The Franklin Schools believe that children should have opportunities to explore their creativity beyond the traditional materials and curriculum. Morning, afternoon and extended care programs provide the children with experiences that further help them develop awareness of the world around them. Whether it is a field trip to the local grocery store or learning about another culture and language, Franklin offers a variety of unique educational experiences to provide both creative and stimulating intellectual, artistic and developmental experiences for the toddler, pre-school and kindergarten-aged child.

The Franklin Schools provide extended care for children enrolled in the school between the hours of 3:00-6:00 p.m. Each class is lead by a senior staff member and an instructional assistant. In a relaxing atmosphere, after a busy school day, the children enjoy arts and crafts, singing, storytelling, dance class and dramatic play. After a nutritious snack, the children enjoy time outside on one of Franklin's four playgrounds. Franklin upperclassmen enjoy drama class as part of their afternoon curriculum.

The Montessori class for twos provides an environment rich in activities derived from the natural tendencies of a child at this age. Running, jumping, pulling, pushing, throwing, and pounding are typical movements of a two year old. "No! I want to do it myself" and "When is Mommy coming?" are common expressions. The development of small motor movement involved in using a spoon, dressing and undressing and the development of language through naming, describing and expressing feelings, form the basis of the toddler curriculum.

Two year olds are naturally motivated to become independent. For many children, the toddler classroom is their first separation from their parents. A healthy separation develops security, trust and independence in the child. Success in pouring a beverage and buttoning a coat create a self-confident learner who beams with pride when she hears the words, "You did it!"

Franklin's Early Childhood classrooms are tailored for children three to six years of age. Child-sized furniture and shelving is designed to fit the needs of all children to ensure that materials are accessible to everyone. Classrooms contain a full range of Montessori materials with special "extras" to enhance the child's learning experience. Each classroom has specific areas incorporating Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Social Studies, Science and Art materials. The order in these areas allows the children to quickly familiarize themselves with the location of specific materials in the classroom.

Franklin's 1:12 teacher/student ratio ensures that each child's specific educational, social and emotional needs are addressed. Franklin Montessori School classrooms have thirty students led by a certified Montessori teacher and two assistants. In Franklin Country Day Montessori School, there are twenty-five students led by a certified Montessori teacher and one assistant.

The Franklin Schools want the children to experience as much of the community and world around them as possible. Yearly field trips include the pumpkin path, Giant Food, bowling alley and a boat tour with picnic at Lake Needwood. Further afield, the children have enjoyed trips to the National Zoo, Kennedy Center, Imagination Stage, and local parks. We are always looking for new and interesting places for the children to enjoy and explore!

In-house adventures include special presentations by the Bob Brown Marionettes; Native American, Tomas Eaglebear; Stories from Ancient China; the Star Lab Planetarium; Mad Science; Reptile's Alive; African Folktales from Children's Theater Productions; Musician Mike Rose; Montgomery County's Re-cycling Program and MANY more!