Discover What Sets the Franklin Special School District Apart
Student success is at the forefront of FSSD's "whole child" approach to education.
Sponsored by: Franklin Special School District
In a county where education takes a starring role, Franklin Special School District puts student success center stage.
Utilizing a whole child philosophy, FSSD — one of two school districts in Williamson County, Tennessee — creates an environment where academics, arts and physical activity combine to foster a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for a lifetime of learning.
“The faculty, staff members and leaders in the FSSD are second to none,” says FSSD Director of Schools David Snowden, PhD. “We are so proud of their efforts to build positive relationships with students and families as they strive each day to truly make a difference in the lives of all students.”
In This Article
What is FSSD?
Franklin Special School District is made up of eight schools serving a diverse population of more than 3,000 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. A public school system, FSSD pupils transition to Williamson County Schools for ninth through 12th grade.
Originally established in 1906, FSSD became the first special school district in the state, created by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1949. The legislation gave the district’s school board the authority to create and approve its own budget and to levy taxes within the district’s set geographic boundary to fund education.
“We’re No. 1 in the state for student-teacher ratio at 10:1 and in per pupil expenditure,” says Susannah Gentry, communications specialist for the Franklin Special School District. “Our dollars are going to personnel, and we focus our energy on student programming. Those are the places where we can positively impact our students.”
The Whole Child Approach
“What makes us special is that we are small enough to have relationships with our employees, our students and our families,” Gentry notes. “We have a whole child philosophy where we focus, of course, on academics but also on the related arts, as well as the fine and performing arts.”
She adds that programming promotes overall well-being. From the Positive Peer Role Model preschool program and therapy dogs in each school to guidance counselors and access to on-site certified therapists through a partnership with Mercy Community Healthcare, FSSD has supports in place to help students thrive.
Snowden, who was named 2023 Superintendent of the Year for the Mid-Cumberland region, credits teachers, administrators and staff for constantly striving to improve every aspect of the educational experience and for creating a safe and secure environment where students can engage and learn.
Recognizing students excel in different ways, as well as the important interplay between the arts and sciences, Franklin Special School District uses a STEAM model integrating the arts into traditional STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
“In our work to educate the whole child, FSSD has an enhanced focus on the teaching of related arts,” Snowden explains. “Our music, art and drama programs provide students with great opportunities to enhance and showcase their artistic talents.”
“Parents want their children to have a balanced education,” concurs Gentry. She points out that continued investment in infrastructure and programming is designed to create that balance while sparking curiosity and creativity. In May 2022, the district unveiled the $36 million FSSD Performing Arts Center.
“It’s an amazing space that had been on our radar for a long time,” Gentry says of the 34,400-square-foot facility with a 485-seat auditorium for student performances and events. The district has also made the venue available for community rental.
An Innovative School Model Grant is making it possible for Franklin Special School District to partner with Williamson County Schools to create a new aerospace program. After a year of planning, the course will launch at the beginning of the 2024/25 school year in grades 8-12.
“Ours will be an introduction to aerospace for eighth graders, with the option to transition into the new aerospace career pathway offered in high school,” Gentry adds.
“When our students transition to high school, they are well prepared for the rigorous academic challenges and all the opportunities available to them,” Snowden says.
A Top Tennessee School District
With a well-rounded educational approach, outstanding teachers, individualized student attention and an engaging environment, it’s no surprise Franklin Special School District routinely ranks among Tennessee’s top educational systems.
“Our district consistently ranks among the top school districts in Tennessee based upon statewide assessments,” Snowden notes.
FSSD students score above the state norm by double digits in every TCAP category.
“These positive results occur due to the diligent work of our teachers and leaders and their use of high-quality instructional materials, research-based instructional strategies and data analysis to help focus on continuous improvement for each child,” Snowden continues.
The district’s many achievements don’t go unnoticed. FSSD has been honored by the Tech Learning Innovative Leader Awards for sustainable classrooms and implementation of digital curriculum, and Liberty Elementary is one of only six schools in the state to hold the designation of National Blue Ribbon School.
“We are extremely proud of the successes of the FSSD,” says Snowden. “Students and faculty members are consistently being recognized for accomplishments both in and outside the classroom. Our school board is among the best in the state and continues to be recognized by the Tennessee School Boards Association.”
And, he adds, student athletes perform at high levels, bringing home several championships.
How To Enroll Your Child
“We always love for those interested in the Franklin Special School District to visit any and all of our schools,” Snowden says.
The school’s staff is happy to show off FSSD’s facilities and programming throughout the year. The district hosts two open houses annually — one in the fall and the other near the beginning of the second semester. Parents are also welcome to schedule an individual tour.
“To fully appreciate all the positive things happening each day in our schools, we encourage visitors to schedule those visits during school hours,” Snowden adds.
In addition to children living within the district’s geographic boundary, the FSSD school board voted last year to allow Middle Tennessee students outside the zone to apply for open seats within its eight schools.
Parents must complete an out-of-zone waiver application and are responsible for transportation and applicable tuition fees. Visit FSSD.org for more details.
FSSD at a Glance
- Five elementary and three middle schools
- 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- 70% of faculty masters-trained and above
- Top 10% in state for all TCAP-tested subject areas
