Having begun the year's agenda, students will form and run government agencies and businesses, such as a courtroom, multi-media publishing center, post office, bank, restaurant, and recycling center. Franklin combines a Microsociety curriculum with a rigorous academic program that upholds California State Standards. As City of Franklin citizens apply their arithmetic, reading, writing, listening, speaking and problem solving skills. They also develop a sophisticated understanding of the adult world around them. Franklin's Microsociety curriculum unifies the school community and provides many opportunities to interact with adults and students in other grades.
Partnered classes meet weekly to read together or discuss issues facing the school.
Professionals come to the school and make presentations about their jobs. Students visit community agencies, receive training from experts, and interview community members. In the Life Skills program, students recognize and develop personal qualities, such as friendship, resourcefulness, and cooperation, so they can act responsibly to influence their community. The Life Skills provide a vocabulary for conflict resolution and set standards for behavior. The K-8 design is being phased in at Franklin to allow for careful teacher selection and curriculum development.