Message from the Head of School

Welcome to Franklin Academy!
I am delighted you are exploring our website to learn more about our school. At Franklin Academy, we believe that education is most powerful when it is strength-based, authentic, and rooted in community. Every student who joins us is recognized for their talents, passions, and potential, not just for their challenges. Our mission is to provide neurodivergent learners with a school experience that nurtures the whole person, academically, socially, and emotionally, because we know that growth in one area fuels growth in all others.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Franklin Academy has been transforming education by recognizing that student-centered learning leads to bountiful outcomes. Today, we are proud to be recognized as one of the best private schools in the State of Connecticut, ranked among the top 10 independent schools for performing arts, and acknowledged nationally as a leader in shaping the conversation around the experiences of neurodivergent students and their families. 

What makes Franklin Academy vibrant is not only our academic excellence, but also the way our students fully engage in school life. In the classroom, students are challenged by expert faculty who create an environment where learning is exciting, personal, and meaningful. Beyond academics, our students are immersed in residential life, athletics, the arts, clubs, and leadership opportunities. Together, these experiences help students discover who they are, learn how to connect with others, and develop the skills to thrive as part of a community where authenticity matters. At Franklin, students are encouraged to be themselves, challenge themselves, and explore a life of endless possibilities.

A hallmark of Franklin Academy is our unmatched four-year college and career readiness curriculum. We know that complex transitions—whether to higher education or the workforce—require more than just strong academics. Our integrated program builds executive functioning, social-emotional skills, and independence into every facet of school life, ensuring students not only succeed here but are prepared to carry those skills into the future. From dual – enrollment courses with the University of Connecticut to internships in industries ranging from cybersecurity to the arts, Franklin students graduate with the confidence, strategies, and experiences to thrive in whatever path they pursue.

Just as importantly, Franklin Academy is a partnership. We believe that empowering families empowers students. Through consistent communication, intentional collaboration, and shared planning, families become active partners in supporting their child’s journey. Our alumni and parent communities remain engaged long after graduation, mentoring current students and modeling what fulfilling, independent lives can look like.

Franklin Academy is more than a school—it is a dynamic community where young people discover their strengths, deepen their relationships, and prepare for a purposeful future. I invite you to visit our campus and experience firsthand why Franklin Academy is one of the most innovative and inspiring schools for neurodivergent learners in the country.

With the Warmest Welcome,

Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood

Head of School