Building the Foundation for Global Leadership
Elementary School
Franklin Academy offers a private elementary school program in Irvine, Orange County, CA, for students in Grades 1–5. These formative years represent a pivotal transition in each child’s educational journey, moving beyond the foundational play and habit-forming stages of Kindergarten into structured academic growth, intellectual discovery, and trilingual fluency.
Our elementary program combines strong academics, English-Mandarin-Spanish language development, foundational mathematics, literacy, hands-on STEM exploration, and character development. By nurturing curiosity while building discipline and confidence, Franklin Academy prepares students for the advanced challenges of our Middle School, High School, and K-12 academic pathway.
Explore Our Elementary Program
A Curriculum Without Compromise
To truly understand the Franklin Academy difference, we invite you to explore our unique educational philosophy and our rigorous subject benchmarks:
Our Academic Philosophy
Discover how we teach. Learn about our pedagogy of Trilingual Immersion, our inquiry-based approach to STEM, and how we foster cognitive flexibility and a “Growth Mindset” in our young scholars.
The Course Catalog
Discover what we teach. View the specific grade-level milestones, textbook selections (including Saxon Phonics and the Ma Liping Chinese Curriculum), and the advanced 5th-grade science and math benchmarks.
A Day in the Life of Elementary School
Structured for Focus, Balanced for Well-being
We believe that a well-structured day is the key to sustained academic success. Our daily schedule is strategically designed to maximize focus during peak cognitive hours while ensuring students receive the mental breaks and physical activity they need to thrive.
A Typical Elementary Schedule (8:00 AM – 3:45 PM):
08:00 AM – 08:30 AM | Multilingual Reading Block
Every morning begins with a dedicated 30-minute reading session. Depending on the day, students immerse themselves in English, Spanish, or Chinese literature, fostering a calm, focused start to the day.
Core Academic Blocks (50 Minutes Each)
Subjects like Advanced Mathematics, Science, and Language Arts are taught in concentrated 50-minute periods. This extended time allows for deep-dive discussions, science labs, and uninterrupted project work.
Recharge Intervals (10 Minutes)
To prevent cognitive fatigue, students enjoy 10-minute “Brain Breaks” between their core academic blocks, allowing them to stretch, socialize, and reset their attention.
Daily Physical Education & Electives
Academic rigor must be balanced with physical and creative health. Every student participates in 50 minutes of PE and a dedicated Elective period every single day.
03:25 PM – 03:45 PM | Character Building & Dismissal
We conclude every school day with a 20-minute Character Building session. Teachers guide students in reflecting on the school’s core values—integrity, empathy, and resilience—before they pack up for dismissal.
(Note: For families requiring extended care or homework support, please explore our comprehensive Afterschool Enrichment Program which runs until 5:00 PM)
Educating the Whole Child
While our academic standards are unapologetically high, Franklin Academy is, at its heart, a joyful and supportive community. Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that no child falls behind and no exceptional talent goes unnoticed. Our educators are mentors who know your child’s unique strengths, learning style, and personal interests. Whether your child is conducting a 5th-grade chemistry experiment, performing in the Trilingual Choir, or navigating the complexities of a new math concept, they will do so in an environment that celebrates their individuality and champions their success.
Take the Next Step
Experience Franklin Academy
The best way to understand the dynamic environment of our Elementary School is to see it in person. We invite prospective families to schedule a tour, where your child can experience our trilingual immersion classroom firsthand.