History
Tom and Cindy Franklin were career educators who started their first charter school in Prescott Valley back in 1996. Please click on the “about us” on the main page of the Franklin Phonetic website to find out more biographical information about these education professionals. 17 years later the Franklins expanded Franklin School to the Sunnyslope area in Phoenix. Mrs. Franklin completed her student teaching over 34 years ago in Sunnyslope and Mr. Franklin grew up in the community.
The Franklin Phonetic Primary School in Prescott Valley originally stated as a Primary K-3 school and has expanded to serve grades K-8th. Over 500 students attend the Prescott Valley campus which is noted for its high academic achievement and its emphasis on fine arts programs.
By using a strong primary phonetic curriculum (Fun with Phonograms) based on principles used by the Spalding Foundation, children attain the required reading competency. This strong literary foundation allows them to be successful in all other academic areas. The school has received Excelling ratings for academic achievement every year of its operation. In 2011 it was designated a National Blue Ribbon School and has received Title 1 recognition as well. Please download a school handbook to learn more about the curriculum at each grade level.
The school’s successful Prescott Valley campus uses educational practices are carefully designed. Instruction which incorporates the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards features time-on-task, carefully planned, sequential learning experiences that have enabled Franklin Phonetic students to succeed.
The campus in which the Sunnyslope campus is located is the site of the original Desert Mission. The Desert Mission was organized at the time of the founding of the community known as Sunnyslope. It was a joint venture with Sunnyslope Presbyterian Church to provide medical care, education, and other services, to individuals and families suffering from tuberculosis.
Disease sufferers were not allowed to attend local schools etc. And as a result the areas surrounding the former chapel were filled with tents etc. In the late 1960’s the Missions activities were taken over by other organizations and John C. Lincoln hospital rose to importance. Franklin School is proud to be obtaining historic status for these important buildings which are an important part of the history of our community.
The Sunnyslope campus opened in 2014 and now serves children grades preschool through sixth grade. In 2024 the Sunnyslope campus was awarded an A rating for achievement testing and other scoring attributes by the Arizona Department of Education. The school plans on maintaining this level of achievement for years to come.
School is open to students
Grades preschool through 6th grade, please click on the link to register