Research Benjamin Franklin High School Charter Schools in Kenner, Louisiana

“This school is very pestigous and is a great learning environment for the kids.”

“Ben Franklin is very challenging, and quite a few students end up leaving because of grades, etc. However, those who possess the qualities to be able to get in should have very little problems in staying in. There are some really great veteran teachers, while others are newer and have less experience and aren't the best. The course load is very challenging and thoroush.”

“Benjamin Franklin High School challenges its students like no other school in the state of Louisiana. Its students excel in both academics and sports and have done so since the schools opening 50 years ago. No other school can compare to the level of dedication provided by the staff to ensure that the students are well-prepared for college and other challenges they may experience in life. Visit Benjamin Franklin High School on the web at www.benfranklinhighschool.org.”

“I've put two daughters through this school, and am quite satisfied. I've paid everywhere from $13,500/yr to $0/yr (Franklin) for schools, and as public high school it is outstanding. As in any school my kids have attended, there are great teachers, good teachers, and a handful of problematic teachers. The latter are mostly weeded out in short order. Katrina has proved a challenge, and one which the school has mastered well. As a a recently chartered school Franklin will have more flexibility in many areas, and as the area recovers I only expect it to get better.”

“My daughter is currently a junior at Franklin. It is a great school, high emphasis on academics, achievement and college. Very challenging, she studies a lot but also has a lot of fun. Like others have said, if the student is not self-motivated, interested in learning, responsible and proactive then this is not the right school for that kid.”

“If you wish to send your child to Ben Franklin, you must first understand that it will not be easy. Franklin is definitely an academic-oriented, college prep type school, so it your child is not ready to work hard do not send your child there.The student body is very close, possibly due to the fact that the school has less than 1000 students enrolled. The teachers are absolutely amazing.Volleyball, soccer and tennis are really amazing, as far as sports go;however, anything besides that at Franklin, don't expect much.Also, there is much diversity at Franklin, which gives students many opportunities to interact with children of different ethnic backgrounds. Overall, be ready to learn. Spirit week is the week leading up to homecoming--very fun. Finally, AP courses are required to graduate.”

“I graduated from Franklin in 1997, and I owe a great deal of my success to the supberb learning environment that Franklin fostered. I never felt that it was particularly elitest, though there is a very strong emphasis on work and achievement. That may make it a bit stressful at times, but it's excellent preparation for what students will experience in college. But what really made it a wonderful place to be was the overall culture there- the excellent and dedicated faculty, terrific staff (Ms Dugger), and the students add up to a place that is incredibly welcoming at the same time that it pushes you to grow- an ideal environment to transition from child to young adult. After Franklin, I attended a top-notch college (Carnegie Mellon), and went on to get my MFA. I'm doing really well, and I have Franklin to thank for that.”

“Franklin is by far the best, offering a wide range of personalities, and backgrounds. Students encourage one another, and all students seek to learn from one another as much as from their teachers. Students form clubs and study groups, building teamwork and commradery. Franklin's challenging curriculum is not hard to handle if you manage your time right and put forth any effort. Teachers tend to be amazing, they want to be in school everyday and have a connection with students! The administration truly cares, and works with you.”

“I am a junior at Franklin. At this time I am unable to attend Franklin because of Hurricane Katrina. I am attending a Keller High and found that the curriculum is completely different. I regret complaing about how hard Franklin was. Franklin is a wonderful school. Yes, they are challenging, but it is to the benefit of the student. There are some teachers who are boring and cannot teach, but a majority of the teachers are wonderful and I feel better prepared with them teaching than teachers here.”

“I graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in May of 2004. Despite what alot of people may think, the curriculum is extremely challenging, but it is also not overwhelming. There are people -including fellow students-there to help you with anything. The number one problem that I see is that people are embarrassed to get help with their studies because they think they are automatically supposed to 'get this stuff'. The truth is, most of the kids here get some kind of help or tutoring, especially from the Satarday Tutoring Program. There is phenomenal extracurricular participation, and kids can participate in anything that suits their interests. They can even petition to form their own clubs (as MANY have)! Contrary to popular belief, everyone 'fits in' here. You will never be without friends. Also, there is a BIG focus on college here, so be prepared to get into some of the BEST colleges in the country (including Harvard)!”

“This is the best high school in New Orleans. Not only is it academically advanced, but it is a safe haven for children to be themselves. There are many extracurricular activities for students to explore, and parents are more than welcome to share in their children's learning.”

“Academic program is rigorous yet acheivable. My daughter was fluent in french by the time she entered college, thanks to a Lyon, France native teacher and a connection with an overseas program through the high school as well. Other areas, math, science, excellent!”

“I graduated from Franklin in 2000, and I count my blessings that I got to attend this school. I had a terrific experience. There's a good sense of community and school spirit. The school's not big, so after a few years you are at least familiar with everyone you are taking classes with. Most students were friendly and easy to get along with. Most, although not all, of the faculty are great teachers and convey sincere interest in the students. The curriculum was challenging enough to keep me interested but not overwhelming. The study habits the school fostered were of great use in college--many of my peers had not had to study in high school and were lost. I'm in law school, and I know my time at Franklin was instrumental in me getting here. Bottom line: if you have the opportunity to go to Franklin, jump at it.”

“Our son just completed 9th grade, so this review is limited to the Freshman year. His teachers ranged from truly outstanding to moderately boring, with the majority being interested in teaching and willing to work with him. The courses were rigorous, with a lot of memorization and challenging exams. If a student has a 'why do I have to learn all this junk' attitude, he will not fare well. But one with some self-motivation who enjoys the company of other bright (and often quirky) kids will find BFHS to be an oasis in the desert of New Orleans public school education.”

“We sent our child to this school expecting an exciting curriculum that would serve as a catalyst for student learning. Alas, we got a rather mediocre curriculum and very traditional. Our child was quite bored with this approach and did not fare well. In my opinion, the faculty are 'behind the curve' in terms of technology and current pedagogical practices. This was probably a great school 10-20 years ago, but it hasn't grown well into the 21st century. We saw no holistic approaches to learning and a very 'compartmentalized' school in all respects. I would not recommend it unless your child 'fits in well.' It is not a school that nutures or fosters individual thinking--it is quite elitist and uncaring.”

“I graduated from this school in the eighties, and it was a tough curriculum, but never so tough that I couldn't handle it. One advantage that I've had is that I get a lot of doors opened for me, simply because I graduated from Ben Franklin. The classes were small and everyone knew everybody, at least by sight if not by name. Many students had an elitist attitude, but more often than not, the students just wanted to learn and wouldn't tolerate other students interfering with their studies. It was a stressful environment, having to maintain a 'B' level GPA, but not un-do-able, and as long as the parents are supportive, a child shouldn't internalize that pressure. It is definitely not a school for the weak, but the timid can find themselves there.”

“I graduated from Franklin a few years ago. It was one of the most miserable times of my life. It is elitist, stifling, and only students with a particular learning style and personality are encouraged, while the others are practically berrated for not fitting within the 'norm.' How pathetic that Franklin is the best New Orleans has to offer!”

“My daughter recently graduated from Ben Franklin in 2002 and she has greatly benefited from her studies there. The teachers were always willing to go out of their way to help students even beyond their time in the classroom. Highlights: challenging academics, inclusive sports, arts programs, advanced technology, clean, safe, and supportive environment, excellent parental envolvment, and a wonderful school to prepare your children for their futures.”

“I graduated from Ben Franklin in 1991 and I can say that my experiences there definitely prepared me for college. It was a wonderful school with excellent teachers who actually enjoyed what they were doing and it showed! Mr. Catalano inspired me to become a teacher as well. Hats off!”