What I Like about Franklin Academy

The creation of a new school is a tremendous challenge. Fortunately, Franklin Academy is blessed with an incredible team of administrators and teachers. Our educators are experienced, talented, and creative. The work ethic is superb, as is the collegiality. Together we embrace a heart-felt commitment to offer the most comprehensive and holistic education geared to the needs of our students, and every employee is taking ownership for some portion of our institutional agenda. I like these colleagues. They are among the most dedicated and compassionate faculty I have had the honor to work with during my thirty-year career in independent schools.

I like the fact that Franklin Academy is leading the charge in developing such a unique program to serve students with nonverbal learning differences. In fact, being the first college preparatory boarding school to focus exclusively on the NLD/Asperger's population, Franklin is becoming a model for others seeking an integrated curriculum that addresses the gamut of issues confronting these students. During every day and evening over the past three years, we have gained tremendous practical experience and wisdom as we live and learn with our students in this "round-the-clock" community. While other professionals might provide theoretical insights or clinical observations about students with nonverbal learning differences, we are now able to share strategies that help our students succeed at school and prepare for responsible and independent adulthood.

I like our beautiful pastoral campus setting in New England - seemingly the perfect location to create a welcoming school environment that has become a "home away from home" for each of our students. I also like the informal, first name salutations between teachers and students. It is remarkable how such a simple greeting can enhance relationships between adults and teenagers.

I like our parents. These mothers and fathers want the best possible future for their children. Having discovered Franklin Academy, our parents are entering into eager partnership with us, offering a wide range of resources and talents and helping the school to grow stronger. Over the past six months, a group of parents have funded the creation of our new library. A husband and wife have pledged to fund the new student activities center, while another family is equipping the fitness center. Some families extend gracious hospitality as their children bring home Franklin friends for weekend visits; others chaperone off-campus excursions and host cultural events. A growing number of parents function as mentors to provide advice for new families or serve as ambassadors to share perspectives about the school with the families of applicants. As I think about it, I have never worked with a more appreciative group.

Most of all, I really like our students. They have come to us from across the country because other educational programs did not meet their needs. Previously, they struggled mightily with frustration, isolation, and even failure. Amidst the difficulties, however, these boys and girls pursued the dream of something better. After visiting our campus, interviewing with the Admissions Director, sampling the personality of this community, and assessing the possible "fit" between individual and school, our students decided to seize the moment and embrace the educational opportunities available at Franklin. Once here, it is simply breathtaking to see so many dramatic transformations as one student after another begins to blossom, shine, and become excited about personal potential and future prospects.

Finally, I like the progress that Franklin Academy is making as a school. In our first year we enrolled thirty-three students and awarded diplomas to six graduates. Last year there were fifty-five students in attendance and our graduating class numbered nine. This year we are reaching capacity in current facilities with sixty-nine students, and we have twenty-two seniors. The number of girls attending the school has grown from six to thirteen to twenty. This growth in total enrollment allows Franklin Academy to support 100% of its operating budget through tuition revenue alone - remarkable for a school so young and very unusual among independent schools across the country. We now have in place an ambitious strategic plan, and you are welcome to view this plan and our timeline for achieving important institutional objectives by clicking on the link provided below.

I feel very fortunate to be the founding headmaster of Franklin Academy, and I invite you to take a closer look at our mission, our community, and our progress.

Sincerely,


Frederick Weissbach
Headmaster