A Spirit of Excellence Benjamin Franklin High School is a great American institution. Later, Franklin added ninth grade students. That was no easy task.
HISTORY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
Benjamin Franklin High School is named after the great statesman because of what he was and what he did. Often called the first great American, Franklin’s belief in the power of curiosity to fuel creativity and the power of ingenuity to mother invention has been proven by the multitudes of his inventions and the stamp of his political philosophy. The studen
ts who attend Benjamin Franklin High School are taught to imitate that same curiosity and creativity and to actualize their own power to think, to invent, and to understand. Benjamin Franklin High School opened in 1957 with approximately one hundred students in the tenth grade. In subsequent years the eleventh and twelfth grades were added, and in 1960 the first class graduated. The school was originally located at 719 South Carrollton Avenue in the Carrollton Courthouse, a historic New Orleans landmark. The building still stands today and is one of the surviving architectural masterpieces of architect Henry Howard. In March 1990, Franklin moved to its present location on the campus of the University of New Orleans. Its stated mission remains the same—to promote excellence among New Orleans high school students. THE FRANKLIN TRADITION
From the tradition of trying to create the ideal learning environment, the concept of Benjamin Franklin High School was born. This tradition of seeking excellence is alive and thriving through the students and school community. Although some Franklin traditions are just memories, many traditions remain the same. Ben Franklin’s statue still stands prominently in the school’s foyer; the Franklin “F” is in our courtyard; and term papers, science fairs, and rigorous learning are all a part of Franklin. A school is not defined by its traditions necessarily, but the memories of its students. The Franklin tradition is both solid and fluid—honoring the past and recognizing that each person who passes through the school influences and shapes the school’s traditions. FRANKLIN ACCOLADES
Benjamin Franklin High School is consistently ranked as a “top public high school in the nation” by U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, and Business Week magazines and has received the highest School Performance Score in Louisiana, making it the #1 public school in the state again this year. Franklin was also recently named a 2009 National Blue Ribbon School. It has also been recognized as the top Advanced Placement testing school in the Southern region of the United States. Franklin serves a population of students with high academic potential. Compared to high schools across the nation, Franklin produces an outstanding number of National Merit Finalists and National Achievement Finalists. In 2011, Franklin produced 13 National Merit semifinalists, 11 commended and 2 National Hispanic scholars. The average ACT composite score is 28 and SAT score is 1883. Graduates from Benjamin Franklin High School receive scholarship offers from schools all over the nation and abroad. Graduates of the class of 2009 are attending a variety of schools. Here are a few examples: Baylor University, Boston University, Cornell University, MIT, The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Université Paris IV - Paris – Sorbonne, University of Notre Dame, etc. Benjamin Franklin High School aims to educate the whole child. The school has many varied extra-curricular programs, and Franklin students routinely receive recognition at national, state, and local competitions, such as Tri-Hi-Y, Speech and Debate, and Mu Alpha Theta. Students also excel at regional, state and international science fairs, as well regional and state literary rallies. Franklin writers and artists publish their works in regional publications as well as in the school’s own Riverbend Review, a spectacular literary magazine that regularly wins silver or gold medals in national competition. Student artists may enroll in art programs at multiple levels and, if qualified, in the Talented in Art program at Franklin. Student musicians enjoy a full music program and routinely earn “Superior” ratings at the Louisiana Music Educators’ Association yearly competition. Drama students stage high-quality spring musicals and fall dramatic plays and may also participate, if qualified, in the Talented in Theatre program. The achievements of Franklin students are not limited to the classroom. The athletic and health programs provide students with an opportunity to participate in sports and health activities. The school has fielded state championship athletic teams (boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’ and girls’ swimming, boys’ and girls’ tennis, and girls’ volleyball), and the school was a contender for an award to be given to the most athletic school in the state. Franklin athletes maintain high academic averages while excelling on the field. Over 30 clubs and organizations are available to Franklin students as well as positions on Student Council and the staffs of the literary magazine, the newspaper and the yearbook. Because of the school’s strong focus on service learning, Franklin students are actively involved in community and school projects. THE FRANKLIN COMMUNITY
The Faculty, Staff and Administration of Franklin believe that everyone must be committed to the health and growth of our community. This belief was dramatically tested in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The whole community came together to save this incredible school for its present and future students. It happened because of strong leadership, strong backs, and strong spirits. It happened because this school is loved. People gave because this school is important to children’s lives. It happened because the community recognizes that what we give to children is what matters most. The best acknowledgement Franklin can give to the community that supported us is to continue to be one of the best schools in the country; to continue to nurture some of the best minds and hearts; to continue to model selfless behavior; and to continue to stand as a symbol of hope and joy to the entire New Orleans community. Benjamin Franklin High School is and will be one of the reasons that New Orleans really matters. The students it educates, the parents with whom it partners, and the leadership it nourishes will all have lasting impact on the country as a whole, as will New Orleans itself.
06/05/2026
Featured Falcon: Alison Degan Tem ’07
For this week’s Featured Falcon, we are highlighting Alison Degan Tem, Class of 2007, whose journey after Franklin took her from New Orleans to the United States Naval Academy.
After graduating from Ben Franklin in May 2007, Alison reported to the United States Naval Academy just one month later for Induction Day (with a wedding in between!). She went on to graduate from the Naval Academy in 2011 as an Ensign.
When asked what makes Franklin special, Alison points to both the academics and the community. “I think the rigorous academic environment and the variety of electives offered set Franklin apart from other high schools. The challenging curriculum encourages collaboration and compels students to make friends across their grade.”
As a swimmer and track athlete, Alison says one of the most valuable lessons she learned at Franklin was time management. “Mastering the art of time management is crucial to survival at a military school. I am glad I learned this lesson at Franklin before getting to college!”
Some of her favorite memories came from the everyday moments spent with friends and teammates, enjoying lunchtime, as well as hanging out at swim meets and track meets with her teammates.
Like many members of the Class of 2007, Alison's appreciation for Franklin grew even stronger after Hurricane Katrina. “I didn't realize just how much I loved Franklin until Hurricane Katrina. I was elated to return to Franklin after attending two other schools immediately following the storm.”
Thank you, Alison, for your service to our country and for representing Franklin with excellence, dedication, and perseverance.
06/04/2026
Thank You Thursday
Today we are proud to recognize and thank Courtney Enderle, current Franklin parent and owner of The Birds Nest Cafe, for her continued support of the Franklin community.
Courtney generously donated food for this year’s gala and has also provided coffee for our faculty, thoughtful acts of kindness that mean so much to our school community.
She says one of the things she loves most about Franklin is the sense of belonging and support. “I love that there is something for everyone. I love the support from both the faculty and peers. I love that the students can be who they are.”
Courtney also shared why supporting Franklin matters to her: “Franklin is responsible for making our children better than when they started high school. They are responsible for building a better future for everyone.”
Courtney’s cafe, Birds Nest Cafe in Lake Vista, has been serving the community for nearly nine years with French Truck coffee, breakfast, lunch, and Blue Bell Ice Cream and is located less than two miles from Franklin.
Thank you, Courtney, for your generosity, support, and commitment to the Franklin community.
06/03/2026
Just a few weeks ago, the Class of 2026 gathered in the courtyard for one of Franklin’s most beloved traditions: tossing years of notes, tests, assignments, and papers into the air to celebrate the end of their high school journey.
It's a moment filled with laughter, excitement, and a little bit of disbelief that graduation has finally arrived. Even a rainy day couldn't dampen the spirit of this incredible class.
We are so proud of the Class of 2026 and all they accomplished during their time at Franklin. Thank you for the memories, the leadership, and the impact you've left on our school community.
Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.
06/02/2026
We are excited to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Franklin alum Maddy Osborn ’19.
Maddy, now a senior fashion student at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), was recently featured in for her senior collection following its runway debut at SCAD FASHION 2026.
SCAD FASHION is the university’s premier annual showcase, highlighting standout collections from emerging designers in SCAD’s School of Fashion, and Maddy’s work was selected for recognition in Vogue Runway after this year’s show.
We are so proud to see Franklin alumni continuing to make their mark in creative industries around the world. Congratulations, Maddy!
Caps in the air and a future full of possibilities.
Congratulations to the Ben Franklin High School Class of 2026. Your hard work, resilience, and momentum carried you to this incredible milestone, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish next.
Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.
05/30/2026
Congratulations to Aenea Hester ’27 on her incredible achievements in dance!
Aenea earned a Bronze Medal in Contemporary Dance at the regional competition for her hip hop routine, showcasing her talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft.
Aenea was also selected for a second summer to train with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City through its Hip Hop Summer Dance Intensive and received scholarships from both the Joffrey Ballet and the NOCCA Foundation. Further, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the National Student Leadership Conference at Georgetown University in Washington DC in Law and Advocacy.
We are so proud of Aenea and cannot wait to see all she accomplishes next!
05/29/2026
Featured Falcons: The Michael Family
For this week’s Featured Falcon, we are celebrating the Michael Family, a true Franklin family spanning generations of Falcons.
For Kenny and Emily Michael, Franklin has long been more than just a school. “Franklin is the best education in Louisiana, public or otherwise, and tops in the nation as well. It fosters such a zeal for learning, teaches you how to thrive with people who can be very different in so many ways, and prepares you for college like no other school. We made sure to live in New Orleans just to make sure our kids had the chance to go to Franklin.”
While much has evolved since their time at Franklin in the late 80s and early 90s, Kenny says the heart of the school remains the same. “It is still the most demanding, diverse, forward thinking, and growth minded school it’s always been.”
The Michael family says Franklin teaches students to work hard, get involved, advocate for themselves, and fully embrace every opportunity the school offers. The accomplishments of the Michael family reflect those values well.
(right to left) Seth Michael ’20 graduated from the University of Alabama with a 4.0 GPA in mechanical engineering and now works for Audubon Engineering in New Orleans.
Emily Michael ’93 attended UL Lafayette and has worked as a physical therapist for more than 25 years while also volunteering often at Franklin.
Avery Michael ’26 will attend Piedmont University, where she will study nursing and play soccer.
Kenny Michael ’91 attended UNO after serving in the U.S. Army and has worked in wine and spirits sales for more than 20 years. He currently serves as President of the Ben Franklin Athletic Association.
Alex Michael ’23 is a rising senior at Pfeiffer University studying nursing while playing soccer. He currently holds a 4.0 GPA and has earned numerous honors including Conference Player of the Year and Academic All-American recognition.
Thank you to the Michael family for your continued support, leadership, and Franklin pride across generations!
05/28/2026
Thank You Thursday
Today we are proud to recognize our 2026 Departmental Teachers of the Year. From left to right:
Kate Youngblood — English
Mike Cavalier — Fine Arts
Joan Kessel — PE
Scott McGee — Math
Erika Otero — Science
Kaitlin Harding — Social Studies
Andy Dykema — World Languages
A special congratulations to Erika Otero, this year’s school wide Teacher of the Year.
Thank you to these outstanding educators, and to all of our teachers, for the passion, dedication, creativity, and care you brought to Franklin students throughout this school year. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom and helps shape the future every single day.
We are grateful for all you do. Wishing all of our faculty a wonderful and well deserved summer break!
05/28/2026
We are so grateful for the time and leadership Dr. Mac gave to Franklin and are so excited to cheer him on as he returns to his Alma Mater, Warren Easton!
📣 A New Chapter Begins at Warren Easton Charter High School! 🦅💙
Tonight, Warren Easton Charter High School Board of Directors proudly welcome Dr. Kendall McManus-Thomas as the next CEO/Principal of Warren Easton Charter High School. A proud Warren Easton alumnus, former teacher, coach, and administrator, Dr. McManus-Thomas returns home to continue the legacy of excellence, leadership, and innovation that defines our school community.
His passion for students, proven leadership, and deep Easton roots make this an exciting moment for our future.
The future is bright at Warren Easton! 💫
EastonLegacy BuildingTheFuture
05/27/2026
Ben Franklin High School is hiring a Head Softball Coach.
We are looking for a dedicated leader who is passionate about student athletes, teamwork, and building a strong softball program within the Franklin community.
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