Franklin Academy is proud to announce that Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood, Head of School, and Sara Gould, Dean of Academic Affairs, have been named to The 100: Independent School Innovators 2026, a national recognition honoring educators advancing innovation across independent schools.
The inaugural 2026 cohort was selected from a pool of more than 600 educators who shared their work for consideration. Toddle, which created The 100, describes the recognition as celebrating standout work across curriculum innovation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and leadership and systems change. The final cohort was selected by an independent panel of school leaders and education thinkers.
For Franklin Academy, the recognition of two members of its senior leadership team reflects the school’s broader commitment to designing education around the strengths, needs, and futures of neurodivergent learners.
“This honor means a great deal to me because it recognizes Franklin Academy’s leadership in addressing systemic inequities and our commitment to education that responds to the needs of our students,” said Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood, Head of School. “I am especially proud that Sara Gould has also been recognized for her leadership in curriculum design. Her work reflects the creativity, thoughtfulness, and dedication that drive our school forward. Together, these honors affirm that Franklin Academy remains at the forefront of innovation, expanding opportunities and reimagining what education can make possible.”
As Head of School, Morris-Wood has helped lead Franklin Academy’s continued evolution as a school intentionally designed for neurodivergent students. His leadership has emphasized strength-based education, authentic student and family engagement, college and career readiness, and the development of programs that connect academics with executive functioning, independence, social-emotional development, and preparation for life beyond secondary school.
Gould has played a central role in the development and implementation of Franklin Academy’s academic program. As Dean of Academic Affairs, she oversees academic programming and instructional practice while helping ensure that curriculum, accommodations, skill development, and postsecondary preparation remain responsive to the needs of Franklin’s students.
“At Franklin, innovation begins with knowing our students deeply and being willing to adapt the educational experience around what helps them grow,” said Sara Gould, Dean of Academic Affairs. “That means looking beyond whether a student can simply complete an assignment or pass a course. We are thinking about the skills, confidence, self-awareness, and independence they will need long after they leave us. I am incredibly honored to be included in The 100 and grateful to work in a school community where thoughtful experimentation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are part of our everyday practice.”
The 100 was developed to make innovative work occurring within independent schools more visible and transferable across the field. Toddle says the annual recognition identifies 100 educators whose work demonstrates meaningful innovation and brings members of the cohort together to share ideas, practices, and lessons with one another.
Morris-Wood and Gould will join fellow members of the inaugural cohort at The 100 Summit on November 16–17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, where participants will engage in workshops, practitioner-led sessions, conversations with education leaders, and opportunities to share work that may inform practice at other schools.
The recognition comes during a period of continued growth and development at Franklin Academy as the school expands its academic, student support, postsecondary, and neurodiversity-focused initiatives while continuing to strengthen its model for supporting neurodivergent adolescents.
