Academics
The vision of Ben Franklin Academy is to develop well rounded young adults like America’s founding Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin: well read, scientifically curious, and civically engaged. We will offer a Core Knowledge curriculum that is individually focused, academically excellent, and balanced. We will provide an emphasis on science and mathematics. And we will instill character in our students by studying Ben Franklin’s 13 virtues. Our school is a partnership of students, families, educators, and community members that want another choice in education.
Ben Franklin Academy will provide programs that focus on individual students. Students will be organized into ability groups that challenge them at individual levels. These groups will cross grade levels by subject matter. Regular assessment will provide meaningful measures to adjust student placement within groups and the content taught within each group. Moreover, students will develop an understanding for educational principles and acquire knowledge in a variety of ways. Thus, the Academy will deliver its curriculum using a differentiated instructional approach making learning accessible to every student. The Academy will also engage students in learning by providing instruction that is interesting, valuable, authentic, and fulfilling. Finally, the Academy will teach and let test scores follow. Instruction will focus on the curricula that provide students the knowledge to excel on standardized tests.
Students will achieve academic excellence through the Core Knowledge Sequence bolstered by a strong science and mathematics curriculum.
At the Academy, students will receive science instruction every day. This science instruction will be provided in conjunction with the Core Knowledge curriculum. Students will also participate in regular project-based science activities, such as science days, science fairs, science-based field trips, and special science events, where students apply what they have learned in a hands-on environment.
Ben Franklin Academy will provide a balanced educational experience through physical activity and a character education program. Studies have shown that creative and physically active children perform better academically. Educational opportunities will be available in the arts, fitness and music. Moreover, the students’ homework levels will be assessed and moderated by grade level.
As part of the Academy’s balanced approach, we will build character in our students. An education will never be complete if students don’t learn moral norms of our society. As part of this effort, students will learn about Ben Franklins 13 virtues and discover how these can be applied to their lives. Character development will also offer educators techniques to build self-esteem, resolve conflicts, appreciate and respect diversity, manage aggressive behaviors, and promote integrity.
Ben Franklin Academy is also committed to creating a collaborative learning environment for its teachers. Opportunities will be created for school staff to learn from each other and to learn from other educational professionals. Student needs are constantly changing; therefore, the Academy will provide teachers with professional development opportunities to learn new, innovative and research-based instructional strategies that will ensure high academic achievement for all students.
The Academy further believes the success of its program is critically dependent on the involvement of the parent community. Parental support will be highly encouraged. The Academy will ensure that parents feel welcome at their child’s school and have a unique opportunity for hands-on involvement in the structure and operation of the school. Moreover, parental involvement will be meaningful. Parents will be trained to maximize their efforts.
