Franklin Elementary School in San Diego

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	5/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	4/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: May 28, 2026

Franklin Elementary is a school with a student first philosophy. The community as a whole is welcoming and professional. This includes teachers, parents and administration.

Posted: May 26, 2026

Franklin Elementary is a small school with a ton of heart. Both of my kids went to Franklin and have excelled in middle and high school, and I believe that's in part due to the strong academic and social-emotional start they had at Franklin. Students are challenged to be their best selves in a supportive environment, with frequent opportunities to be recognized for their acts of kindness, good citizenship, artwork and academics. The new buildings and playground design are lovely, and parents are a consistent, welcome presence on campus. The parent community prides themselves on being involved, and there are a lot of different ways for parents to engage with the school staff and each other through school sponsored and PTA/Foundation events/programs. From my experience as a former Franklin parent with older kids, Franklin kids create friendships that endure beyond their UTK-5 years; my kids friend groups in middle and high school include kids they've been friends with since they were in kinder together. Franklin is a great school if you're looking for a place to make enduring connections with other families, have a collaborative parent experience with staff, and have your kids spend their days on a safe, beautiful campus.

Posted: May 24, 2026

Franklin is a hidden gem in the Mid-City neighborhood. Teachers and everyone else are dedicated to helping kids. There are lots of ways to get involved with the school and all the programs. The front office is always willing to help. There are a few parents who bully the school when they don't get what they want. Our kids are happy and so are we.

Posted: May 22, 2026

My child is happy to go to school every day. I feel that everyone loves him on campus and helps him grow.

Posted: May 22, 2026

We have had several grandchildren who have attended Franklin Elementary School and have found current and past teaching staff to have the students well being, both from an education and emotional, as the top priority. The current administrative staff, and the new principal, Mrs. Bice, are committed to the providing an environment that encourages a very positive learning experience.

Posted: May 22, 2026

I had the pleasure of attending a drama performance of Beauty and the Beast. It was well done and had excellent community support. The dedication shown by the staff and parents as well as the Franklin Education Foundation is the type of environment that makes kids want to learn. My grandchildren are learning and growing at Franklin. Highly commend the faculty and staff.

Posted: May 21, 2026

A small school with a ton of potential, but run by an administrator with no integrity. Some amazing teachers at this school, but some really awful teachers too. The administration is fully aware of the problem teachers, but protect them and let the kids pay the price. Special education at this school is almost non-existent. There are no consequences for failing to implement IEPs. Administration is willing to lie cover up mistakes rather than take accountability. Parent involvement is led by a small minority of the same parents every year. Sadly not a school I would recommend based on personal experience.

Posted: May 20, 2026

It's often difficult to find a small school that offers all the experiences that our kids might have at a big school. Franklin tries hard to build that for their students. Their STEAM focus and extra programs really pull out all the stops. They work hard to engage families and support students. Once you're there, you are part of the family. Leadership has changed several times over recent years. However, current leadership shows the heart the school needs and is committed to building the school that both the community and staff want.

Posted: May 18, 2026

I cannot say enough positive things about Franklin. Mrs. Bice (the principal) was hired in mid-September, which would be a challenging task for anybody. She has leapt right in with, making sure that she is familiar with the school culture, families and community, and staff. She seems to know every child by name and makes sure that they are thriving. My child has not always had the easiest time in school and we find that communication has been consistent and thorough, she and other staff are available to support, and that our families needs are being met within what is most appropriate for our child's academic success. This school is a great option for all students: English learners, multilingual, children with disabilities, etc.

Posted: May 18, 2026

I have been incredibly grateful for our experience at Franklin. What stands out most is the genuine care and commitment of the staff. Teachers, other staff, and administration go above and beyond to make students feel known and encouraged to be their best. Ive always known that my childs teachers want him to succeed.

One of the best parts of Franklin is the emphasis on community-building and how they help students build that community. The field trips, school programs, and STEAM lab projects are my sons favorite part of going to school. My son has participated in art and PE every year, ballet, and the after-school programming from Ms. Rosa is incredible.

The staff also does a wonderful job recognizing student effort and growth. There is an encouraging atmosphere where children are celebrated for trying hard, being kind, and supporting one another. You can feel the strong culture of respect and care across the campus. It hasnt been perfect, but Ive felt that the teachers and staff are committed to responding to concerns I have had.

Posted: May 16, 2026

Amazing principle, strong and engaged parent groups with PTA and friends of Franklin. We feel very safe. Mrs Megan has really developed emotional intelligence for the kids and helps them be great citizens.

Posted: May 16, 2026

The school has been amazing. Our daughter is thriving.

Posted: May 16, 2026

Posted: October 31, 2025

Such kind parents, kids and teachers. A small school with big heart. The best free afterschool primetime program with ms. Rosa. Do the free Wednesday touryour kids will love it here.

Posted: February 7, 2023

love this school! It's a true neighborhood school, with local students from ethnically and economically diverse backgrounds. the teachers are fantastic, and work tirelessly to challenge and push the students here. outstanding school.

Posted: February 7, 2023

Posted: April 13, 2021

Horrible school. Little to no real instruction, and children caring for other children because the teachers could care less. So glad I pulled my daughter out.

Posted: April 13, 2021

Posted: July 2, 2020

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Franklin. It is a great neighborhood school. I have had two children go through and they have excelled a lot at Franklin. I will
miss it! The teachers have so much experience and love for their students. Principal Roy-Wood is amazing. She has high standards for all students and she truly cares about the success and well-being of the students and everyone. She is the most dedicated leader and it shows. The principal is open to feedback from families. What makes Franklin is special the staff because they really care about students, it is not just a job, it is a calling. It is a passion and you can see and feel it from the principal to every single teacher. The PTA [Parent Teacher Association] is so welcoming to everyone and encourages school spirit and hosts special night events. The PTA brings special assemblies and programs to Franklin that celebrating diversity which is so important to Franklin. All of these things make Franklin a family.

Posted: July 2, 2020

Posted: May 25, 2018

All students at Franklin are supported and teachers help them meet high expectations.

Posted: May 25, 2018

I have not had to interact with any bullying issues on site. This tells me that the school gets in front of this by helping students care for and talk with one another instead of being reactive to issues.

Posted: May 25, 2018

My child is having an amazing experience at Franklin. She is cared for, and her teachers are helping her grow both academically and emotionally.

Posted: May 25, 2018

Homework is manageable and helps my child to add to her understanding of what she does in the classroom.

Posted: May 25, 2018

The teachers have had extra time to learn how to use science as a core instructional material. They work together in grade level teams and meet the needs of all students in their classroom.

Posted: May 25, 2018

Each month includes a focus on a Franklin character trait and students learn to embrace responsibility, problem solving, and caring for one another.

Posted: May 25, 2018

Mr Whisman is a great principal who puts student learning first.

Posted: May 23, 2018

I like the fact that the homework is flexible, relative and age appropriate. It's not just a bunch of useless worksheets!

Posted: May 23, 2018

I love my child's teacher in 3rd grade. He is awesome and my child loves being in his class!

Posted: May 23, 2018

The school has a wonderful principal who is friendly and approachable!

Posted: May 23, 2018

My child has loved his experience in 3rd grade this year! I hope he gets the same kind of instruction every year. Thank you, Franklin!

Posted: April 16, 2018

The school good but just the teacher so mean and not nice always yellll

Posted: April 16, 2018

The teacher lazy to check the homework,

Posted: April 16, 2018

The second G teacher yell and used the mean words with the students a lot

Posted: April 16, 2018

The principal is nicely & care about the students

Posted: March 16, 2018

Our son has had a great experience at Franklin during K and 1st grade. The teachers are kind, compassionate, motivated and positive. The principal is very approachable, committed to improvement and a pivotal figure in transforming the school. We have turned down acceptance to multiple charter schools, private school and even our neighborhood school to attend Franklin. We would love to see more after-school opportunities and field trips added. Overall it has charisma, a supportive community within the Kensington Neighborhood and will continue to improve. We love Franklin and look forward to it's overall rating climbing in the near future.

Posted: January 21, 2018

I am consistently impressed by the leadership, classroom instruction and committment of Franklin parents. This is an absolute gem of a neighborhood School!

Posted: November 27, 2017

I've never met a group of more dedicated and caring teachers. Each one of them goes above and beyond what is expected out of a teacher.

Posted: November 27, 2017

We love this school so much! I couldn't ask for a better environment for our child to be in. We have been to both Franklin and a charter school. Franklin is far superior to anything else that I have seen. They really do provide a personalized learning experience for each child there. There is a club for everything and tons of projects that the students work on. We just love our little school!

Posted: November 27, 2017

The teachers are super understanding when it comes to the homework/family balance.

Posted: November 7, 2017

My two boys love this school and so do I. My goal was to find a school similar to the elementary school I went and now I found it! The staff and principal are amazing. There are plenty of after school programs available. The students are overall very friendly. They come from diverse backgrounds and all seem to get along very well. I'm so glad we chose Franklin!

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: June 11, 2016

We're so happy that we chose Franklin! There's a lot of enthusiasm from the staff who have been working like crazy on their STEAM curriculum. The grounds are clean and safe (it's a closed campus that you have to ring a doorbell to get into during school hours) with two gardens that the kids work on during the year. This place is FULL of joy. If you're on the fence, don't be! Come and be a part of something really special.

Posted: June 11, 2016

I'm still doing a lot of research on homework and its efficacy. My kid happens to love homework so it's not a problem in our house, but I know that's not the case for everyone (for sure, right!?).

Posted: June 11, 2016

Posted: June 3, 2015

Our oldest son is completing kindergarten at Franklin and we are very happy with the experience. All of the teachers weve met are warm and kind, and the STEAM curriculum is fantastic. The STEAM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) are equally instructed in entertaining, thought-provoking ways that make our son eager to go to school every day. And its not just STEAM. When he started kinder he couldnt recognize any sight words; now he is reading above grade level and regularly reads to his younger brother (who cant wait to join big brother at Franklin). Hes also learning all of these things through the lens of being a good world citizen, to have compassion for the people around him and to work with others to find solutions to problems. It is a collaborative, challenging, fun way to learn.

The environment at Franklin is very welcoming and friendly. The kids are greeted by name by teachers and staff, and parents are frequently invited to the school to learn more about the curriculum. We were very impressed by the schools Family Thursday program, in which parents were invited monthly to their childrens classrooms to see the lessons in action. It is wonderful that we not only know what/how our son is being taught, but that weve had the chance to get to know some of his classmates. We also loved all of the community-building events, like the Winter Program, STEAM Experience Open House and marching with Franklin in the Kensington Holiday at Home Memorial Day parade.

Franklin is a small school with huge potential. We recommend it.

Posted: June 3, 2015

Posted: June 2, 2015

My oldest son started in Kindergarten at Franklin last school year. He has loved this school from day one! The staff is wonderful and very dedicated. Ms. Shanks is an amazing kindergarten teacher and really sets the bar so that children are prepared for first grade. Mrs. Pina, a first grade teacher is also fantastic. She is great with the kids and really knows how to bring out their individual strengths. The school always offers opportunities for family members to get involved in their children's education. Being a PTA member, it's very exciting to see children enjoying school and participating in events in which families can be a part of. My younger son cannot wait to start at Franklin in a couple of years!

Posted: April 27, 2014

Benjamin Franklin, San Diego, Ca. I attended from 1957 through 1960, and I have fond memories.

Posted: June 14, 2013

Part of a group of Kensington Preschool parents committed to supporting our local elementary school. We look forward to our child attending Franklin this fall!

Posted: August 19, 2012

I am so happy to hear that Franklin Elementary is now a dual track school! Now that students can go directly to Patrick Henry High School without having to worry about applying and being accepted through the Choice program, we will be sending our children to Franklin. I love that they will be going to our neighborhood school.

Posted: August 4, 2012

The School Board has approved a dual track for Franklin graduates, meaning that students can opt to enter Lewis Middle School and then Patrick Henry High School as well as the traditional track. The API scores have been revised upward to 831, so these three schools (Franklin, Lewis and Henry) have 10 out of 10 similar school rankings. The new Principal brings a lot of experience, knowledge and ideas, and there are many new programs. The school garden has received a $2000 Whole Foods grant and the school is partnering with the Copley Y for many in-school and after school programs, including swim lessons. This school is a great one for all K-5 students!

Posted: May 21, 2012

We just moved into the neighborhood and we are excited to send our children to Franklin next year. The Principal was very kind and our children just adored him right from the start. We are excited about the smaller class sizes, Weekly Art classes and after school programs that they will offer next year!

Posted: February 22, 2012

Some teachers in this school should be re-evaluated. Students should be awarded based on their academic performance and not on mere teacher's choice. Academic performance is where the competition is and it is what the student hopes for to be recognized. How can you award a student who just attend class and do not excel on anything? The criteria to award students is on the school manual and yet it is not being observed. It is a waste of talent for a student to attend this kind of school!

Posted: February 10, 2012

We are new to Franklin Elementary. I am amazed that with all the budget cuts going on in education, Franklin has so much to offer! Students receive weekly art classes, unique P.E. activities such as yoga with a professional instructor, 5th grade dodge ball, and swim lessons for 1st and 2nd graders (for FREE), La Jolla Playhouse opportunities, and field trips for every class (paid for by the PTO)! The academic rigor is top notch: my Kindergartner is already reading at a 1st grade level. They are even starting a school garden. I love all the community activities and parent involvement. We just went to Family Movie Night in the Auditorium and had a blast! Overall, we couldn't be happier with our choice.

Posted: January 17, 2012

Awesome School small classes friendly staff and very active parents! It is my child's first year and I could not be happier with my choice!

Posted: October 24, 2011

I would give Franklin Elementary school a 100% rating. I went there from 2nd-6th grade. (1957-1962). I attended the 80th anniversary of the school in 2009 and was amazed to find my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Holmes, in attendance. This made my day. I know he was a pivotal point in my life as a student and many of the things he said, I remember to this day. The school still seems to have the community flavor and spirit that it did then, and there is a real feeling of togetherness and camraderie between the staff (present and past). and the community. Please keep Franklin as an elementary school for this and following generations.

Posted: October 23, 2011

Franklin is a great school, with strong community support. I've been a reading volunteer in Mrs. Knapp's 1st grade class at Franklin for over a decade, and am not only impressed but in awe with the quality education these children receive.

Posted: October 23, 2011

I attended Franklin as a child and had the privlege of working there as a member of the staff until I retired. I know that the students are receiving an excellent education as well as learning to be citizens of the world. The environment at Franklin encourages academic achievement, embraces individual differences and demands respect for all. It is a safe school and a community jewel.

Posted: July 7, 2011

I am a former student of this school and this school is better now, because a couple years ago the teachers were really not understanding. But, this school is really nice! Its nice.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	1.5 mi
2	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	2.5 mi
3	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	3.2 mi
4	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	3.7 mi
5	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	3.8 mi
6	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	4.1 mi
7	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	4.3 mi
8	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.1 mi
9	Apartment	Apartment Complex	Coronado	CA	6.8 mi
10	Lakeview Village Apartments	Apartment Complex	Spring Valley	CA	7.8 mi
11	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	8.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Kensington	San Diego	CA	0.6 mi
2	North Park	San Diego	CA	1.8 mi
3	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	3 mi
4	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	3.4 mi
5	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	4.6 mi
6	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	4.6 mi
7	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	4.7 mi
8	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	5 mi
9	Seaport Village	San Diego	CA	5.2 mi
10	Old Town San Diego	San Diego	CA	5.3 mi
11	Old Town	San Diego	CA	5.5 mi
12	Coronado	Coronado	CA	6.8 mi
13	Loma Portal	San Diego	CA	7.1 mi
14	Eastlake of Chula Vista	Chula Vista	CA	8.2 mi

Base	Distance
San Diego Naval Medical Center	3.2 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	5.4 mi.
MCRD San Diego	5.6 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	6.7 mi.
North Island NAS	7.2 mi.
Miramar MCAS	8.1 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	9.5 mi.
Camp Pendleton	44.6 mi.

Franklin Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92116

School Ratings

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Franklin Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92116

School Ratings

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