Research Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Gilbert charter Schools in Phoenix, Arizona

“My son is in kindergarten looks forward to going to school everyday. He is reading and spelling well. He likes to be challenged and the curriculum does that well so he is not bored in class. He loves Music class, PE and Art too. The Christmas concert in December was fantastic. I love the small size of this school and the teachers and staff are very friendly and helpful. I also like the parental involvement that is encouraged in the classroom and through committees. I am very thankful my son was able to get in last year.”

“My children attended Ashlnd Rancj previous to BFCS. While Ashland ranch is one of the finest public schools in the state, it is still a public school. I was forced to switch schools for my children and was dissapointed. We had however looked at BFCS previously and had liked their Back-To-Basics approach. I am very pleased that the Lord intervened on my childrens behalf and decided that Ashland Ranch was not the place for them. BFCS is by far one of the best schools in the Valley. My children have thrived since starting to attend. Their cirriculun is fantastic, and the staff is truley caring and thoughtful. they push the children to live up to a higher standard. I am impressed by the advanced cirriculum that is offered here. My only regret is not enrolling them sooner.”

“Benjamin Franklin is Awesome!! The staff truly cares about the children there. My Daughter is in Kindergarten and she is reading chapter books and loves to learn! I would recommend this school to anyone that wants there children to succeed! I wish I would have known about this school earlier! I think the parents that complain about computers and other non academic things should get there priorities in line and get there kids an education! My kids will go to Benjamin Franklin forever!!”

“We love our school! The teachers are attentive, organized, and truly care about their students. The office staff are knowledgeable and friendly; the principal is caring and involved. The students are challenged to excel in all areas and most rise to the occasion. Ben Franklin has a back-to-basics curriculum with a school-wide emphasis on values and patriotism as well. Twice a week with an incredibly gifted music teacher leads a true music class. The students' December concert could rival any high school's. The children are happy and for the most part seem to get along with each other. What more could one want? OK, so a few more after school programs might be nice, or maybe computers in the classrooms, but my son can play on a soccer team outside of school or learn on our computer at home. Believe me, this school is awesome.”

“Academically, this is a great school. The programs that are used within the school are awesome. The kids are taught at an accelerated level of education. The teachers are all trained very well on how to implement the program. They have a great mentoring system in place between all 4 campus'. Overall, the school is great. My kids have been attending for 7 years and my oldest is now moving on to the Power campus for Jr. High. The only issue I have, with the Gilbert campus, is the principal. He does not know how to support his teachers, support staff or parents of the students. If you have never had any 'dealings' with him, you probably would think that he is an excellent principal. But, if you have a child that needs extra attention, he is not the one you want to deal with them.”

“We love the Saxon math and spaulding programs, the teachers and staff are great. My child has been here for 4 years and is excelling. The education they are getting here versus public school is higher most of the time, at least on math & reading. This school doesn't have computers or computer classes and is unwilling to add it to their curriculum. The teachers don't even have computers in their classrooms unless they bring them.”

“When this school was first conceived of, those of us parents who rolled up our sleeves and made it happen wanted the best possible education in the best most supportive environment possible for our children. I am so proud when I see our first Kindergarten class, now in their Junior year, thriving and preparing to become the effective, well mannered, self disciplined adults any parent would want their child to become. What started by clearing a barnyard at the Museum on Horne, has a become a shining success and example of what can be achieved when you work hard and never give up. Academically and socially our children are way ahead of the game! Thank you and Way To Go Gilbert BFC!”

“The curriculum is superior to the local public schools. Most of the students are working 1-3 grades ahead. The old addage rings true, 'expect much, you'll get much, expect little, you'll get little.' The expectations are higher and most kids respond to the challenge.”

“We have been at this school since 1999. I loved this school in the beginning, but unfortunately I feel the religious beliefs of some teachers are being brought into the classroom and favortism of this regigion is evident. Academically I am happy with the school, but please lets keep the regligion out. I also found the labeling of”

“I think the advanced classes will help my child organize and learn great study habits. Parent involvemant is huge which is nice you basically know everyone because you are always seeing each other.”

“Overall BFCS has been an excellent school for all three of my children (even though their personalities and ways of learning differ extensively). There is an emphasis on academics to provide the best possible foundation for the future. They are expected to behave and are disciplined consistently and fairly when necessary. The Spaulding method is used to teach reading which has been an incredibly positive experience for all three kids and allowed quick success with reading (by the middle to end of kindergarten). There is a huge amount of parent involvement which shows throughout and contributes to the success of the school. There is, however, a minimal amount of time dedicated to the extracurriculars, so it is necessary to seek classes, etc outside of school time if that's what you need.”

“Great School with a dedicated principal and staff. I love it!”

“Excellent academically. Instills values in students. A lot of parental involvement. Great parent teacher assoc. Very structured and strict curriculum.”

“The quality of academics is excellent. All teachers I have had contact with have been wonderful, well-qualified, and very caring and concerned about each student. Non-academic areas are adequate. The parents are also wonderful, very involved, and concerned about education. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on patriotism and values!”

“My daughter loved this school. The teachers and staff are wonderful. The parking area is difficult but the education level is worth the hassle.”

“I am now entering my eighth year of having my children at this school and have had a wonderful experience here. I have been thrilled with the Spalding program used here. The teachers and all of the staff are top-knotch. I have been honored to be able to be a parent volunteer on campus and enjoyed seeing first-hand how well-behaved and happy the students are here. They are very eager to learn and it shows in their classrooms. I would highly recommend this school for parents who are looking for a school that offers a back-to-basics curriculum with an emphasis on structure and patriotism. It has worked wonders for my children.”

“Academics are outstanding - providing parents are available to help with lots of homework!”

“I have been a teacher myself for 10 years, and I have never seen a more organized school! Everyone from the office, to the classroom, to the support staff, is professional and committed to the students.”

“My neighbor and close friend has a 6th grade girl at the Warner campus and her daughter is so much further ahead than my 6th grader, it's is unbelievable. My daughter has been at Eagles Aerie for the last three years and the school has gone down hill considerably. There are no text books and no pre-planned lessons. I have seen the test score differences...we are currently on the waiting list for Ben Franklin. They teach one grade ahead and also have two weeks of summer school to get the kids on track for the next year. My 6th grader will have to repeat the grade just to be close to wear she needs to be for BF. Most schools are bearly making the national average and I'm hoping that by attending one that scores 60% as the lowest and more in the high 70's and 80's...it will make a difference.”

“This school offers a great back-to-basics curriculum, as well as an appreciation for instilling respect and manners in its students. The school has a monthly virtue and says the pledge of allegiance at a daily flag ceremony. The school grounds are not traditional, however, I appreciate the fact that my 5 year old is not highly exposed to a lot of 6th grade behavior. Music and PE are incorporated into the curriculum. The school does not have a gymnasium or multi-purpose room. Weather is usually accomodating for PE purposes. Sports do not appear to be a big part of the extracurricular activities. Parent involvement is highly encouraged by volunteering and the requirement for a parent to sign their childs homework on a daily basis. Lastly, the students/children appear to look forward to going to class and are still happy at the end of the day.”

“This school is great. The staff is dedicated to each child's need and work their best to facilitate a comfortable learning environment.”

“Bfcs is a great school. They have a challenging corriculum, a fair impartial discipline program, excellent teachers, and great parent involvement. They offer after school programs, band, choir,and student council. They have an easy to follow dress code which encourages pride in one's appearance. The classrooms are orderly and well run, the children learn to be polite and respectful, and most of all they learn! the school does require parent involvement through volunteer programs, as well as checking a student's homework. I recommend bfcs to all of my friends and anyone else who asks and is interested in their child getting a quality, back to basics education.”

“Although I do feel this is an excellent, well run school, it seems it is a left-brain school only. Busy work and not much creativity. The discipline enforced is great- kids are all well behaved, but do they enjoy school? Mine didn't. I think it's an excellent choice if you feel it's a fit for your specific child- but it is focused only on advancing academics: book smart kids!”

“Excellent education. Fast paced curriculum, challenges students.”

“We have been with the school for 2 years now and I should say that I am very satisfied with their curriculum. My daughter has built her confidence with reading and writing. She struggles but the teacher is very patient. The teachers are supportive. If the student needs a one to one time with them, they do give it. She loves their after school programs. Safety is of prime importance to them.”

“We are very happy with the school. It focuses on establishing a good educational foundation. They also stress patriotism and character.”

“Not too impressed. Too much back to basics to work in the real world.”

“This school is great. Not only is the curriculum top notch, the atmosphere is wonderful. Students are respectful of teachers and other students. I have six children that have attended this school. I am impressed with Franklin's ability to maintain high standards and not yield to public pressures. The Spalding method is extremely effective and the Saxon math has prepared my children for higher education.”

“I absolutely love Benjamin Franklin Charter! My children had been in another charter school prior to Ben Franklin that was substandard. Franklin's staff has helped my two children excel. They provide an atmosphere where the kids really want to do great and be challenged. Parental involvement is a must which is an area lacking in many other schools.”

“Benjamin Franklin is a great school! They have a dress code that they enforce all year round. They do back-to-basic courses that actually teach your child how to read and they split the year teaching the current grade for half then the next grade for half.”

“I moved my daughter to this school just this year. She has always been an above average student; and now, she is finally being challenged to do her best. The math curriculum is awesome. The self discipline, independence, and values, that are taught here are so refreshing. My daughter will be well prepared for her future academic pursuits and to be a responsible citizen after leaving this school. I might also add that the entire staff goes above and beyond to help make the school's environment a wonderful place to be.”

“I really LOVE Ben Franklin Charter School! I now have 2 children enrolled there. The school requires the kids to be pushed in their studies. They seem to be about a grade level or more higher in all their areas study. I also really love that this is moral enviorment, that wants children to look and act their best at all times. The principle is alway see around the school not tucked away in a office. I also love that my children have the opportunity to say the pledge every morning at flag ceremony. Thank you Ben Franklin!”

“I had the opportunity to bring my children to Benjamin Franklin charter schools since the beginning of these schools. I have nothing but positive things to say about the curriculum, teachers and leadership. The drive to bring them to school was certainly worth the effort on my part.”

“My son has been going here since kindergarten, now he's in the second grade. I really like the discipline.. to an extent. I do believe some are too harsh as these are elementary kids and its the parents responsibility to discipline, not the teachers (depending on the situation). I wish there was more activities and when there are activities, they'd keep them rather than cancel due to not enough classes. Take who's there and go with it. I wish there was some help with the afterschool for those who's parents work and kids need transportation to an afterschool activity if its within certain # of miles.”