Like Ben Franklin, Franklin students take the virtues one at a time, concentrating on one a month. In the classroom, history and literature provide role models. What Every American Needs to Know . About 800 schools in the U.S. use the Core Knowledge model curriculum, which sets out specific content to be covered in each grade, such as an introduction to civil-rights leaders in second grade and modern world history in eighth grade. Teachers build on lessons students have learned in previous years.
Students also participate in community-service projects.
Classes read to seniors at a nearby nursing home, run toy drives and collect clothing for homeless shelters. Middle-school students also pursue individual projects. For instance, sixth-grader Hannah Kast teaches younger children to skate at a local ice rink. Hannah's mom, Elizabeth Kast, is a part-time librarian at the school, a role typical of parents' connections. Parents are omnipresent in the classroom, lunchroom and library, and are active outside the school as well.