Curriculum
At Franklin, we foster curiosity and lifelong learning, and prepare students for a successful future where the only constant is change. We combine applied learning with a rigorous core curriculum and personalize the experience for each student. Our curriculum and academic framework incorporate:
- Project-based learning to foster problem-solving skills
- An emphasis on the development of critical thinking, critical writing, and public speaking skills
- Collaboration and peer-to-peer learning
- AP courses to challenge students, introduce college-level academics, and enable them to receive college credit
- Micro-courses to introduce students to industries, ranging from financial technology and business incubation to video game design and journalism, enabling them to explore career interests early
- Flexibility, offering students opportunities to take electives online
- The Franklin Incubator, where students will develop their own ideas for innovative projects focused on solving specific problems, expanding their entrepreneurial and leadership skills along the way
- Individualized guidance, through our extensive academic care program, providing students with mentoring, social and emotional support, and sustained academic skill development
- Expert college counseling starting in grade 9, as students prepare for college and beyond
- Cross-campus collaborations through which students can pursue their own interests and connect with peers around the globe
Course of Study
Please note that this guide reflects the planned academic offerings for the 2022-23 academic year, but courses are subject to change. If you have any questions, please reach out to William Campbell, Head of School, at wcampbell@franklinjc.org; or to Nicole Hamilton, Associate Head of School, at nhamilton@dwight.edu.
- English
- Mathematics
- Lab Sciences
- History and Social Studies
- World Language
- Visual Arts
- Physical and Health Education
- Design and Technology
English
Overview
Franklin’s English Department strives to help students become better readers, writers, listeners, speakers, and thinkers. The curriculum design and instruction are based on the belief that incisive questions have a value greater than the mere clarity of their answers. Through this philosophy, students are helped to see the merit of inquiry and reflection. A strong foundation in writing conventions such as grammar, vocabulary, mechanics, and style is also an integral part of students’ intellectual development. Franklin students are consistently encouraged to improve their writing through proofreading, editing, and revision.
English teachers at Franklin love literature, and their passion fuels classroom discussions on a daily basis. Students respond to literature through oral and written communication, enabling them to develop and refine their command of the English language. They read novels, poetry, and drama from a diverse range of authors, cultures, and time periods to understand how literature can be both a mirror and a magnifying glass — reflecting and focusing us on aspects of our own identities as well as the world around us.
English I
English I is a course designed to develop the more challenging reading, writing, and critical thinking skills demanded in a college program. Students read and analyze critically acclaimed novels, selected poetry, and short stories. Despite the differences in style, voice, and genre, these units share common themes centered on free will, fate, and the evolution of one’s own identity. Class discussions compel students to ponder how cultural, religious, and political contexts affect the development of the individual and of society. Written assessments include formal essays, personal reflections, persuasive speeches, and various creative pieces. The writing curriculum is enhanced through regular lessons and assessments of grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary.
Prerequisite: None
English II
English II prepares students for the rigors of AP English Literature & Composition and AP English Language & Composition. The curriculum includes critically acclaimed novels, plays, selected poetry, and short stories. As students read and analyze these texts about the turbulent intersections of identity and fate, they make connections to past works and to their own lives. They also learn to trace the development of recurring themes, narrative perspectives, and literary devices that transcend genre, time, and culture. The course provides a range of opportunities for oral and written expression, including tests, essays, dramatic scenes, Socratic seminars, and debates. The curriculum is supplemented by regular lessons and assessments of grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisite: English I or one year of high school-level English
AP English Literature & Composition
The Advanced Placement English Literature & Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literature and writing curriculum. The course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature — fiction, poetry, and drama — from various time periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and enjoyment. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as elements like figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.
Prerequisite: Two years of high school-level English
AP English Language & Composition
The Advanced Placement English Language & Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum. The course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts — including images as forms of text — from a range of disciplines and historical periods.
Prerequisite: AP English Literature & Composition or three years of high school-level English
Mathematics
Overview
The ultimate goal of the Mathematics Department is for students to gain a thorough understanding of the key concepts in math and to be able to apply these concepts at the level appropriate to their mathematical development and aptitude.
Our students understand that mathematics doesn’t stand in isolation, but is an integral part of the world around us. To deepen that understanding, students are encouraged to apply their developing math skills to a variety of academic areas throughout their time at Franklin. We strive to make our courses enjoyable, accessible, and appropriately rigorous for each student.
Placement of new students in the appropriate first course is made by the department and is based on transcript information, most recent math teacher recommendation, and the results of a placement test that newly admitted students take in the spring.
Every student enrolled in a mathematics course must have a TI-84 graphing calculator. No other models will be used or supported by the Department. Note: No calculator that has CAS (Computer Algebra System) capabilities, including but not limited to the TI-89 and TI-Nspire CAS, may be used for departmental exams.
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Geometry Honors
- Algebra II & Trigonometry
- Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors
- Pre-Calculus
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Statistics
Algebra I
Algebra I focuses on the elementary rules of mathematics, building a strong foundation for future mathematics courses. The curriculum includes solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, simplifying exponential and radical expressions, and exploring polynomials. Students learn various ways to solve quadratic and rational equations. Discussions are frequent and relate these topics to various real-life situations.
Students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of concepts in Algebra through interdisciplinary work with the Design and Technology Department related to coding and video game design.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or equivalent
Geometry
The Geometry course focuses on the theorems of Euclid, with some formal proofs, but with an emphasis on the understanding of the concepts and properties of these theorems and an application to numerical and problem-solving situations. After the study of triangle properties, students are introduced to the three basic trigonometric ratios and their applications to real-life situations. Students work on problems involving two- and three-dimensional objects and the calculation of area, surface area, and volume.
Students have the opportunity to bring their understanding of concepts in Geometry to life through interdisciplinary work with the Design and Technology and Visual Arts Departments.
Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent
Geometry Honors
The Geometry Honors curriculum is presented within a problem-solving context, linking traditional geometry concepts to both previously learned and newer algebraic concepts. The problems presented to students encourage flexibility in thinking and require students to examine problems using familiar concepts, but in novel situations. Students study Euclidean theorems requiring formal proofs. From similarity in triangles, students proceed to the study of trigonometry and the right triangle using the three basic ratios of sine, cosine, and tangent. They follow that with a study of three-dimensional solids, including prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres.
Students have the opportunity to bring their understanding of concepts in Geometry to life through interdisciplinary work with the Design and Technology and Visual Arts Departments.
Prerequisite: Strong performance in Algebra I or equivalent
Algebra II & Trigonometry
The Algebra II & Trigonometry course allows students to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts and principles and apply their skills to solve problems related to real-world contexts. The curriculum includes algebraic systems of equations and inequalities, sequences and series, direct and inverse variation, statistics, probability, permutations and combinations, and the study of various types of functions. The course concludes with a study of trigonometry, focusing on triangle trigonometry, trigonometric identities, and trigonometric graphs.
Students have the opportunity to bring their understanding of concepts in Algebra II & Trigonometry to life through interdisciplinary work with the Science and Design and Technology Departments.
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry or equivalent
Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors
The Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors course offers students a more in-depth study of the topics offered in Algebra II & Trigonometry. Students are expected to analyze problems and apply skills both graphically and algebraically in both theoretical and real-world applications. The curriculum includes algebraic systems of equations and inequalities, sequences and series, direct and inverse variation, statistics, probability, permutations and combinations, and an in-depth study of various types of functions. The course concludes with a study of trigonometry, focusing on triangle trigonometry, trigonometric identities, and an introduction to trigonometric ratios and trigonometric graphs.
Students have the opportunity to bring their understanding of concepts in Algebra II & Trigonometry to life through interdisciplinary work with the Science and Design and Technology Departments.
Prerequisites: Strong performance in Algebra I and Geometry or equivalent
Pre-Calculus
The Pre-Calculus curriculum consists of an introduction and exploration of functions with abstraction. Students start by focusing on representing function in multiple ways — as a table of values, as a graph, and as an algebraic rule. Elementary functions (polynomial functions, in particular) and their transformations, compositions, inverses, and applications are emphasized. After completing introductory topics, students work on rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The TI-84 Plus is used for continued study of non-linear data sets with special attention to sets that grow exponentially and logarithmically. Elementary work with arithmetic and geometric sequences is included. In the next portion of the course, students explore circular functions: sine, cosine, and tangent. Topics include right triangle trigonometry, simple harmonic motion, applications, and proofs of trigonometric identities.
Finally, students will learn how to represent points, sketch curves, and describe motion in two-dimensional space using parametric equations, polar coordinates, and vectors. In addition, students will study the graphs of the conic sections — parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
Prerequisite: Algebra II & Trigonometry
AP Calculus AB
This course covers the syllabus of the AB Advanced Placement examination. Students start by focusing primarily on differential calculus: limits, continuity, derivatives, and applications of derivatives. Graphical, numerical, and analytic methods will be used throughout the course. After completing introductory topics, students work on optimization, integration, applications of integration, slope fields, and separable differential equations.
The final portion of the course goes beyond the AB curriculum, covering topics including techniques of integration, arc length, improper integrals, parametric equations, and vectors. There will be time devoted to a comprehensive review of the AB Advanced Placement topics before the AP exam in May.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus BC
This course covers the syllabus of the BC Advanced Placement examination, expanding upon material covered in AP Calculus AB. Students cover topics including primarily differential calculus: limits, continuity, derivatives, the Chain Rule, related rates, and the Mean Value Theorem. Some integral calculus is also covered. Graphical, numerical, and analytic methods are used throughout the course. The next portion of the course will cover topics such as integration and applications of integral calculus. There will be time devoted to a comprehensive review of the BC Advanced Placement topics before the AP exam in May.
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB or equivalent
AP Statistics
This course covers the syllabus for the Statistics Advanced Placement examination. Students start off by making use of graphical and numerical techniques to study patterns and developing plans for data collection of valid information. The next portion of the course will cover topics including probability as the tool for producing models, random variables, independence, normal distribution, simulation, sampling, statistical inference, confidence intervals, and finally, tests of significance.
Prerequisite: Three years of high school mathematics or departmental permission required
Lab Sciences
Overview
At Franklin, the study of science is a balanced learning experience in which the interests and abilities of every student are supported and developed. Along with an understanding of scientific concepts and processes, we also emphasize opportunities for creativity and the development of individual interests. Whether through inquiry in the classroom, electives and micro-courses, or extra-curricular clubs and competitions, our students have many avenues for individual expression and collaboration with peers.
Our aim is for our students to be scientifically and technologically literate members of society who form opinions supported by evidence and reason, and who take action ethically and responsibly.
- Introduction to Biology
- AP Biology
- Introduction to Chemistry
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics 1/Introduction to Physics
- AP Physics 2
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
Introduction to Biology
This course provides an introduction to the unity and diversity of life from the molecular to the community level from an evolutionary perspective. It focuses on the interrelationship between the structure and function of living things, and explores the effects of human interaction with the natural environment. Frequent laboratory experiences will augment knowledge gained through class study. This course provides students with an exceptional basic background for further study in biology or other sciences.
AP Biology
Advanced Placement Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors.
This course requires that 25% of instructional time be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biology and Introduction to Chemistry
Introduction to Chemistry
This class explores how the world is constructed on an atomic scale. Students learn how these tiny atomic and molecular constituents give rise to larger material behavior, and how people can use this understanding of matter to impact the world in a variety of ways (i.e., politically, socially, environmentally). Students learn to shift scales and make valuable predictions by mastering conversions and manipulating equations. Beyond regular homework assignments, quizzes, and exams, the course provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively with labs that emphasize problem solving, a research essay exploring the need for science in light of pressing world concerns, and multimedia atomic history presentations.
AP Chemistry
The Advanced Placement Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.
This course requires that 25% of instructional time engages students in lab investigations. This includes a minimum of 16 hands-on labs (at least six of which are inquiry-based). It is recommended that students keep a lab notebook throughout.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Chemistry and Algebra II & Trigonometry
AP Physics 1/Introduction to Physics
This is an algebra-based, introductory physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound. Students who opt to take the AP Physics 1 exam will have Advanced Placement Physics 1 reflected on their transcript. Students who do not take the AP exam, will have Introduction to Physics reflected on their transcript.
This course requires that 25% of instructional time be spent on hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate foundational physics principles and apply them to the real world.
AP Physics 1 is a full-year course that is the equivalent of a first-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics.
Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra II & Trigonometry (previously or concurrently studied)
AP Physics 2
This is an algebra-based, introductory physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Students who opt to take the AP Physics 2 exam will have Advanced Placement Physics 2 reflected on their transcript. Students who do not take the AP exam, will have Introduction to Physics 2 reflected on their transcript.
This course requires that 25% of instructional time be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply them to the real world.
AP Physics 2 is a full-year course that is the equivalent of a second-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics.
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1
AP Physics C: Mechanics
This is a calculus-based, college-level physics course. It is designed for a student who has displayed excellence in both physics and advanced mathematics. The Advanced Placement course covers kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Students who take this course are required to meet five periods per week.
AP Physics C: Mechanics should include a hands-on laboratory component comparable to a semester-long introductory college-level physics laboratory. Students should spend a minimum of 25% of instructional time engaged in hands-on laboratory work. Students ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress. Each student should complete a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Physics and Calculus (previously or concurrently studied)
History and Social Studies
Overview
Franklin’s History and Social Studies classes encourage students to respect and understand multiple perspectives on historical and contemporary issues. In this way, teachers help students to see how other people, with their differences, can also be right. To facilitate this mission of open-mindedness, we use an inquiry approach. Students learn to research, write, present, organize ideas, and develop time-management skills.
We also offer several electives within our social studies curriculum. Students are required to enroll in one of these courses to satisfy their social studies requirement in grade 12.
- Introduction to World History
- AP World History: Modern
- AP U.S. History
- AP Psychology
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- AP Comparative Government & Politics
- AP European History
Introduction to World History
Introduction to World History explores global history by focusing on concepts of identity and change. This course is built around three themes: reformations, revolutions, and colonialism/resistance. For each theme, students will closely examine a specific case study on that theme as a class before choosing another case study to pursue and share in group research. During the course, students will engage with primary and secondary sources, practice the skills of historical thinking, and learn the art of historical argumentation and analysis.
Prerequisite: None
AP World History: Modern
Advanced Placement World History: Modern aligns to an introductory college survey of modern world history. In this course, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. Students explore six themes throughout the course to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
Prerequisite: Introduction to World History or one year of high school-level social studies
AP U.S. History
In this course, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. Students explore eight themes throughout the course to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.
Prerequisite: Two years of high school-level social studies
AP Psychology
Advanced Placement Psychology aligns to an introductory college course in Psychology. In this course, students are introduced to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
Prerequisite: Three years of high school-level social studies
AP U.S. Government & Politics
Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics aligns to an introductory college course in U.S. government. In this course, students are introduced to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.
In Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics, students are expected to complete the required project, which adds a civic component to the course, engaging students in exploring how they can affect, and are affected by, government and politics throughout their lives. The project might have students collect data on a teacher-approved political science topic, participate in a community service activity, or observe and report on the policymaking process of a governing body. Students should plan a presentation that relates their experiences or findings to what they are learning in the course.
Prerequisite: Three years of high school-level social studies
AP Comparative Government & Politics
Advanced Placement Comparative Government & Politics aligns with an introductory college course in comparative government and politics. This course introduces students to the rich diversity of political life outside the United States. A comparative approach is used to examine the political structures; policies; and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students compare the effectiveness of approaches to many global issues by examining how different governments solve similar problems. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments.
Prerequisite: Three years of high school-level social studies
AP European History
Advanced Placement European History aligns with an introductory college survey of modern European history. In this course, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. Students explore seven themes throughout the course to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity, and technological and scientific innovations.
Prerequisite: Three years of high school-level social studies
World Language
Overview
The World Language Department offers a four-year course of study in Spanish. Students learn to understand, speak, read, and write the language, and also are given a comprehensive introduction to the literature and culture of Spain and Latin America.
Franklin implements an immersive and communicative approach to language learning. All classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. Students develop their communication skills for a variety of purposes: to speak and write with clarity and fluency, to interpret authentic multimedia texts with precision and insight, and to engage meaningfully with people in many different contexts. With culture at the heart of the curriculum, we endeavor to provide students with relevant experiences and real-world tasks in and outside of the classroom.
In addition to our Spanish language offerings, students have the opportunity to take French or Mandarin online with our affiliate, Dwight Global Online School.
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Spanish III
- AP Spanish Language & Culture
- Online Language Offerings
- French I
- French II
- French III
- French IV
- Introduction to Francophone Literature
- AP French Language & Culture
- Mandarin I
- Mandarin II
- Mandarin III
- Mandarin IV
- AP Chinese Language & Culture
Spanish I
¡Bienvenidos a Español I! In this course, students dive into the exciting journey of language acquisition by taking part in a thriving immersive experience. Throughout the year, students work on the fundamental building blocks of the Spanish language, focusing on listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.
Spanish I is designed for language learners who enter at the novice level, and who will advance to the intermediate level, as all classroom discussions are conducted in Spanish. Students will be introduced to the rich cultural traditions of the various countries in the Spanish-speaking world. They will also dive into a range of materials, from text to video, and much more, which will bring their learning to life and set them on a path for success in future language learning.
Prerequisite: None
Spanish II
In Spanish II, students strengthen their Spanish skills by continuing the exciting and immersive language-learning experience. The emphasis on listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing continues to be essential as students develop a more sophisticated grasp of the language.
This course is designed for the emerging-intermediate language learner to improve their Spanish skills as they continue to explore the rich cultures of various Spanish-speaking countries, while exclusively communicating in Spanish. By taking a deeper dive into a more complex range of real-world materials such as podcasts, short stories, and more, students solidify their path for success in the language.
Prerequisite: One year of high school-level Spanish language study
Spanish III
In Spanish III, students work on building linguistic sophistication and refining their listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills through a rigorous and immersive language learning experience.
In this course, students attain a high-intermediate level of language proficiency through their continued exploration of real-world materials such as poetry, songs, short stories, plays, newspaper opinion articles, podcasts, reports, cartoons, essays, and interviews.
Prerequisites: Two years of high school-level Spanish language study
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture emphasizes communication by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations, in addition to engaging students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. Students who opt to take the AP Spanish Language & Culture exam will have AP Spanish Language & Culture reflected on their transcript. Students who do not take the AP exam, will have Spanish IV reflected on their transcript.
This course includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. In order to develop cultural awareness, students develop an appreciation of cultural products such as tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions, as well as cultural practices and perspectives. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught exclusively in Spanish.
AP Spanish Language & Culture is a full-year course that is the equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university course in Spanish language and culture.
Prerequisites: Three years of high school-level Spanish language study
Online Language Offerings
French I
In this course, students embark on the exciting journey of language acquisition by studying the fundamental building blocks of French, focusing on the four key areas of world language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Extensive use of authentic materials, including video, audio, images, and texts will provide students with a contextualized and interactive presentation of the vocabulary and linguistic structures, setting them up for success in future language learning.
Students can expect to work collaboratively and independently as they formulate and test hypotheses about different aspects of the French language, all the while developing metacognitive strategies to process and negotiate the meaning of new vocabulary. Consistent and relevant francophonic references and materials will further immerse students as they start their foray into French language and culture.
Prerequisites: None
French II
Using the tools introduced in earlier work, this class will build on existing francophone concepts and provide students with fresh insights and understanding of French language and culture. Using many forms of francophone media, from music to film, news articles, and more, students will increase their access to various French concepts while exploring more sophisticated vocabulary, grammar, and structure concepts.
With a goal of helping students to not just learn French, but also learn to love it, students will interact with each other and the culture in new ways, applying their content language through exciting projects such as recording podcasts, exchanging correspondence with francophone students, creating an itinerary for a trip, analyzing modern French movies, and more. By the end of the course students will demonstrate ability in discussing current events in French, conversing or debating with French speakers, and identifying the nuances of the language.
Prerequisite: French I or departmental permission required
French III
Improving linguistic sophistication while also building students’ confidence in their French skills are the hallmarks of this year-long course. Students with an existing understanding of French, established in earlier introductory courses, can expect to continue communicating through the four competencies of language acquisition: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. A focus on French grammar, including the passé composé, passé simple, conditionnel, and plus-que-parfait tenses, as well as the subjunctive mood, will challenge students as they grow into the ability to discuss and debate French and francophone history, culture, and current events.
Students will enjoy immersing themselves in French culture through film and readings that will anchor their projects, including an in-depth study of the classic (and beloved) Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. An honors section is available.
Prerequisite: French II or departmental permission required
French IV
Continued progression through French language concepts and culture make this course a chance for students to sharpen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in immersive ways. New vocabulary areas will help students as they explore increasingly complex grammatical structures. Engaging with many francophone authentic materials, including literature, videos, radio clips, podcasts, movies, music, newspaper articles, magazines, and more will drive a refreshed and authentic interest in and understanding of francophone culture, histories, and peoples.
Prerequisite: French III or departmental permission required
Introduction to Francophone Literature
With a focus on immersing students into the important texts of French culture, this course will help strengthen skills in advanced French grammar and formal vocabulary through analysis of both classic and contemporary francophone literature. By employing “thèse,” “anti-thèse,” and “synthèse” discussion and debate techniques to examine culturally relevant themes in the texts, students can expect to heighten their understanding of both French language and culture, produce written compositions, and practice Socratic seminars to improve their active reading skills. Texts such as Faïza Guène's Kiffe Kiffe Demain, Gaston Leroux’s Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, Patrick Modiano's Dora Bruder, and Guy de Maupassant’s short stories may be studied. An honors section is available.
Prerequisite: French IV or departmental permission required
AP French Language & Culture
Communicating clearly and effectively in French and preparing students for the French Advanced Placement test forms the core goal of this course. With an emphasis on clarity and communication —specifically, being understood by French speakers and understanding those speaking French —will occur through students’ application of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational French skills using real-life situations. From vocabulary to language control, and from cultural awareness to communication strategies, this course enables students to hone in on the specific and practical nuances of this world language so they can be most effective. Taught almost exclusively in French, the course will also engage students in an exploration of francophone culture, including its tools, practices, and perspectives.
Prerequisites: French IV or departmental permission required
Mandarin I
In this course introducing students to a range of basic Mandarin vocabulary and grammatical concepts, students can expect to form a clear understanding of the fundamental building blocks of language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. From the Mandarin alphabet and numbers to basic descriptions of people, places, food, animals, and more, this course lays the necessary groundwork for a thriving, immersive Mandarin experience. Extensive use of authentic materials, including video, audio, images, and texts, will provide students with a contextualized and interactive presentation of the vocabulary and linguistic structures, setting them up for success in future language learnings.
Students can expect to work collaboratively and independently as they formulate and test hypotheses about different aspects of the Mandarin language, all the while developing metacognitive strategies to process and negotiate the meaning of new vocabulary.
Prerequisites: None
Mandarin II
Using the tools introduced in earlier work, this class will build on existing Mandarin concepts and provide students with fresh insights and understanding of Chinese language and culture. Using many forms of Chinese media, from music to film, news articles, and more, students will increase their access to various concepts while exploring more sophisticated vocabulary, grammar, and structures. This course emphasizes spelling with the pinyin system, tone accuracy, numbers, calendar components and time, basic greetings, character writing, and grammatical structures.
With a goal of helping students to not just learn Mandarin, but also learn to love it, students will interact with each other and the culture through in-class writing drills, engaging quizzes, conversation practices, and grammar drills, building on their ability to converse in the language.
Prerequisites: Mandarin I or departmental permission required
Mandarin III
Building on their existing skills in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin, students in this course will learn to better communicate in a variety of ways as they build a solid foundation in character writing. They’ll expand upon their base of knowledge and branch into the areas of spelling within the pinyin system and tone accuracy.
Through use of technology-based learning activities, task-based projects, individual and collaborative projects, and group discussions, students will become immersed in Chinese culture while they progress into more advanced elements of Mandarin grammar and composition. An honors section is available.
Prerequisites: Mandarin II or departmental permission required
Mandarin IV
Continued progression through Chinese language concepts and culture make this course a chance for students to sharpen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in immersive ways. Conducted almost entirely in Mandarin, this class emphasizes class discussions, oral drills, and storytelling, while reading and writing skills will be strengthened through project-based learning activities centered around Chinese culture, including important histories, festivals, films, and current affairs.
Prerequisite: Mandarin III or departmental permission required
AP Chinese Language & Culture
Communicating clearly and effectively in Mandarin and preparing students for the Chinese Advanced Placement test forms the core goal of this course. With an emphasis on clarity and communication — specifically, being understood by Mandarin speakers and understanding those speaking Mandarin — will occur through students’ application of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational Mandarin skills using real-life situations.
From vocabulary to language control, and from cultural awareness to communication strategies, this course enables students to hone in on the specific and practical nuances of this world language so they can be most effective. Taught almost exclusively in Mandarin, the course will also engage students in an exploration of Chinese culture, including its tools, practices, and perspectives.
Prerequisite: Mandarin IV or departmental permission required
Visual Arts
Overview
It is Franklin’s philosophy that all young people are artists, and we strive to open doors, both metaphorically and literally, through which their artistic expression can emerge. In both individual and group settings, we utilize our facilities and those in our surrounding area to prepare students for college and the world.
Visual Arts 9: Artists and Their Worlds
In this course, students investigate the works and techniques of renowned artists such as Louise Nevelson and Kehinde Wiley, delving deeply into unique styles, mediums, and approaches to art-making. Students investigate how to develop a personal expressive visual language that both borrows from past traditions and conventions and aligns with contemporary practices. Armed with an understanding of how various mediums of art have evolved throughout the years, students have the autonomy to challenge themselves through their choice of subject matter, use of materials, and selected modes of representation and display.
This course aims to excite students through their breadth of creative exploration while building technical skills and a sense of self-as-artist. By learning about the works of others, students will learn to use tools for critical analysis to interpret artworks and inspire them to independently apply a creative process to produce artworks that begin to explore and develop their own unique visual voice. Art-making activities include mixed-media works on paper, sculpture, and painting.
Specific units of study include:
- “In Your Face” (mixed-media work on paper) — This unit explores the art-making convention of portraiture. Students investigate portraits by several significant artists as well as explore the concept of appropriation, by adapting existing imagery to reinterpret past ideas with new meanings.
- “What Lies Beneath” (acrylic painting) — This unit explores the ideas and artworks of Surrealist and other early modernist artists, adapting visual representations from dreams and imaginations into painted artworks.
- “City Dreams” (found-media sculpture) — Through the lens of utopian and dystopian representation, this unit explores the design of architectural buildings and spaces, with students responding by creating bas-relief sculptures that reflect personal research on a chosen theme.
Visual Arts 10: Power, Rebels, and Revolutions
In this course, students pursue an exploration of the visual arts with greater intensity and focus. They consider the power of artworks as a means to challenge dominant and prevailing views and issues of traditional and contemporary relevance. Additionally, our students are encouraged to question the role and purpose of art across different times, places, and cultural contexts. Students address important themes of authority and status, expanding their appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical, and global perspectives as well as challenging viewpoints and biases to understand and value those of others. Through this, they develop an understanding of how they, as artists, can create works that challenge assumptions and seek to make connections within their world. Art-making projects in this course explore both 2D and 3D forms, allowing students to experiment and develop skills in a range of mediums, processes, and technologies that provide choice in how they create, present, and express their ideas and personal viewpoints. Specific units of study include:
- “Assembled” (mixed media and clay sculpture) —This unit focuses on the principles of design, and how they, along with experimentations into the manipulation and combination of materials, can lead to aesthetic outcomes. Students also begin to look into their world to locate inspiration for art-making, using sensory experiences to develop their work.
- “Mine - Yours - Ours” (mixed-media on paper) — This unit explores how concepts of personal, cultural, and national identity are questioned, challenged, and reformed through visual culture.
- “A Force for Change” (printmaking) — With reference to artworks by Goya and German Expressionist artists, this unit explores how art can be used as a tool for social and political change.
Physical and Health Education
Overview
It is Franklin’s belief that physical education and health play a unique and significant role in the total development of the child. Our Physical Education Department aims to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit of every child who walks through our doors. Our philosophy focuses on more than just participating in sports and games but rather on holistic learning, lifelong fitness, interdisciplinary connections, and the acquisition of motor skills. We empower our students to take ownership of their personal health while being accountable for their actions.
In addition to physical education, students also participate in health education courses. This pairing of physical and health education provides students with a well-rounded approach to personal health.
PHE I
The PHE course in grade 9 focuses on developing the foundational knowledge, conceptual understandings, and the life skills required to improve one's own personal health and develop lifelong positive health habits. Students participate in a diverse range of sports and physical movement challenges designed to develop an understanding of movement concepts and to enhance their knowledge of the beneficial physiological changes that come with a sustained health and fitness focus. The health component of the program focuses on developing the knowledge and skills integral for cultivating healthy and respectful relationships and to improve their own personal health. Students are introduced to the strategies and techniques needed to navigate challenges, remain safe, and increase their own level of personal health literacy.
Topics:
- Healthy on the inside, healthy on the outside
- The power of physical activity
- Cognitive health
- Healthy and respectful relationships
PHE II
The PHE program continues with the interconnected parallel between physical activity, improved health literacy, and positive health outcomes. Students build on the foundation of knowledge and skills developed in grade 9 to enhance their ability to make healthy life choices and be knowledgeable advocates for their own health practices. They participate in a broad range of team and individual sports, and are introduced to new and challenging movement patterns and non-traditional games. Students will continue to develop a deeper understanding of the physiological adaptations and benefits associated with regular physical activity.
Topics:
- Risk-taking versus risky behavior
- Improving personal health and athletic performance
- Understanding health and wellness
- Leadership in athletics
PHE III
The PHE course in grade 11 investigates a multitude of components that can influence adolescent health and provides the knowledge, resources, and skills required to make positive, informed decisions. Students participate in activities designed to enhance their understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body. Students develop the knowledge and skills required to program and plan a personalized health and physical activity portfolio.
Topics:
- Personal health advocacy
- Coaching and performance principles
- Lifelong fitness
- Performance programming
PHE IV
The PHE course in grade 12 examines the variables that affect optimal athletic performance. Students participate in a number of specifically designed physical challenges and sports to expose them to a number of the variables that can affect athletic performance. They will utilize the experiential and theoretical knowledge developed to produce a PHE personal project. The health component of the program focuses on further developing their knowledge about the health of adolescents in the United States and providing them with the knowledge and skills to create a personal health research and resource database.
Topics:
- Evaluating athletic performance
- Adolescent health
- What is my health?
- Optimizing athletic performance
Design and Technology
Overview
Franklin’s Design and Technology program strives to ensure that all students are critical thinkers and 21st-century learners who are able to make thoughtful choices about how to engage with technology in a rapidly changing world. Creative, yet responsible use is at the center of technology at Franklin as students learn to invent, collaborate, and express themselves utilizing many tools and technologies. Using a design-thinking framework, students make purposeful use of technology to investigate problems, design and create solutions, and evaluate and share their work with the world around them.
We also offer several electives within the Design and Technology curriculum. Students are required to enroll in one of these courses to satisfy their Design and Technology requirement in grade 12.
- Digital Design & Fabrication
- Design & Computational Media
- Physical Computing
- AP Computer Science Principles
Digital Design & Fabrication
This course serves as an introduction to the design softwares, tools, and materials in our state-of-the-art makerspace. Using industry-standard software tools, students learn the basic principles of computer-aided design in two and three dimensions. They will develop a foundational understanding of digital fabrication through projects using 3D modeling, laser-cutting, 3D printing, and Computerized Numerical Control technologies.
Inquiry, problem-solving, and self-expression are at the center of this design course, which is focused on providing students with authentic problems and creative design prompts that develop their skills in prototyping, testing, and invention. The class will include several skill-building projects and larger assignments, as well as a final project.
Prerequisite: None
Design & Computational Media
This course focuses on the fundamentals of computer programming using variables, conditionals, iteration, functions, and objects. By understanding how code can be a medium for creative expression, students will learn the basic principles of computer science while designing and prototyping interactive projects that run on the internet.
The course assumes no programming experience and will include three major assignments: the end of each trimester is spent developing an idea for a final project and implementing it using computer programming.
Prerequisite: None
Physical Computing
This course expands the idea of computing beyond the limitations of the mouse, keyboard, and monitor interface of today's computers. The platform for the class is the Arduino microcontroller, a low-cost single-chip computer that can fit in your hand. The core technical concepts include working with sensors, actuators, digital, analog, and serial input and output. The class will include three major assignments: the end of each trimester is spent developing an idea for a final project and implementing it using the Arduino microcontroller.
Prerequisite: Design & Computational Media or one year of high school-level computer science
AP Computer Science Principles
Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the Internet, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.
Prerequisite: Design & Computational Media or a high school-level Algebra class