Franklin Academy enjoys a growing reputation as an accredited college preparatory boarding school that serves bright, talented students with Nonverbal Learning Differences and Asperger’s Syndrome.  Our seniors have been accepted for admission at over 100 college and universities, and we are proud of the achievements of our graduates.  Now, we are using our considerable expertise and creativity to extend Franklin’s mission to young adults of college age, offering an extraordinary opportunity for high school graduates with NLD and Aspergers to earn college credit while improving social and independent living skills.  We are collaborating with Middlesex Community College, drawing upon significant resources to provide older students with the necessary support to pursue college and career goals. 

The Franklin Learning Institute is a one-to-three year program modeled after Franklin Academy’s successful college preparatory program.  Living in a supportive community that provides a foundation for learning, college-age students work closely with Franklin Learning Institute staff to design and implement a personalized program that focuses on important academic, social, and independent living goals.  In addition to having the option to earn an associate degree or certificate from Middlesex Community College, students also participate in leadership training, exercise programs, and social and life skill workshops.  Students are housed in apartments or houses on or nearby the Franklin Academy campus, allowing them easy access to Franklin’s dining hall, gym, health center, and library facilities as well as the larger Franklin community.  Transportation to and from Middlesex Community College is provided.

Middlesex Community College (http://www.mxcc.commnet.edu) is close to Franklin Academy.  The compact, easily navigable campus has four main buildings on 38 acres that overlook the scenic Connecticut River Valley.  Within this complex are general purpose classrooms, a computer center and computer labs, art studios, a state-of-the-art broadcast communications center, special purpose chemistry and biology laboratories, learning centers for reading, writing and math, an ophthalmic design and dispensing laboratory, faculty and administrative offices, a cafeteria, bookstore, multi-purpose rooms, a library, and a student center.  The college awards degrees in more than 20 major areas and certificates in a variety of programs that lead to further study, employment, and active citizenship.  The goal of Middlesex Community College is to promote understanding, learning, ethics, and self-discipline by offering an education and encouraging critical thinking that works for a lifetime.

The programmatic pillars of the Franklin Learning Institute are centered on the themes of living and learning.  Through experiential learning, students work with their peers and FLI staff to become comfortable with the responsibilities of independent living.  In order to prepare students for a productive and rewarding adult life, our program seeks to create a safe and tolerant environment in which students can thrive as individuals.  By working in situations which require them to use problem-solving skills, work cooperatively with their peers, and provide for their own needs, students gain skills and confidence that will help them to succeed as independent adults.  FLI staff and Middlesex Community College’s support personnel collaborate with students to guide them in making healthy and informed decisions and establishing good academic work habits.  Through individualized support and guidance, students are challenged and encouraged to realize their academic and career aspirations.  An important goal we set for our students is to identify the skills necessary to navigate college learning, focusing on each individual’s strengths and deficits and employing the necessary strategies for success.  Because we believe that community service should be a cornerstone of educational experience, students take part in a year-long, service-learning and leadership course facilitated by FLI staff.  Working with the communities that surround our campus in East Haddam and the campus of Middlesex Community College, students have opportunities to gain social awareness, develop job-skills, and form working relationships with community members while improving the lives of others.

In pursuit of an associate degree, students will be able to choose courses offered in the following academic departments at Middlesex Community College:

Humanities
Art, Broadcast Communications, Communication Arts, English, Fine Arts, General Studies, Languages, Liberal Arts – Humanities Track, Multimedia, Music, and Philosophy
 
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Economics, Geography, History, Human Services, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, and Sociology

Mathematics
Quantitative Reasoning, Number Systems, Math for the Liberal Arts, Statistics and Probability, College Algebra with Technology, Calculus for Business and Social Science, Calculus, and Differential Equations

Science and Health
Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Engineering Science,
Liberal Arts – Science Track, Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing, Physical Science, Physics, Radiology Technology, and Technical Studies

Business
Accounting, Business, Business Administration, Business Office Technology, Information Systems, and Marketing

Here is the Academic Calendar for the upcoming year.

Fall Semester 2009
 

August 27 August 30 August 31 November 26–29 November 30 December 19

Registration Day; Orientation begins Orientation ends First day of Fall Semester Classes at Middlesex Community College Thanksgiving Break; Students return home Classes resume at Middlesex Community College Last day of classes for Fall Semester; Students return home

Spring Semester 2010

Who is eligible to apply for entrance into the Franklin Learning Institute?   Students must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma, a GED, or enough credit to graduate from high school.  The application process includes the following steps:

Complete an application to Franklin Learning Institute, including:
        Application for Admission
        Personal Essay and Statement of Purpose
        FLI Skills Checklist – Self Form
        FLI Skills Checklist – Parent, Guardian, or Teacher Form
         General Letter of Recommendation 
         Neuro-psychological or Psycho-educational Evaluation (within the past three years)
         High School Transcripts/SAT/ACT Scores

  Mail completed application with a $75.00 application fee (make out to Franklin Academy) to: 
         Office of Admissions
         Franklin Learning Institute
         106 River Road
         East Haddam, CT  06423

Schedule an interview with FLI staff that will include tours of Franklin Academy and Middlesex Community College.  Please call Admissions at 860-873-2700 ext. 114 or 154.

The all-inclusive fee (tuition at both Franklin and Middlesex, books, fees, room and board) is $59,800.  If spaces are available, a small number of qualified students will be considered for admission at the beginning of spring semester.

We know that our innovative program and experienced faculty are making a profound difference in the lives of our students.  Here is what one mother of a recent Franklin graduate shared with us:

“Sarah is doing GREAT!!  She is all settled into The College of St. Elizabeth.  She is one of two freshmen picked for the school newspaper.  She was so excited when the second issue came out because her article made the front page.  She could barely speak when she called us.  She has made friends there.  We love when we call her and she can't talk because she is busy with friends.  She also has a job on the weekends.  She is a receptionist at her dorm.  Registration for the second semester is this week.  She called to tell us that she is going to double major.  She is going to major in English and History.  She also signed up for the honors program.  I heard that she is doing a great job advocating for herself.  We are very proud of her.  Again, I thank Franklin Academy.  I know we would not be where we are today if we did not send her there.”

Franklin Learning Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin in its educational programs, admissions and hiring policies, or any of its school activities.