The mission of Franklin Academy is to provide students with nonverbal learning differences the academic and social skills to become life-long learners, to pursue college and career goals, and to enjoy fulfilling lives.  Here is a collection of unsolicited comments about our work and the many wonderful transformations that occur on our campus. 

“Thank you once again for a wonderful visit on Tuesday.  I again have to tell you how exciting it was to watch and absorb your enthusiasm for the NLD population."

“My husband and I found Franklin's approach to NLD both exciting and exhilarating.  You have unearthed an NLD child's biggest struggles and their worst nightmares – both academically and socially.  In doing this you have found a way to educate them, to help them educate themselves, and to aid them in securing a place in society that is safe, enjoyable, and productive."

"We were very impressed by your understanding and compassion for children (like our daughter) who have had such difficulty in traditional school settings.  It is wonderful that Franklin Academy has designed a learning and living environment where these children can create their own brand of success."

“You are all to be congratulated for your vision, efforts and accomplishments!”

“The talent, knowledge, and energy that has been put in (this) school by all involved is amazing. It can only be a success!  And the children seemed so happy and involved with their environment."

"I very much enjoyed my annual trek to Franklin for the Parent/Grandparents weekend.  It's wonderful to see how the school is growing and fulfilling a gaping need for our NLD kids.  I continue to be amazed at the progress our son is making in his living and social skills.  I love seeing him at ease with his friends – he never had friends at home!"

Our ninth grader has been at Franklin Academy less than two months, but says he envisions himself remaining through high school.  That Franklin has provided him so much security he can look ahead, rather than struggle to survive day-to-day, is his and our highest recommendation."

“When my son called to say he was elected to student government, I cried."

"Although our son has a ways to go, the changes we've seen in him are just about short of a miracle.  A year ago, he barely said a word to anyone and spent a lot of time in his room.  Now he is smiling, he is talking, and he is talking about colleges and bringing up his grades!  He has friends over to visit, and he'll do what you ask without arguing most of the time.  How can we thank you?!"

“Often I had given up with the educational system.  As parents, we are so vulnerable when our children are unhappy, have special needs, and different schools have failed them.  Our son is in his 4th year at Franklin and he is happy.  Franklin offers team players that address his needs, providing speech and language, occupational therapy, social and emotional well-being, learning specialists, and most importantly a feeling of belonging to a community.  Watching your child learn and become independent is wonderful.  Franklin helps him set goals and deal with life’s experiences in a way that is lasting.  The beautiful campus sets the stage for a comfortable atmosphere.  The small student to a teacher ratio is very effective.  The teachers and administration truly have their hearts set on helping these children.  Thank you Franklin!”

“I hope you are having a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday.  You and all the staff certainly deserve a week of rest!  Our son is home and is doing so well.  He seems calmer and has been entertaining us around the dinner table with great stories about the things that go on within the Franklin community.  This is the first time that he has really participated in our dinner conversations and it is wonderful for all of us.  So, during this season we just wanted you to know how thankful we are for the opportunity for our son to be at Franklin Academy.”

“Thank you for a terrific year at Franklin.  It was honestly the best year of my life, and that means everything overall.  I had some of the best teachers I've ever had this year.  Looking forward to an even better year next year.”

“My son’s growth and improvement in so many areas since he entered Franklin has been meteoric.” 

“I also wanted to tell you how moved I was at graduation this year.  The ceremonies were lovely and all of the students seemed to have a sense of accomplishment and comfort that I'm sure most of them have never experienced before.”

“I would be more than happy to serve as a parent reference, particularly for parents with Asperger's children.  Our son’s experience at Franklin has taught me that learning differences are only one aspect of the challenge Asperger's students must deal with....it has been Franklin’s consistent and successful education in life skills that has allowed him to progress to where he is now.”

“I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how happy we are with Franklin Academy!  For so many years I felt that there was something more going on with our daughter besides visual/spatial problems.  Finally we get the word that she has NLD.  We were so happy to finally have a name for her problems.  When we got the news that she had NLD I had already found Franklin.  From the first time I called your school I felt very comfortable.  The ladies were great.  They made the whole experience great.  We were so nervous about sending her away.  She really wasn't nervous!!!  The second day our daughter was there I asked her if she finally felt that she "FIT IN" and without hesitation she said "YES!!!!!!!"  I cried!  This is the first time in her life she fits in somewhere.  She is able to be the person who she is.  She has friends!!!  She doesn't sit alone at lunch anymore.  She talks about a boy, who is her friend.  She's HAPPY!!!!  We wanted to come see her one weekend but she said not to because she was going out with friends!!!!  We were so happy.  Finding your school has been a blessing for our whole family.  We are very excited for her senior year.  It sounds like a great program.  We have no doubt that she will be ready for college.”

“I am writing just to let you know that Patrick misses Franklin Academy and his family of friends but he is having a great time at college.  He is attending Marshall University and is loving it.  He is a pledge for a fraternity called Alpha Sigma Phi and is on the board of his pledge class as the Community Service Chairperson.  He has found another life without computer games.  Yeah!!  Not only is he attending classes regularly and going to six tutoring sessions each week, his English professor said that Patrick made the highest grade in his class on the first paper that was done.  That is thanks to his teachers at Franklin who prepared him for his writing.  So far so good!  He got a good foundation from you.  He has also met a nice young lady from Virginia who is a junior.  Who knows how long this will last but at least he is out of his room, having fun, and socializing on campus.  What a turn around for Patrick over the past three years.  I just wanted to let you know how he was doing and that we couldn't be happier with his past and present experiences.  Hope all is well at Franklin.  We talk about you often and Franklin will forever be in our memories.”

“Sarah is doing GREAT!!  She is all settled into The College of St. Elizabeth.  She is one of two freshmen picked for the school newspaper.  She was so excited when the second issue came out because her article made the front page.  She could barely speak when she called us.  She has made friends there.  We love when we call her and she can't talk because she is busy with friends.  She also has a job on the weekends.  She is a receptionist at her dorm.  Registration for the second semester is this week.  She called to tell us that she is going to double major.  She is going to major in English and History.  She also signed up for the honors program.  I heard that she is doing a great job advocating for herself.  We are very proud of her.  Again, I thank Franklin Academy.  I know we would not be where we are today if we did not send her there.”

“I wanted to update you and the other staff members who were involved with Nick on his progress as a college freshman.  Next week Nick will finish his second trimester at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania (Connecticut winters were great training for "lake effect" snows.) He has done very well academically, achieving a 3.4 GPA his first term.  He has had no trouble settling into dormitory life and he is very happy.  He is involved with a student group for students with Asperger’s Syndrome and the group director has shared that he has been the one trying to initiate group activities, albeit with limited success.  Soon he will begin to start planning his courses for sophomore year and choosing a major.   I know Franklin does gather data on students formally after graduation, but I think Nick's successful transition to college has been a reflection of his growth at Franklin. Please pass on to the staff our regards and gratitude for all their hard work.  We wish you years of continued success as your work hard to help all your students make their way.  Thanks again!!”