Franklin Academy is a college preparatory school, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, specializing in serving students with Nonverbal Learning Differences (NLD or NVLD) and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS).

Most of our students have an auditory learning style preference. Typical strengths include advanced reading and decoding skills, a sophisticated vocabulary, enhanced verbal ability, superior rote memory, and expertise with computers. Auditory perception and alternative thinking skills are usually quite strong, and these students often prefer interacting with adults and younger children.

Our program is designed to support our students’ learning style and to enhance their strengths, while responding appropriately to the challenges of NLD and AS which can include some of the following features: poor time management skills, organizational difficulties, dyspraxia, visual-spatial weaknesses, slower processing speed, fine motor difficulties, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and problems with abstract conceptual reasoning, subtle social cues, and transitions. Compensatory strategies to address these challenges, as well as the development of social skills and independent living skills, are programmatic priorities. Franklin Academy’s small classes, the multi-modal and differentiated instruction, and close student-faculty relationships are of particular benefit for all of our students.

Students with Nonverbal Learning Differences and Aspergers are sometimes diagnosed with Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, High Functioning Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Tourette's, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD – Inattentive Type). Many enjoy success in early elementary grades but may encounter a subsequent decline in academic performance that coincides with the start of middle school or high school. Regardless of the particular diagnosis and the differences that exist between diagnoses, almost every student applying to Franklin Academy has experienced increasing social isolation and anxiety.

Franklin Academy is designed to help students with Nonverbal Learning Differences and Asperger’s Syndrome manage their unique strengths and weaknesses in a safe, supportive, and nurturing school community as they develop friendships, master important skills, and pursue collegiate goals and career aspirations. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin in its educational programs, admission and hiring policies, or any of its school activities.

Parent Testimonials

Slideshows Franklin Academy on NBC Connecticut Head of School on Connecticut Public Radio.

Student Testimonials