Franklin Discovery Academy

09/01/2026

Franklin Discovery Academy's educational model combines personalized learning, project-based instruction, and strong mentoring to help every student discover and develop their individual strengths.

Students begin each day in their homeroom with a dedicated Mentor Teacher, who serves as both teacher and advocate. The homeroom experience includes two key components:

• Foundations – Direct instruction in core academic skills, particularly mathematics and literacy.

• FoxDen – Small-group literacy instruction, mentoring, and individual progress conferences tailored to each student's needs (2 – 8 grades).

08/31/2026

This is a BIG day for half of our sixth-grade students as they embark on their weeklong Mighty 5 field trip!

Students and staff will visit all five of Utah’s national parks, beginning with Arches and Canyonlands. From there, they will travel to Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon before finishing their adventure at Zion.

Along the way, students will camp, hike and experience firsthand some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. They will also share responsibility for assigned chores as the group sets up camp each evening and breaks camp each morning.

The Mighty 5 field trip is an adventure Franklin Discovery Academy students look forward to from the moment they first enroll!

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Franklin Discovery Academy’s Mentor Teachers, ENGAGE Teachers, and Teaching Assistants ensure students receive the required curriculum at developmentally appropriate levels. Our staff closely monitor each student’s progress and provide individualized or small-group support as needed.

Research shows that high-impact tutoring is one of the most effective educational interventions. Frequent, school-day support from teachers and teaching assistants—using aligned materials and coordinating closely with classroom instruction—can produce substantial gains. Reading tutoring is particularly effective during the elementary years.

08/27/2026

Anyone familiar with Franklin Discovery Academy knows that play is a critical part of our educational model—and research supports that approach.

Recent studies find that school-based physical activity can improve attention, health, and academic performance, particularly in mathematics. Recess, physical education, movement breaks, dance, and active learning should not be sacrificed for additional seatwork. These activities support learning rather than detract from it.

Few schools embrace this research more enthusiastically than Franklin Discovery Academy.

08/26/2026

If you spend time reviewing peer-reviewed research on educating elementary students, you will find several consistent conclusions rather than one “big” revelation. You will also discover that these findings align closely with Franklin Discovery Academy’s educational model.

Here are two examples:

Teach foundational skills explicitly. Young learners benefit when teachers clearly explain and model skills, provide guided practice, check understanding frequently, offer corrective feedback, and gradually encourage independence. This is especially important in reading, writing, and mathematics—and for students who may be struggling.

Provide comprehensive reading instruction. Students need systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, and fluency—but these skills alone are not enough. Oral language, vocabulary, background knowledge, discussion, and comprehension must develop alongside them. This is one reason we encourage parents to read with their children for at least 15 minutes each day.

08/25/2026

Resources matter in education. Adequate facilities, dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and quality learning materials are all critical to student success.

We have always been fortunate to have a caring and committed staff, and our new Performing Arts Building is taking student learning to an exciting new level.

The nearly 500-seat auditorium, featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting, will give students opportunities to develop and showcase their talents in ways that were not previously possible.

These resources require careful financial stewardship. Our Director of Finance, Kris Hatch, has worked diligently to ensure we operate within our means without putting the school’s financial future at risk. Thank you, Mr. Hatch!

08/24/2026

We’re talking Tony Award—if not Pulitzer Prize—worthy!

Last Friday evening, Franklin Discovery Academy showcased a remarkable student production brought to life with just eight days of rehearsal.

Written by our founder, Jenn Price, and choreographed and arranged by our Drama ENGAGE teacher, Denny Kopp-Gordon, the production featured not only our current students, but also nine of the ten leads from our major productions over the past 10 years.

The evening was a celebration of 10 years of Franklin Discovery Academy and a decade of providing students and families with an educational model grounded in peer-reviewed science and research.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this special evening, and especially to the students, alumni, teachers, staff, and volunteers who worked so hard to bring Jenn’s script to life in such a magical way.

Ten years down—and we’re confident this first decade is only the beginning. Here’s to many more!

08/21/2026

Don’t forget—our 10th Anniversary celebrations are happening this evening!

6:00 PM — Ribbon Cutting
Join us as we officially open our new Performing Arts Building!

6:30 PM — The Franklin Fire
Stay for our special 10th Anniversary production!

For 10 years, Franklin Discovery Academy has had the privilege of supporting our students and their families. Our success would not be possible without your continued support.

Come celebrate this exciting milestone with us. We hope to see you tonight!

08/20/2026

It is widely known by now that we don’t have homework at Franklin Discovery Academy—at least not for our students! Parents, however, are encouraged to do just a wee bit of “homework” on behalf of their child.

We encourage parents to spend 15 minutes each day reading with or to their children. To celebrate families who make reading a regular part of their routine, Franklin Discovery Academy hosts special Reading Rewards Nights throughout the school year.

So, while you won’t see traditional homework coming home, we hope you’ll make reading together part of your family’s daily routine. It’s a simple practice that can make a meaningful difference—and often becomes a favorite pre-bedtime experience for parents and children alike.

No homework. Just 15 minutes, a good book, and time together.