Introduction Video

Franklin Classical School (FCS) began in 1992 as a one-course homeschool supplement taught by Dr. George Grant.  Since then, the school has flourished with a reputation as a pioneer in Classical Christian education. FCS is now an independent, private, Christian school where Dr. Grant continues as Founder and Humanities teacher.

FCS offers a full curriculum for grades 5-12.  Our college preparatory curriculum allows students to graduate with all necessary state credits, yet the school is still structured so that parents may choose to homeschool for select subjects.  Fine Arts and Athletic curricula have been exciting areas of growth for FCS in recent years.  Our repertoire of drama and musical productions includes not only classics but also exemplary works written and produced by FCS students and faculty.  Our sports roster includes Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, and Basketball. 

FCS has been a member in good standing of the Association of Christian Schools International since 1996 and Association of Classical Christian Schools since 2004.  FCS is established as a 501-C3 non-profit organization with the Internal Revenue Service.

   Proclamation of Core Distinctives

July 1, 2008

Whereas God sovereignly assigns to parents the responsibility and authority for the training up of children, and whereas parents are biblically and ultimately responsible for all areas of instruction in the child's life, including education and discipline, Franklin Classical School is founded upon the covenantal commitment to come alongside parents, assisting them from a position of delegated authority in loco parentis.

Franklin Classical School is committed to the following core distinctives:

• Uphold Parent-Directed Education
We recognize that the responsibility and authority for instruction is given by God to parents. Thus, other than the Humanities-English block, FCS students take only those courses hand-selected for them by their parents. Rather than enroll a child in an FCS course, parents may choose other avenues for instruction including home school, co-ops, tutors, and extension courses. Even if a student takes all courses at FCS, parental involvement in the academic life of the student is encouraged and even expected.

Therefore, parents, not the school, decide whether a child's absence is excused, whether a child will participate in standardized testing, whether a child will explore university options beyond high school, and all other issues outside the realm of the specific courses the parents choose for their student.

Parents must approach their freedom with maturity and accountability as we walk together covenantally.

• Recognize & Value Humanities as the Core Curriculum
Following the tradition of classical education upon which the great universities of Christendom were established, we are a Humanities and English-based school. This base informs the interpretation and application of other subjects and serves as a firm foundation upon which they may build. Thus, when fully implemented, this approach to education results in academic strength and excellence across the full spectrum of subjects. The study of Humanities takes place in a public lecture format, approaching history from a biblical worldview and moral philosophy perspective. This approach understands that while lectures may not be the optimum format for learning, they are invaluable as a means for modeling an approach to learning, an application of biblical worldview, and a moral philosophy interpretation of history. The public lecture allows a format in which a gifted man or woman may unlock the highest aims of a reformed heart, create a congregational or covenantal spirit, and compel that community to action, both as a united body and as individuals. For this reason, all upper division students as well as interested parents, teachers, and visitors attend the Humanities lecture together.

In addition, FCS provides smaller classroom settings for all other disciplines in order to facilitate students in discussing and walking out the concepts and principles taught in Humanities.

• Recognize & Value Homeschool Credits
We accept toward graduation homeschool credits earned in the 9th through 12th grades, submitted through the FCS Umbrella Program.

• Provide an Appeals Process
An appropriate and natural appeals process provides a means of conflict resolution when issues of vision, culture, operational standards, or general policies and procedures become problematic. Policies may be appealed, amended, or excepted when in the best interest of both an individual and the community as a whole.

• Focus on Covenantal Community
As a group of believers in Christ, we purpose to walk together in life, encouraging and admonishing one another as we hold each other accountable to a biblical lifestyle. FCS remains intentionally small in order to maintain the common worldview necessary for a covenant community. Though we are made up of individuals with different gifts, and though we allow for private consciences, we desire to be like-minded and like-spirited people with common language, common traditions, and common assumptions. Because of our commitment to maintain our unique, purposefully peculiar culture, the school body remains small. As opportunity for growth emerges, we will consider building sister schools.

• Follow the Classical Model of Education Utilizing the Disciplines & Methodologies of Christendom
We utilize the disciplines of Christendom that brought about the great cultural flowering of Western Civilization over the past 1000 years, including Humanities, the canon of Western Literature, Latin, Logic, and Rhetoric. In addition, we utilize the methods of Christendom, including a rigorous approach to the Trivium, journaling, reading, composition skills based in part on the exercises of the progymnasmata, note taking, oral recitations and presentations, and the study of primary sources across the academic disciplines. These methods culminate with an oral defense of a thesis in the senior year.

• Dedicate Ourselves to Generational Succession

We intend to pass on the teachings, responsibilities, and blessings of covenant life in Christ to the next generation through faithful discipleship and rigorous education.

With this understanding and to this end, we, the Franklin Classical School Board of Trustees, do hereby proclaim & affirm our personal & covenantal responsibility to uphold & steward the core distinctives of the FCS vision, by the bounteous grace and according to the merciful providence of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.