At Benjamin Franklin School, students engage in rigorous, standards-based learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and prepare every child for success in college, career, and life.
Through literacy, STEM, the arts, and personalized support, we empower students to become confident learners, leaders, and problem solvers.
Ambitious Instruction Plan
The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Ambitious Instruction Plan recognizes and celebrates that our students come from many cultures and backgrounds. This plan focuses on high-quality, culturally appropriate teaching and learning. Our goal is to ensure that every student develops reading, writing, and math skills in ways that are meaningful to their individual lives and experiences. Our staff works together to understand each learner and find appropriate ways to assess and improve their progress. We then make sure that students can apply what they have learned in productive ways in school and in their community.
Common Core State Standards
The curriculum in Milwaukee Public Schools is based on Common Core State Standards. These standards were developed with teachers, school administrators, and experts to prepare all children for college and the workforce.
Curriculum
English Language Arts (ELA)
Students receive daily English language arts instruction grounded in evidence-based literacy practices aligned with the Science of Reading. Students develop strong foundational reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills while engaging with complex texts across all content areas.
Mathematics
Students receive daily mathematics instruction focused on conceptual understanding, problem solving, hands-on learning, small-group instruction, and technology integration. Personalized supports and digital learning tools help strengthen mathematical thinking and accelerate learning.
Science
Science instruction encourages inquiry, experimentation, and real-world application of scientific concepts. In our Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Lab, students investigate scientific questions through coding, engineering challenges, video game design, and hands-on problem solving that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
Social Studies
Students explore civics, economics, geography, and history through engaging lessons, project-based learning, and technology integration that help them connect classroom learning to the world around them.
Specials: Art, Music, Physical Education, and Library
Students participate in art, music, physical education, and library classes every week. These enriching experiences help students build creativity, confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills. They also encourage self-expression, teamwork, healthy habits, and an appreciation for different cultures while supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Special Education
Franklin proudly serves students with a wide range of learning needs through inclusive practices and specialized programming. Students of all abilities learn and grow together in an inclusive school community built on acceptance, respect, and belonging. We also offer a bridging program and a comprehensive unit for students who need additional support. Together, our educators partner with families to ensure every student receives the support, opportunities, and encouragement needed to learn, grow, and thrive.
More Information
MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school’s special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to meet students’ needs.
If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child’s teacher or principal for an evaluation. For general questions about special education or specialized services, please call (414) 874-8493.
Wisconsin Act 20: Early Literacy Remediation
Teaching students to read requires skill and science. Act 20 states that all Wisconsin schools must provide science-based early literacy instruction from K4 through third grade. Evidence-based instruction, assessments, and personal reading plans for those who need additional support help all students become capable, confident readers. Skill development includes combining letters and sounds to create words, building vocabulary, and reading and writing with expression and clarity. Learn more about Act 20 in MPS.