The "hills are alive..." as the children enjoy music at Franklin! Once a week, Franklin's Music Specialist joins the children. Singing songs, learning to play simple instruments, reading music, and learning about composers are all part of the music curriculum at The Franklin Schools. Dr. Maria Montessori viewed music as an integral part of the Montessori environment and believed that music should emerge spontaneously whenever it happened to be appropriate. The Franklin Schools promote her philosophy ensuring that rich, stimulating musical experiences are included in their learning experiences each day.

Half an hour, once a week the children meet with a Spanish Specialist. Through the use of objects and interactive games and songs, the children learn words for home, family, colors, animals, parts of the body, food and numbers. Storytelling is used to introduce Latin American culture and society. Instruction in Chinese is also a curriculum enhancement provided as the children learn to sing, count and write their names in Chinese!

Franklin's Outdoor Education Specialist heightens the children's knowledge and interest in the environment with special activities and presentations one day each week in Franklin's Beyond The Walls program. Natural gardening, habitats for animals, seasonal studies, observation skills and exploring the great outdoors in a variety of weather conditions are all part of this exciting program that is also woven into Franklin's indoor classroom curriculum.

Franklin's five and six year old children enjoy drama class as part of their afternoon curriculum. The children learn storytelling, gestures, stage direction, body control and more as part of this dynamic experience. In the spring, the children combine all they have learned to create a production for their parents. It is a special evening for the children and their families! Learn more about Franklin's Performing Arts Department under our link "What Makes Us Unique?"

The Franklin Schools initiated their Franklin Ambassadors program in the spring of 2005. The program is part of a series of Franklin visionary experiences for the leaders of our school community -- our upperclassmen. One language everyone understands is success! Franklin Ambassadors have numerous opportunities to excel and stay "up to speed" on their success track. Franklin Ambassadors provides opportunities for Franklin upperclassmen to be role models for Franklin freshmen (our toddlers and preschoolers) and encourages students to be leaders in areas such as good citizenship, grace & courtesy, peer mediation and academic pursuits. Welcoming guests, making introductions and assuming responsibility for oneself, prepare Franklin Ambassadors to maintain their leadership skills for a lifetime!