Franklin Academy

140 River Road East Haddam, CT 06423
Tel: (860) 873-2700 Ext. 1114
fa-ct.org

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 102 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $96,000
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Franklin Academy Photo #1 - Franklin Academy is nestled on 75 acres in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley
Franklin Academy Photo #2
Franklin Academy Photo #3
Franklin Academy Photo #4 - Lifelong friendships start here!
Franklin Academy Photo #5
Franklin Academy Photo #6 - Our College and Career Readiness program opens up new opportunities after high school
Franklin Academy Photo #7
Franklin Academy Photo #8 - Fun and inspirational.
Franklin Academy Photo #9
Franklin Academy Photo #10
Franklin Academy Photo #11 - 40% of our students participated in the 2024 production of Anything Goes!

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 102 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $96,000
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

Upcoming Events and News

  • Franklin Academy Leaders Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood and Sara Gould Named to “The 100: Independent School Innovators 2026” - 10/02/2026
    Franklin Academy proudly celebrates Head of School Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood and Dean of Academic Affairs Sara Gould, who have been named to "The 100: Independent School Innovators 2026" by Toddle! ...moreSelected from more than 600 educators considered nationwide, this prestigious recognition highlights their innovative leadership and Franklin's continued commitment to reimagining education for neurodivergent learners. hide
  • A Historic Opening: Franklin Academy Welcomes Record 105 Students - 09/13/2026
    Franklin Academy celebrated a historic start to the 20262027 academic year, welcoming a record 105 students, including 49 new members of the Franklin community! This milestone reflects the school's continued ...moregrowth and increasing recognition as a leader in neurodiversity education, while remaining committed to individualized learning, meaningful relationships, and student success. hide
  • Envisioning Franklin’s Future: Campus Master Planning Begins with Tecton Architects - 09/04/2026
    Franklin Academy is envisioning its next chapter through a comprehensive Campus Master Plan in partnership with Tecton Architects. As the school approaches its 25th anniversary, this exciting initiative will shape ...morethe future of campus spaces, creating new opportunities for learning, connection, independence, and belonging for generations of neurodivergent learners. hide

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
Students By Grade
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Twice Exceptional, ASD - Level 1, ADHD
Year Founded
2002
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Wed. Sep 8, 2027
Last Day of School
Fri. May 26, 2028
Campus Size
75 acres
School Motto
Belong | Grow | Succeed

Student Body

Total Students
102 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 32%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
89%
Average Class Size
8 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Academic Writing and Multimodal CompositionCalculus I
General Physics IIntroduction to American Government
Introduction to Comparative PoliticsIntroduction to Computing for Engineers
Introduction to Genocide StudiesIntroduction to Human Rights
Introduction to International RelationsIntroduction to Maritime Culture
Mathematics for Business and EconomicsPersonal Financial Literacy

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Our all-inclusive tuition goes beyond the classroom, incorporating academic materials and supplies, laundry services, on-campus activities and programming, and transportation for school-sponsored off-campus trips.
Summer Program Cost
$9,100
Summer Program Cost Notes
Tuition for Summer at Franklin is $5,100 for the two-week program or $9,100 for the four-week program, offering an extended opportunity for learning, skill development, and personal growth.
% on Financial Aid
17%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$20,000
College Acceptance Rate
95%
Admissions Director
Cindy Pope
Admissions Associate
Lauren Reynolds
Application URL

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Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Colors
Navy Blue & Burgundy
School Mascot
Phoenix

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Book ClubChess Club
Community Service ClubsFIRST Robotics Team
Gay Straight AllianceNational Honor Society
Student GovernmentYearbook Club


Arts and Music Programs:
BandChoir
Theatre ArtsThespian Society


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Equestrian Club

School Notes

  • Franklin Academy is a NEASC-accredited, college preparatory boarding and day school in East Haddam, Connecticut, for neurodivergent learners in grades 8-12 and postgraduate.
  • Franklin's distinctive is an integrated educational model that connects skill-based instruction with experiential learning. Students prepare for college, careers, and independent lives by practicing increasingly complex responsibilities in a scaffolded environment, with support that evolves as their skills grow.
  • They can pursue challenging academics, meaningful friendships, athletics, the arts, and leadership while receiving the support they need.
  • Choosing Franklin means gaining an education designed around how they learn while preserving the opportunities and experiences of a full school life.
  • Unlike traditional schools that adapt programs to accommodate learning differences, Franklin's integrated educational model is built around how neurodivergent students learn, think, and grow. Small classes, challenging academics, personalized instruction, and embedded executive functioning support create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
  • Through Franklin's distinctive dyadic advising model, every student benefits from an academic advisor and a student life advisor who work together to strengthen self-advocacy, independence, and essential life skills. A comprehensive four-year college and career readiness curriculum, combined with opportunities to earn college credit through the University of Connecticut, prepares students for meaningful futures beyond high school.
  • Beyond academics, Franklin offers the full independent school experience, including athletics, performing arts, clubs, leadership, experiential learning, and a vibrant residential community where students develop confidence, lasting friendships, and a genuine sense of belonging.
  • With a 4:1 studentstaff ratio and students representing 21 states, Washington, D.C., and three international countries, Franklin Academy offers more than individualized support. It provides a place where students discover what's possible when an education is designed specifically for them.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Franklin Academy cost?
Franklin Academy's tuition is approximately $96,000 for private students and $9,100 for summer students.
Does Franklin Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Franklin Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Franklin Academy offer?
Franklin Academy offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, E-sports, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis and Ultimate Frisbee.
When is the application deadline for Franklin Academy?
The application deadline for Franklin Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
Our daughter has just completed her 2nd year at Franklin Academy (Grade 11). It has been the best thing we could have ever done for her. She has truly blossomed since she has been there. Prior to arriving at Franklin, she never felt she belonged and as she put it, she always "felt invisible". She is now part of a community who "gets her".She has grown into a confident, happy, more independent young woman. This is due in large part, to the support, encouragement and sense of belonging she has experienced at Franklin so far. Her passions have been nurtured and we are so proud of her accomplishments and the work she has done in all her classes. Sending our daughter to Franklin has been the best decision for all of us. We constantly sing the praises of the entire team. They consistently blow us away with their dedication and compassion. Our daughter is thriving and we couldn''t be happier for her.Franklin''s motto is, Belong. Grow. Succeed. This sums up our daughter''s experience precisely.
- Posted by
5  
Franklin Academy has been life changing for our daughter, who has ASD and ADHD. The faculty and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. She has gone from hating and avoiding school to being energized and enthusiastic about it. She has made friends and has been given opportunities to shine. We strongly recommend Franklin!
- Posted by

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