Franklin Center

Franklin Center Franklin Center unlocks potential through an integrated model of services for neurodiverse learners.

Franklin Center is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to unlock potential and transform lives by addressing the holistic academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of the neurodiverse community. We do this through an approach that integrates a full range of services:

+ Franklin Academy: A Minnesota school unlike any other, delivering K-12 education through personalized accommodat

ions for neurodiverse students.

+ Franklin Therapy: Fully licensed, comprehensive therapy for the neurodiverse, with a focus on the intersection of behavioral and mental health.

+ Franklin Enrichment: Engaging experiences outside of school where students build friendships, create connections, and develop social skills.

+ Camp Franklin: Summer camps for neurodiverse or sensory-sensitive students to maintain their learning, have fun, and make friends.

+ Franklin Capstone: A post-secondary program offering a full range of life skills courses, preparing neurodiverse young adults to live and work independently with confidence. Formerly called The Whole Learning School, and then Academy of Whole Learning, a group of parents of children with neurodiversities founded our organization in 2003. Since then, we’ve continued to add grades and electives, along with new innovative, tailored services and activities as our community grows with us. By offering custom support through a variety of services, we’re working every day to help our neurodiverse community achieve their goals and have an exceptional human experience.

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate three Capstone participants who have reached an incredible milestone: five or more y...
08/25/2026

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate three Capstone participants who have reached an incredible milestone: five or more years with their employers!

Here is what Gordon, Will, and Adam had to say about their workplace journeys, overcoming challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Achieving job stability takes hard work, adaptability, and the right support system. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate three Capstone participants who have reached an incredible milestone: five or more years with their employers!

We are thrilled to welcome three new teachers to our Lower School this year. They've had a great first week meeting staf...
08/21/2026

We are thrilled to welcome three new teachers to our Lower School this year. They've had a great first week meeting staff, completing their orientation, and setting up their classrooms. They look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night! 🍎

08/20/2026

POV: You’re getting the VIP tour of Franklin Center 🎤✨

From favorite spots to silly moments, she’s showing us some of the things that make this place special. Come along and see what’s on her tour!

We’re excited to welcome four new members to our Board of Trustees! Thank you for bringing your time, experience, and pa...
08/17/2026

We’re excited to welcome four new members to our Board of Trustees! Thank you for bringing your time, experience, and passion to our organization. We’re grateful to have you on this journey with us! 💙

It's been a summer for the books! 🌞Thank you to all the wonderful campers who joined us this summer at Camp Franklin. We...
08/14/2026

It's been a summer for the books! 🌞

Thank you to all the wonderful campers who joined us this summer at Camp Franklin. We had so much fun with you, and can't wait to do it all again next year!

08/13/2026

Traditions & Transitions 💜

For the past year, young adults in the Franklin Center's Capstone program have been a wonderful part of life at Sholom’s Ackerberg Campus, volunteering twice a month alongside their mentors, Amy and Johnny.

From helping clean up our campus grounds and sanitizing tables, chairs and handrails to creating activity packets for our residents, their time and care have made a meaningful difference in our community.

As they wrapped up their year of volunteering, we gathered to celebrate their contributions with a big thank-you and some well-deserved treats! We’re so grateful for the time, energy and kindness they shared with our residents and staff. 💛

The Capstone program helps young adults build confidence and independence as they prepare to navigate life on their own—and we’ve been honored to be part of their journey this year.

At Franklin Center, we’ve always believed in meeting our students and clients where they are, and that includes making s...
08/10/2026

At Franklin Center, we’ve always believed in meeting our students and clients where they are, and that includes making sure our services are accessible to people who have other obligations.

Our Capstone program for ages 18 to 28 includes full-time, part-time, and College Flex options. Director Michael Faeth joined WCCO & CBS News Minnesota to talk about why being able to participate in Capstone while attending college or working at a job is so important to some students.

If you think College Flex would work for you, schedule a conversation with us!

Research from the Minnesota Department of Health shows tens of thousands of adults and youth are living on the spectrum in Minnesota. For some, going to college or getting a job can be challenging. But there is help available.

School’s out, but the growth doesn’t stop! ☀️ At Franklin Therapy, summer is all about balancing individualized therapeu...
08/06/2026

School’s out, but the growth doesn’t stop! ☀️ At Franklin Therapy, summer is all about balancing individualized therapeutic goals with with quintessential seasonal fun.

Read the latest blog to discover how water weeks, adaptive Olympics, and daily skill-building fit into the Franklin Therapy summer routine.

Summer at Franklin Therapy School may be out for the summer, but learning and growth don't take a vacation at Franklin Therapy....

Last week, we celebrated Capstone's Ceremony of Completion! From superlative awards to four graduation celebrations and ...
08/03/2026

Last week, we celebrated Capstone's Ceremony of Completion! From superlative awards to four graduation celebrations and the presentation of the first annual Evan Meier Award, we’re proud of all they’ve accomplished. Whether they’re returning to Capstone or beginning a new chapter, we can’t wait to see what’s next. 🎉

This morning, we held our annual Franklin Mock Networking Event! Capstone participants showcased their career portfolios...
07/30/2026

This morning, we held our annual Franklin Mock Networking Event!

Capstone participants showcased their career portfolios and engaged in conversation about employment skills, job interests, and future career plans. Big thanks to all who participated! 💼

Address

1001 Boone Avenue North
Golden Valley, MN
55427

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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