The Franklin Schools

We love Franklin. My kids developed a love of learning here that is lasting well into elementary school. Its Montessori but not too rigid. Its a loving, fun place. My kids were so happy here. All of the teachers and assistants are great. Never had any issues with the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

As a pediatrician for the last nine years in Montgomery County I thought I was making a great decision when I sent my then three year old to Franklin Montessori. Unfortunately, this school only embraces the ideals of Montessori that suits their needs. Also, if you have to interact with the head of the school; you will be met with a rigid, uncaring and to be honest, rude, individual. My child has a speech impairment and takes a bus twice a week from the Franklin School to a public Elementary School for therapy. The administrations' attitude is that they don't have to walk him to the bus at the entrance to the school. My four year old should just walk there and stand outside himself. Also, if you miss their arbitrary cut off for their Ambassador's program, they refuse to evaluate your child for the program. My son missed it by 7 days and principal actually said, "that's just the cut off and it works for us." When I got a little tearful, she never offered even a tissue; she just ignored me and spoke to my husband saying, "I'm done talking about this, get out of my office. I am not going to look at your child's individual development." Wouldn't send my child here again.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! As a former Franklin student, I can't say enough great things about the Franklin Schools. The staff (teachers and admin) are extremely friendly and supportive. The school creates a warm and friendly environment where children can grow and develop positive characteristics that will help them in the future. Franklin makes learning fun and exciting -- the materials are so original and unique! -- and the teachers create lesson plans that are adaptable to meet the needs of each child. Although the school has physically changed quite a bit since I was there, the heart of the school remains the same. The Franklin schools have played such a large role in my life that I consider them to be family.

This is a good school in general, but it really depends on which teacher your child is with. The management is only concerned about money really. They are accredited, so they think that they are high above the rest, and dont really care about what parents think. They blindly follow montgomery county public schools snow policy and close for snow days even though there is no reason to be closed. To top it off they do not even consider making up the lost time on other holidays, or compensating parents for the lost money. On the whole, the management especially the principal has a very rigid "i can do whatever i want since I am a private school" attitude. I feel bad for some of the good teachers, they are stuck in a bad school environment. The school is going downhill.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest son went there for 2 years old program, the teacher was ok, but his 3 years old teacher was horrible. No encouragement at all and just let the kids do whatever they want, so I pulled him out from Franklin after he finished the 3 years old program. I am thinking of sending my youngest child to Franklin (in Rockville) next year and would like to get recommendation for the 2 years old and 3 years old teachers. Please advise if you know any good teacher. Thanks
--Submitted by a parent

All three of my children went here and loved it. They learned to be independent thinkers. Daily routine is well established and allows for students to develop a lot of confidence with their academics. Learning is very hands on. I love the way they teach math. Also, students play two to three times a day outdoors. I give Franklin a lot of credit for helping my children develop a love of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school ever for kids. I would recommend Primary Montessori instead of Franklin. The management is purely concerned about MONEY and nothing else. Except for the teachers the admin staff are most unfriendly. They are also the most expensive compared to other schools in Rockville area. Please do not send your kids to Franklin .. my 2 cents.
--Submitted by a parent

Pretty good school in terms of teaching. Very friendly staff and admin. Montessori approach works well for my daughter as did for my son. But I think they have too many kids in a class, even though they have assistant teachers as well, I think some kids do not get the attention they should be getting.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughte did one year of Pre-K from here. Staff is friendly. Very well organized administration. Asistant teachers are so friendly. Nice and playful environment. Be careful about main teacher. My daughter got very little to No encouragement for academics. She is very advance reader (currently Magnet Program Grade 1). Many times she took some of her favorite book for Teacher to read. But teacher never accepted it and hardly read it to class. I even called admin for few things as a concern but I received response that I should not be expecting much as this is the first year of Montes and they really focus on other things. My daughter was very much into studies. I did not continue her in KG and rather had to put in public school. I will rate this as an average school in academics. We expect more due to cost.
--Submitted by a parent

My son adores this school. He learns better by using his hands rather than with text books which makes the Montessori Methodology ideal for him. I was genuinely surprised how well he settled and bonded with the teachers and new friends.
--Submitted by a parent