Imagine smart motivated students from all over New Orleans converge right here at Benjamin Franklin High School. Consistently ranked as Louisiana’s top school it is also a nationally recognized charter school. This esteemed institution has been shaping young minds since 1957.
Benjamin Franklin High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence. Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report consistently rank it among the nation’s best. The school’s mission is simple to prepare students of high academic achievement to be successful in life.
Its legacy is reflected in its alumni many of whom have become leaders in various fields. Wynton Marsalis a Pulitzer Prize winning trumpeter honed his musical skills here. Actor Wendell Pierce of The Wire and Treme also walked these halls. Even Cedric Richmond a former congressman and senior advisor to President Joe Biden is a proud alumnus of Benjamin Franklin High School.
Originally established as a school for gifted children Benjamin Franklin High School has a selective admissions process. But it welcomes talented students from all backgrounds. Today the school fosters a diverse learning environment. Students come from various racial ethnic cultural and economic backgrounds.
Benjamin Franklin High School’s commitment to academic rigor is evident in its curriculum. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement AP courses. Ben Franklin also encourages students to explore their creative sides. The school provides opportunities in visual and media arts vocal and instrumental music and dramatic arts.
Ben Franklin offers many extracurricular activities and athletic programs. The school’s athletic teams the Falcons have achieved considerable success over the years. The girls’ soccer team has won multiple state championships. The volleyball team has also won several state titles.
In 1990 Benjamin Franklin High School moved to its current location near Lake Pontchartrain. The campus provides a modern learning environment for students. Although Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage the school community rallied together to rebuild. Ben Franklin reopened as a charter school on January 17 2006 Benjamin Franklin’s 300th birthday.
Benjamin Franklin High School has received numerous accolades. It has been named a National Blue Ribbon School five times. This recognition is a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence. The Katherine Johnson Campus of Benjamin Franklin High School is preparing students today for tomorrow’s exploration challenge innovation and service.
The school has a TV station known as FTV. Ben Franklin publications include The Riverbend Review a literary magazine and The Franklin Falcon a yearbook. The Riverbend Review has received numerous awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the American Scholastic Press Association.
So as you stand before Benjamin Franklin High School remember its rich history. Consider its commitment to academic excellence. Appreciate its diverse and supportive community. This is more than just a school. Benjamin Franklin High School is a place where students prepare to shape the future.