Philosophy: Franklin Township School pre-kindergarten through grade 6 programs are based on the premise that all children can learn at a high level if they are actively engaged in the learning process.  To that end, the district has developed numerous active, meaningful, learning experiences, which are aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, to challenge our students.  Technology literacy, consumer, family and life skills and career education are not taught as isolated "specials", but, rather, are carefully woven into the fabric of the curricula. The district wants children to be strong, independent individuals and hopes they will learn to enjoy leisure time and to use it resourcefully. We want our students to be able to function effectively in society and to become young men and women of character - knowing right from wrong, having the courage to stand alone, if necessary, for what they believe is right, and being willing to use their influence for the good of others. The Franklin Township School Staff and members of the Board of Education embrace the philosophy that all children benefit from an inclusive education.  Therefore, the Franklin Township School Community is committed to providing a totally inclusive program for all children. Ninety nine percent of our resident students are among the learners in the general education classrooms.  The district believes that we have a dynamic, progressive and caring school that values and receives the positive support of our parents and community at large.  We continually strive to bring our vision of a better educational system to life as evidenced by the following description of our school. 

Recognition: The district has received two NJ DOE “Best Practice” citations. The first was awarded in 1999/2000 for the parent education program entitled "Parent to Parent". In 2001/2002 we received a second award for the primary reading/literacy program called “ICP.  We also received the "Exemplary Practices in Inclusive Education" award on eight occasions for providing effective inclusionary practices. The New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council Fellowship Program in Inclusive Education, a federally funded, statewide planning and advisory agency, recognizes schools who have implemented innovative/exemplary methods of facilitating students with disabilities in general education classrooms and co-curricular activities. The categories in which we have received recognition over the past few years include "Inclusion Teaming", "Integrated Therapies", "Integrated Transportation", "Mega-Team Planning" and, most recently, three "Fellowships" were awarded to our teachers - Mrs. Susan Preiss in 2003/2004, Mrs. Debra Mannon in 2004/2005 and Mr. Richard Reduzzi and Karen Heaphy for the 2005-2006 school year. The purpose of these "Fellowships" was to honor teachers for their inclusive practices. Linda Bubalis, a language arts teacher in the district, was awarded Warren County’s Teacher of the Year in 2000/2001. Barbara Dalrymple, a health and physical education teacher, was named Warren County's Teacher of the Year for the 2004/2005 school year. Pauline Albrecht, school psychologist, was named Warren County Teacher of the Year for the 2005/2006 school year.  Also during the 2005/2006 school year  Susan Preiss, in-class support teacher and 6th grade homeroom teacher, was named Warren County Teacher of the Year for the 2006/2007 school year.

Curriculum: The Franklin Township School curriculum is aligned with the NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards (NJCCCS).  Integration of NJCCCS across the curriculum results in a rich and varied educational environment.  Technology literacy, consumer, family and life skills and career education are areas of core content integrated across the curriculum.  Staff development is based on the NJCCCS as they relate to the needs of the students. Enrichment activities abound to implement and supplement the core content standards.  School wide enrichment, after school clubs, focused enrichment for students in academics, the arts, and a variety of school wide themes enhance daily programs in the school.  Six pillars of character education, and Quest Skills for Growing/Adolescence programs help students to develop a healthy and safe lifestyle.

 Assessment: Assessment is an on-going process that measures the growth of each student in relation to him/herself.  Multiple measures of growth are developed by teachers who facilitate learning through assessing the needs of each student.  In the spring, students in grades 2-6 take a standardized test.  Grade three and four students take the NJ state test, ASK (Assessment of Skills and Knowledge).  This test is designed to determine strengths and weaknesses at an early age.  The district utilizes results to develop strategies and learning activities to meet the needs of each student.

Preschool PALS & LEAP: The Franklin Township School currently offers a preschool disabilities program for students demonstrating developmental delays.  Many of the activities are paralleled to the kindergarten program so that, by the time these children are ready for kindergarten, they are already familiar with the routine and surroundings of the school.  A second program offered to preschoolers is LEAP (Language Experience Acquisition Program).  Through this program, children ages 3-6 experience speech/language activities integrated with fine and gross-motor activities.  The school has a general education preschool program as well.  This program consists of a 3-4 year old program and a 4-5 year old program.  Many of the children who attend the preschool disabilities program also attend this general education program.

Partnerships:  Preschool and elementary summer academic programs are offered in conjunction with the Franklin Township Municipal Alliance Summer Fun Program.  Students can spend the morning at the school in both academic and recreational activities, with socialization and peer relationships a main focus of the experiences.  A wide range of childcare programs are offered for working parents.  The programs begin at 7 am and close at 6 pm.  The Family Assistance Network (FAN) is a committee of staff members who provide various types of support for the families of our school community.  The committee was formed due to the recognition of the importance of providing the best possible environment so that children will be able to learn.  The core group includes the school nurse, school psychologist, and school social worker.  Other staff members participate as appropriate.

Franklin Township School strives for excellence in all areas for all students and succeeds at offering a quality educational program where high expectations result in high achievement.