Benjamin Franklin Charter School was opened in Gilbert in 1996 with an average enrollment of 1300 students in grades kindergarten through 6th. The curriculum is phonics based with high academic standards for all students with the guidance they need to excel.

The school is very strict with a dress code and mandatory homework. The program offered at the school focuses on excelling in math, reading, grammar, writing, spelling, literature, science, and history. Along with core subjects, the school also offers extra curricular activities including art, music, orchestra, physical education, chorus, dance, painting, and sports. Sports available at the school include basketball, football, physical education classes, volleyball, track, and soccer. Other special programs are also available which include academic contests, student government, community service, and yearbook.

The school is very proud of their state mandated test scores with the school ranking in the top 10% of all Arizona schools. However, even with the outstanding tests scores, the school does not use the exams as a basis of their learning environment as many schools in the area do. The curriculum is well rounded and offers a variety of learning skills to ensure students are ready for the world around them instead of just being able to pass the state mandated exams.

There are a few mixed reviews from parents mainly in the last couple of years centered on handling the bullying situation. In most cases, the situation is handled just by talking with the teachers, parents, and students involved in the incidence. Overall, parents are very pleased with the curriculum and the improvement they have noticed once they enroll their children in Benjamin Franklin Charter School. There are several different events scheduled throughout the year as well that makes for learning social skills whereas many schools often leave out working with students on developing social skills as well as academics.

Students participated in the state mandated AIMS exam that measures the percentages of students that either pass or exceed the standards set forth by the state. The percentages of students that passed or exceeded the standards are as follows along with the state average.

In reading 88% of 3rd graders with the state average at 77%, in writing 88% with the state at 79%, and in math 83% with the state at 68%. In reading, 96% of 4th graders with the state at 75%, in science 86% with the state at 60%, in writing 94% with the state at 83%, and in math 88% with the state at 65%. In reading, 90% of 5th graders with the state at 79%, in writing 69% with the state average at 55%, and in math 82% with the state at 63%. In reading, 91% of 6th graders with the state at 81%, in writing 74% with the state average at 56%, and in math 88% with the state at 91%.

Benjamin Franklin Charter School – Gilbert
13732 E. Warner Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-632-0722
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