Franklin Academy

Posted: November 4, 2025

This is a place for your children to be told what to do, not a place to learn. The administration and teacher are dismissive, lack empathy, bias, and sadly, often act discriminatory. If you value creativity, critical thinking, and free speech, this is the place where all of it is eradicated. As a parent, you will get the cold shoulder - there's no collaboration or empathy, only the threat to do exactly as they demand.

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Posted: September 26, 2023

My 3 children have been a part of the school for over 10 years. One of my children has needed challenged and others have needed extra support and they have received it at Franklin Academy. The staff has been very educated and helpful in all areas. In high school, my daughters have received extensive help and finding career paths. Wonderful school.!

Posted: September 26, 2023

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Posted: August 4, 2023

Special education is stronger in the lower grades. As students move up in grades, there seems to be less effort to provide special education services. Each campus feels almost like a different school. The school is not for everyone, but it is good if your child is an accademically strong student.

Posted: August 4, 2023

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Posted: June 16, 2023

Inexperienced staff with little to no training in subject area or about neurodivergence. Few staff trained in special education including principal. Some staff have no teaching license. Lots of staff turnover. A staff a month quit in 2022-2023 school year. Haven’t had a returning math teacher in five years. First year principal with mostly overseas experience in teaching. Run like a corporation and not a school. Generic accommodations for all students. No differentiation or individualized programs. Students don’t work on organizational or social skills yet is a school specializing in neurodivergence. Doesn’t help families with transition process. Students often spend hours on computers or Nintendo Switches. Because teaching assistants are called behavior therapists, they don’t help students with academics. Use a behavior tracking program that matches color to mood. Behavior data is taken without context. Enabling is in their mission and it’s closer to coddling. Are not preparing students for real world. Because it's a private school, does not provide services that are required in public school. Small class sizes means, less able to learn to discuss and work on social skills. Are not preparing students for neurotypical world.

Posted: June 16, 2023

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Posted: November 21, 2022

Don't get me wrong. This school definitely prepares for college. But so do other schools in this area. This school has almost zero diversity, and that is present in the student body, staff, and faculty. The administration has discriminated against my family multiple times, and refused to clearly communicate with us despite us asking. They have given opportunities to my white male counterparts that I ASKED to receive and was refused. They fail at teaching the proper importance of inclusion, acceptance, and diversity. Other than this, they also are not as college preparatory as they say. They refuse to let freshmen take AP classes, which lowers their GPA and therefore their competitiveness against other high schoolers in the area. They also do not have as many clubs and sports for students to participate in. They also treat high schoolers like children, leaving them wholly unprepared for the real college life. I would not recommend this school to almost anyone.

Posted: November 21, 2022

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Posted: November 25, 2018

My daugther moved from "good" public school but was never motivated to get her home work completed on time hence her grades suffered. She started at Franklin middle in her seventh grade and is super appreciative of what she has. She knows from experience all the negatives of the public schools and that gives her extra motivation to do well at Franklin.

Posted: November 25, 2018

My daugther moved from "good" public school started at Franklin in the 7th grade. She loves her teachers at Franklin as they treat the kids as little adults unlike the public schools she lived through for her first 6 years.

Posted: November 25, 2018

Posted: November 25, 2018

Great leadership produces great teachers and Franklin has both.

Posted: November 25, 2018

Posted: November 25, 2018

They offer anti-bulling parent awareness classes and recommend approach from parent perspective.

Posted: November 25, 2018

My kids and the parents feel extremely lucky to be part of the Franklin Academy school and have high appreciation for the course work, teachers, leadership and overall school management. Public schools should take a notice as my 3 kids will be here to tell the stories of the bad public school experience and the turnaround they experienced coming to Franklin academy.

Posted: April 13, 2018

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Posted: April 13, 2018

We love Franklin Academy. The teachers are absolutely great and caring. The whole school cares about the academic success of their students!

Posted: December 22, 2017

Posted: December 22, 2017

They have a no tolerance policy and the teachers are available to act if an issue is raised.

Posted: December 22, 2017

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Posted: December 22, 2017

They have classes specifically focused on character development starting in kindergarten.

Posted: December 22, 2017

We’ve never had a bad teacher. Every teacher we’ve ever had has been incredibly engaged and interested in ensuring our kids had a great experience. They make time for individual needs and are readily available. Similarly, parents are highly engaged in helping one another through grade specific social groups.

Posted: December 22, 2017

Overall we’ve been extremely happy with our Franklin experience. They offer a variety of class difficulties to challenge students to achieve their best. Homework in the advanced classes can be a bit much some nights but it keeps the kids engaged and challenged. The focus on character development in kindergarten sets the stage for equality, promotion of diversity and respect for one another. The staff is quick to respond to concerns of bullying and getting the kids to work out differences. As a parent of s shy child the teachers have worked to drive engagement and foster growth. While their method of instruction can be a bit disciplined it seems to work extremely well. Our kids love Franklin and I couldn’t imagine sending them anywhere else.

Posted: November 27, 2017

5 stars!!! Reading is done with sounding out for each letter. Direct Instruction is also the main means for teaching. This is why I love this school! If you are looking for your kids to be challenged or met exactly where they are, this is the place for you! I especially like that they level out the kids based on subject. This way, if your child needs more help or more enrichment in a specific subject, they are given the exact instruction needed!

Posted: November 27, 2017

Reading encouraged every night. For KG, math requires memorization of addition facts with songs to help them learn them! Vocabulary has new words to learn and build on each week.

Posted: November 27, 2017

Some teachers are better at communicating than others, but this is true of most public schools.

Posted: November 27, 2017

Character education is vital for each student with murals on the walls in the hallways, a day dedicated to character education, and daily announcements with short stories on how to be a better person and make the right choice.

Posted: November 27, 2017

Posted: November 27, 2017

Leveling is one of my favorite things about this school. They break the kids out into groups depending on where they start the school year and re-assess each month if you need to move up or down a group.

Posted: November 27, 2017

Seminars and days dedicated to how kids commit to be kind to one another.

Posted: June 8, 2017

Its like most schools, they talk about bullying and preventing it. But a lot of it still goes unnoticed by the teachers. Some of the teachers have been a bit too harsh making it an uncomfortable environment.

Posted: June 8, 2017

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Posted: November 30, 2016

My son is getting a fantastic education and he is very happy at Franklin Academy.

Posted: November 30, 2016

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Posted: November 1, 2016

I am so glad the addressed this topic because this school is such a stand out in this area!! The kids are taught such high values that my son's state that they have never seen anyone bullied.
One time my son said he was sitting with a group of really popular kids and there was a kid that they thought was kind of a loner. He told me they invited him to sit with them. Being a former public school student, I said oh so you guys could make fun of him. My son looked appalled, at said "no mom, that's mean, we wouldn't do that. We were worried about his self-esteem so we invited him to sit with us." I was kind of stunned at first and then I realized that this was true and that it accurately reflects the character of the kids at this school. It's a supportive environment. They really do bring each other up, not down. In modern times, it really can't get much better than this.

Posted: November 1, 2016

This school definitely is good for average and above average abilities. The teachers are super dedicated, so I assume a child with some learning challenges would do well but honestly most of the kids here are at least average intelligence and academic success is highly valued. I am quiet sure that they would not bully a student with learning challenges but the child may feel inadequate surrounded by so many kids who are on a different level. That would be my only concern for a child in that situation. They offer advanced classes for those who are at that level.

Posted: November 1, 2016

Yes, from the top down, including even the office staff, they all work like a great team. They are all dedicated to the students 100%. In the middle school the office lady knew exactly who my children were the moment I walked in. She helped them out any chance she could and I loved that she had such great knowledge of who belongs there and who may be a danger. I have never doubted she would do all she could to protect her students and she kept a watchful eye on who was doing what, but is sweet as pie if you do belong there. Lol. Thanks Ms. Martin!! You are a true gem!!

Posted: November 1, 2016

This is so true! It's one of the best things about this school! The kids here are awesome people and definitely who I want my kids being friends with! The school helps mold and inspire them. in addition, most of them having great parents working on at home this too. I honestly can say I have not met a bad influence in the 5 years my two sons have attended this school.

Posted: November 1, 2016

The teachers are very well-educated here. Most have master's degrees or higher. They are the so dedicated to their students success, it amazes me sometimes. Excellent, Excellent teachers!!

Posted: November 1, 2016

Posted: October 20, 2016

Posted: October 20, 2016

Because FA is small and a charter, they really can not effectively assist children with learning differences.

Posted: October 20, 2016

Posted: October 20, 2016

Character is a thread that runs through everything at FA.

Posted: October 20, 2016

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The amount of homework is significant, especially at the middle school level.

Posted: October 20, 2016

My children have been at all three levels of FA and we are BIG fans! FA is challenging, but in a way that really prepares them for college. The teachers are amazingly supportive. I love that it is another publicly funded option for the Wake Forest area.

Posted: February 18, 2016

Not a typical high school experience. Lacks school spirit, football team, track team and cafeteria. Could be good or bad depending on how you see it. Strict uniforms, small classes, same kids year after. Mostly EXCELLENT teachers. A lot of homework but VERY college preparatory, requires critical thinking and absolutely no busy work. Focus is on education 100%. Work leaves no time for social life and you will be stressed ALL the time.

Posted: February 18, 2016

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Posted: December 9, 2015

I've only had experience with one main teacher there, but she is very caring. His math teacher did have him pulled out for remediation even though he has an A when he started not finishing something very fast. I think they are very proactive!

Posted: December 9, 2015

Some days we might have a little too much, but it is usually the days when my son doesn't finish class work. He has trouble focusing, so I think if it were anymore it would be too much.

Posted: December 9, 2015

One of my son's teachers told me one day to let me let him make mistakes, so he can learn from them to feel disappointment. She said he will strive to do better!

Posted: December 9, 2015

We moved here lst year, and we had our son in a 10/10 rated school. I wasn't happy with him there because he cried all the time, so I pulled him out and put him in Franklin. They brought my happy kid back! They are always so happy to see him and hug him and treat him like family!! When he struggles with something they give him extra help that he needs! He is not a number there like he was at the other school! I love Franklin Academy!!

Posted: June 2, 2015

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Posted: June 2, 2015

Teachers that care and small class sizes. We are blessed to be a part of the FA family

Posted: April 21, 2015

This school is about to lose its best benefit- everyone over a certain GPA gets their transcript sent to colleges showing they are 1st in their class. This means that some classes have had more than 10 "valedictorians" (that's like 10% of the class), each one getting their transcripts sent to colleges showing they are 1st in the class, and this has made it really easy for unqualified students to get into competitive schools like UNC. But I think that's about to end, since the state is making AP and honors classes worth less, so you can t hit the valedictorian GPA. I guess from the perspective of a former valedictorian, there are some bad points. I've had a pretty rough time in college, and I think my words to current FA students would be that what you learned in high school only covers the first month of college, and extra credit doesn't exist in college. My advice to the administration would be to have stronger alumni relations so you can see how we all do, but somehow I think the they aren t open to feedback or change. This isn't a bad school - it is pretty sheltered, and the academics are pretty good - but it sure isn't a "prep" school or a "public-private" school.

Posted: January 14, 2015

I am a student here at Franklin academy and first off the "students" who wrote the comments down below, I guarantee you it was our administration because no child in there right mind would write a review like that. I remember when I was in middle school I use to pretend I was sick once a week because I hated school so much. The students here do not have a voice. I don't recall the last time a decent lesson was taught. The teachers here are awful. I am sleep deprived. I am sure your kids would be happier any where else I guarantee you. Thank you

Posted: October 24, 2014

I have children that have attended this school all the way through the ranks: elementary, middle and now high. I will give the pros and cons to everyone that wants a complete overview: Pros: small class sizes, fantastic teachers (not a bad one yet), direct instruction, high academic performance, a true prep school, every student is known by name and they follow the students through their career, state of the art apple products throughout the system with ipads issued to all high school students. Cons: Little economic and racial diversity, middle school administration is authoritarian, the students are very sheltered by their parents sometimes to the point of naivete, very weak athletic programs due to the school's small size. lots of gossip is shared amongst the administration. Overall, if you want a high level of instruction with an increasing workload every year in preparation for college with strict codes of conduct then this is a school for your kids. If you want a large and diverse student body to introduce your children to the "real world" with plenty of athletic programs and the scholarships that go with them, then you can find better options than FA.

Posted: August 30, 2014

I am a Senior at the Franklin Academy, and will graduate in 2015. The Franklin Academy has provided a consistent, professional, and effective education for me, as well as my peers. I have NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED with my time at this school. Every day is productive, yet school is always enjoyable. The staff and administration are accessible and friendly. I have attended two other schools previously, but neither of my previous "schools" had a true passion for education like we do at Franklin Academy. While academics here are #1, there are also a plethora of elective opportunities. The interests of the student body here are truly diverse. Some of my friends are really into band or chorus, while others are into visual art or video production. Electives at Franklin are all superb and professionally instructed; time spent in the classroom is always truly enriching. Some of the favorite elective offerings lately are Video Production, Piano Lab, Actor's Ensemble, Musical Theatre, and Lifetime Sports--just to name a few. While hard work is the objective at FA, we also have a lot of fun as well! If you "win the lottery" and get into Franklin Academy, it is a true blessing!

Posted: August 18, 2014

Our experiences at Franklin Academy have been nothing but positive. The communication from teachers and administrators is fantastic and my child really responds to the structure of the school. Yes, it is more rigorous than what we were used to. Yes, they have high expectations and fairly strict rules. But the students seem to respond well to being expected to perform and teachers are right there to help if there is a question or problem. We came to FA from another highly rated WCPSS elementary school and, frankly, the difference between the two schools is huge. At Franklin, I feel like my child is a part of a community that is invested in his success. At his old school, he was just a number. One thing to note, though: there is definitely a transition period when coming to Franklin from another school. It look my son a few weeks to get the hang of the new system. Once he did, though, he definitely rose to the challenge.

Posted: July 18, 2014

Horrible experience!! DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE!! This school has racism, discrimination and hatefulness. And all of that is from the teachers to start. We had an awful experience and we pulled our child from the school. Complete utter disregard to the emotional issues they caused by allowing discrimination to fester in their school.

Posted: May 13, 2014

If your child isn't academically advanced, gifted or willing to work hard, please do not send him or her to FAHS. The curriculum and work load intensifies with each year, as it should, to prepare your student for the rigors of college courses. I am most impressed with the teacher communication. Whatever you need, they are on it! If you have an issue, the principal is open to conversation and change (if needed). The front desk staff is just about the most welcoming and efficient you will ever find. The teachers are truly devoted to their students, know their stuff and have a genuine desire to see your child succeed.

Posted: February 4, 2014

I am a student here at Franklin Academy and have been attending FA since kindergarten. FA is a wonderful environment for students, teachers, and parents. All in all there is no bullying. The teachers here want to help you succeed and they will do their best to make sure that you do. Strangely enough, I do love uniforms. It evens the plying field for everyone and allows students to focus on the important things. However, FA does have several ridicules dress code rules that they really push and will drive you out of your mind! Other than that though you will enjoy your experience at FA and will be very proud of where you can go with it.

Posted: February 3, 2014

We are in the second half of our first year at FA. It is a very structured and ridged routine for a kindergartner. Our child has had a hard time conforming to the behavioral standards that the school requires. Thankfully, all of the teachers are more than willing to speak with us and help in any way. While this has been an issue to overcome, our child loves the school and teachers. I have had quite a few communications with different levels of the school, and all have been very helpful, responsive, and informative.

Posted: December 20, 2013

Everyone who views this site, please remember that one unhappy family can make several negative comments which clearly seem to be represented in recent posts this school year. Also remember, Franklin Academy has 3 separate campus locations in Wake Forest for elementary, middle school, and high school. Judging from the level of the language used in the negative comments, you can easily make the wise decision to disregard the contents of the negative reviews and consider the source. Please don't let these anonymous remarks influence your impression of Franklin Academy. It is well respected with an outstanding reputation in the community for each one of its schools. Not everyone can be happy all the time but sometimes people share their unhappiness inappropriately by making it their mission to slander some one or some thing they evidently have disagreed with. Visit the schools, speak with school staff, read the website information, and seek community recommendations. You'll find that overall, Franklin Academy remains a highly recommended school of choice in the area, with a long list of lottery applicants (and wait lists) within each school for each school year.

Posted: October 29, 2013

I agree that this school isn't a very educational school but it PE teachers are great and i dont like anything else

Posted: October 15, 2013

My son has become a confident student who actually enjoys going to school now. He is currently is in high school and has been attending since 2009. I love it because quite a few of his classes have a very low teacher to student ratio. A few of his classes have less than 12 kids in his class. I had no need to keep his 504 plan that was needed with wake county public schools! I dropped it. He went from failing in other public schools to doing not too shabby and wanting to take the honors classes. You go though carpool lane and the teacher make an effort to recognize what students go with what parent. You aren't just a number. Very impressed. Did I mention they have no locks on the lockers. My son has never had anything taken from him. I love it there. Now to only be able to get my other child in.

Posted: September 28, 2013

I agree with the other parent that it appears one person is submitting many negative reviews. Keep that in mind. I have one child who has been at FA 3 years and another who just got in this year. We are VERY happy with the middle and high school! We like the smaller class sizes, academic choices, and well-rounded focus on academics/community service. No school is perfect, but Frankilin is perfect for our family! If the school is so bad, it's a wonder that it took 2 years to get my son in, and he had preference in the lottery as a sibling. I'm sure many more seats would be available, if the school wasn't meeting the needs of parents. I am VERY actively involved with teachers, administration and clubs/sports. Highly recommend the school!

Posted: September 28, 2013

Just an overall terrible school, parents are likely totally oblivious to things that actually happen with their kids at this school, as it is beginning to stray away from relationships with the teachers and parents. Just don't send your children here...

Posted: September 27, 2013

Apparantly, the last few reviews were all written by the same unhappy person. I've never smelled anything odd either as the last "reviewers" mentioned. Franklin Academy is a school of choice. Best advice is to research a school before you send your kid there. Don't take anonymous reviews as fact. My child is in their first year there and could not be happier. Great academic and character focus. Caring, well trained teachers and administration.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Franklin Academy is not the school for anyone looking to have a good educational or social experience. The classes are crammed and the teachers will get the kids in trouble for the smallest, most non-important things.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Horrible experience!! DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE!! It smells horrible and the academic experience is not even close to satisfactory. The administration puts student life and sports at the bottom of the importance chain, and spends the least amount of government money on the school itself.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Very unsatisfactory experience. Not much effort put into the schooling. I would not recommend sending your kids here.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Oh my gosh, this is horrible. Please do not send your kids here. Disgusted. Please spare yourself.

Posted: September 14, 2013

How can you rate the lower school, the middle and the high school all in one batch. We were happy with the lower school, but the middle just doesn't work. There is no way they have an 18:1 ratio, perhaps three years ago they did. Don't know about the high school, can't imagine we will be there to find out. Not well rounded school, very little sports.

Posted: July 29, 2013

We love our school! We were in the regular public schools in this area for many years and I had no idea how much better this would be. The teachers are excellent and really care about helping my sons achieve success. The academics is tough but I like that. Many kids are not ready for college when they graduate from traditional public schools, so I am glad they are preparing them to succeed in college. They have a lot more homework but are learning so much more than they did in the public schools. The teachers are masters at designing interesting lesson plans and making learning fun and effective. I wouldn't move my kids out of this school no matter how much money we had for a private school because this school is so awesome. They are getting a top education here and are supported, loved and nurtured every step of the way. We LOVE FA!!!

Posted: July 22, 2013

My son is a 4th grader (started FA in kindergarten) and my daughter just started kindergarten and I must say that I have been thrilled with Franklin Academy. The education is way above the standard and the discipline is spot on with students actually having consequences to their actions. The administration and staff truly care about each and every child and have come to be a second family to my children. I feel we are very lucky to have won the lottery and we are so fortunate to be a part of the FA community.

Posted: June 16, 2013

There are some real good things happening at FA, but this school isn't for everyone. There are some excellent teachers at FA. Bullying is a real bad problem in the middle school and the Direct Instruction doesn't teach the children to learn how to think critically or to think on their own. There is way too much rote memorization and the discipline has really fallen off the last two years with little consequences for those who are disruptive and disrespectful. Even at the high school, there are serious behavior problems that are just swept under the carpet so as to not get any negative publicity.

Posted: December 7, 2011

Both my children attended Franklin Academy, my son from the very first year they started. The safety and security of a smaller school where everyone knows each other and gets along was very important to our family. The education is top notch. My son graduated and went on to East Carolina University this year. He tells us he is grateful for the years at Franklin and that the teachers prepared him well for college. My daughter wanted to try the most expensive "private" school in Raleigh last year...she did, what a waste of over $20,000! Thanks to the sibling program, she was able to return to Franklin Academy. My son traveled to France with the school and my daughter will go to Paris, London and Spain in 2013. Very affordable trips that will stay with them for a lifetime. The staff and administration at Franklin Academy have helped teach my children the importance of community service and to respect their peers. I could not have asked for a better school experience for my family! Highly recommend!

Posted: December 1, 2011

I would like to strongly disagree with the parent below .......Franklin Academy is a great school with a supportive and wonderful staff.They teach the children to be responsible,respectful and a top notch education. All children are different and Franklin Academy is not for all children but it is a great school and my kids love it.I have gotten to know alot of the teachers and they do care about the kids at Franklin Academy.I feel that our school deserves all the hoopla that it gets!!!!!!

Posted: November 26, 2011

My daughter has been going to FA for 4 years and unlike the previous reviewer I embrace the school, love the accountability it teaches the students and appreciate the discipline they teach. My children are being taught to be responsible adults one day, not whiny spoiled humans. If you want to get to know the teachers be a lunch parent. I do it frequently and have found that the teachers are engaged and thoughtful.

Posted: October 29, 2011

This is our first year applying at and attending Franklin Academy....what a disappointment. For those of you thinking about sending your child here, be sure to do your research first. The children are packed into these classes like sardines and there are 28 children in my child's class. After hearing nothing but positive from the community I've yet to see what all the hoopla is about. While the direct instruction is effective, the stress that is put on these children is ricidulous. AND, don't expect any support from teachers and especially administration. They don't care to get to know you or your child.

Posted: June 27, 2011

My 2 children have been students at Franklin Academy for 5 yrs now and they are thriving academically. I could not ask for a better school. keep up the good work teachers and administraters

Posted: May 7, 2011

My son is finishing up kindergarten at Franklin Academy. So far we are very pleased with the school. No school is perfect, and FA may not be the right fit for every one, but for our family it is great.