acceptance Communicated via email.
Set up an appointment to complete the enrollment.
Orientation with Advisor / First Day!

If you have any further questions feel free to contact Admissions Director Natalie Bennett at nbennett@thefranklin.academy or (360) 733-1750 ext. 1509), as she will be glad to answer any concerns or questions.

The admissions season for the 2024-25 School Year opens up in mid-October with a NEW online admission process (that’s when application material can start being submitted).

Inquiries are received and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. We encourage you to invest in your child’s future with an independent education at The Franklin Academy.

Tuition

The Franklin Academy provides outstanding value for the tuition dollar. We are very competitive in the greater Bellingham area and a genuine bargain in relation to comparable programs in the Seattle metropolitan area.

We believe that there is no better investment than in the education of a child. Our Board of Trustees works diligently to keep tuition as low as possible and to make Franklin’s education accessible. Franklin Academy relies on the financial support of community members to cover its operating costs.

Families can pay tuition in full on or before April 29th, 2023 or must be made through Facts Management Company Services (FACTS). Please know the use of a credit card may incur additional charges.

The FACTS payment plans provide two options: 3 payments (June, Sept., and Dec 1st) or 10 payments June-March on either the 1st or the 15th. Please know the use of a credit card may incur additional charges. FACTS charges $50 per family for their services. Special modifications to payment plans may be submitted to accounting@thefranklin.academy after your FACTS plan is set up.

Important Reminders:

NEW Admissions material is needed annually (including an updated application and fee)!
Our returning families received priority registration for one week from Monday, February 6th to Friday, February 10th, 2023. Enrollment opened to outside families on Monday, February 20th, 2023 at 8 a.m. Applicants were notified via email if they have been accepted.
10% of tuition (cash or check) is needed at the time of enrollment.
April 28th – Enrollment Deadline for the 2023-24 School Year. *Tuition must be paid in full before this date, if not using Facts Management Company (FACTS). All tuition is non-refundable.
The admissions season for the 2024-25 School Year opens up in mid-October with a NEW online admission process (that’s when application material can start being submitted).
Our returning families will receive priority registration for one week from Monday, February 5th to Friday, February 9th, 2023.
Enrollment opens up to outside families on Tuesday, February 20th, 2023 at 9 AM.

Tuition Assistance

For those who value a quality education but still find the tuition beyond financial reach, we offer a Tuition Assistance program for families enrolled in Kindergarten-8th grade. A family can not apply for Tuition Assistance until they have been accepted into our program. Our online Tuition Assistance program is administered through FACTS.

After FACTS makes a determination of the amount of assistance given, the Head of School will process the application and let you know the amount you are awarded. The process takes on average two weeks.

You may complete the application at one time, or start and return to it later. At the conclusion of the application process (after all documents have been submitted), a $40 processing fee will be required. If you already have a FACTS account for tuition payments, you may use the same login information.

FACTS Management Company Services