Ben Franklin Academy - Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Rusty Porterfield

We have been very involved with the school since it opened and I have to admit there were some rough patches along the way. However, we always felt that the facility and teachers cared and always had our kids education at heart. The uniforms can get expensive but we have found plenty of people to trade with and now only spend about the same amount as we would on regular school clothes. The $150 registration fee covers all of their school supplies, so we don't have to worry about anything but back packs at the beginning of the year. We personally love the fact that the school focuses on science, reading and math. Both of our kids are reading 3 grade levels higher than kids their same age and they are both about a year ahead in math. Charter schools are not for everyone, at BFA every family is expected to volunteer time to help the community. We knew going in that our commitment was going to be higher than at a regular elementary school but we believe that involvement has helped our children get a better education.

Ck M

$$$$ It takes money to go to this school. When we first got in we were very excited... that only took trying to get through the registration process to fade away. I am sure the kids will love the school but as parents - what we have seen so far has made us regret our decision. If you have the money, then most of the issues will not seem like such a big deal. At our first outing 1 parent joking said "It is how they keep the poor out" I am sure she was joking but I did not find it to funny. Lets break down the dollars - Our kids went to a DCSD school last year. We paid .50 cents for the bus each way. At BFA it will cost us 1.00 each way or $4.00 a day for our children to take the bus x5 = 20 dollars a week. Registration per child is around $150.00 - $160.00. Uniforms for the school can only be purchased through Educational outfitters. 1 girls skirt and 1 shirt will run anywhere from $50.00 to $60.00 and that is only 1 days worth of clothes. Boys - 1 shirt and 1 pants $30.00 to $40.00. Now do the math if you would like your child to have more than 1 outfit to wear to school each day. On the website it mentions they do uniforms to bridge the gap between social economic classes and one staff member told us to think of it as an investment for our child's education. "SERIOUSLY". How is spending that kind of money on clothes an investment? One of the moms that helps in the school told my husband that if he cannot afford it there is always USED clothes for your child. That is fine but I think it was the way he said it to her that made us feel less than human that day.

Another issue is trying to get answers to questions - when we have had questions about registration or anything in general we are always told the same thing "Its on the website"

We are also hoping that they will take more consideration for parents work during the day. Registration, meet and greets and other things have all take place during the day so we have not been able to attend any of those.

I am sure the school will be great for our kids but wanted to share our experiences and and give a little insight on what to expect if you plan on attending this school

Brittany Gonzales

Horrible! I called three different times starting at the beginning of the school year to talk to the pre school teacher about starting my son. She never called me, I left messages for them and still no replay. I then called to talk with the principal about the lack of response and I had to leave her a message because she was out and she didn’t even call me back to apologize or say anything to me!! Very disappointed and will never send me kids there! If they don’t even return potential families calls what do they do with there student that go to the school!

Mark Keplinger

I attended there from 5th grade when it just opened to when I graduated. The school is truly just amazing. The community is supportive, and the teachers are amazing. Education is definitely a priority at BFA. I am proud to be a Lighting Bolt!

Jimmy Kinley

Teachers and staff are truly committed and care about my boys education.

Aden Buhl

it bad

Ryan Fillmore

Benjamin Coffey