The top reported proficiency rate is 21% in Science. The lowest is 16% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Franklin School
Franklin School is a public elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in Salt Lake City, part of the Salt Lake District. Its student body is relatively small for an elementary, and the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch is high. The demographic makeup is predominantly Hispanic, with smaller shares of White, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Black, Asian, and multiracial students. This composition reflects the surrounding west-side neighborhood, a more diverse and less affluent part of the city compared to some areas east of downtown.
On state assessments, Franklin’s proficiency rates are low across the board. In math, roughly one in six students scored at the proficient level or above; in English language arts, it was roughly one in five; and in science, it was also about one in five. Compared with other district-level entities in Salt Lake County, the school’s overall proficiency index sits in the bottom quartile. There is no chronic absenteeism data available here, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about attendance patterns. Because Franklin is an elementary school, there is no graduation rate to consider.
The school operates within Salt Lake District, which has recently seen significant changes. In November 2024, voters approved a bond to fund major construction projects over several years, including full replacements of two high schools and additions and renovations at several middle schools. The bond carries a property tax increase, so residents in the district will see a change in their tax bill. In early 2025, the board also approved new high school boundaries to better align feeder patterns, a shift that will affect which high school students from elementary and middle schools eventually attend. While these changes are not directly about Franklin School itself—it feeds into middle and high schools that may be affected—they signal a district investing heavily in its physical infrastructure and adjusting attendance zones.
Salt Lake City offers a dense urban environment. The downtown area is walkable, with TRAX light rail connecting neighborhoods and providing access to employment centers. Major employers include the University of Utah and the LDS Church, and the city has seen steady growth and new housing development in recent years. The broader housing market in the area around Franklin shows home values that are high relative to national median household income, and rents have been trending slightly downward. For families considering this school, housing affordability is likely to be a practical concern, especially given the high poverty rate among the student population.
No information was provided about specific programs, course access, staffing levels, or discipline at Franklin School. State testing data covers only the grades tested, so a fuller academic picture—especially for early elementary grades that are not assessed—is not available from this source. The school’s Title I status was not reported. These gaps mean a parent or resident would need to visit the school’s website or contact the office to learn about enrichment offerings, special education services, English learner supports, or class sizes.
Franklin School serves a high-needs population in a city with strong civic anchors and a growing economy. Its academic performance lags behind the county median, which a parent would want to weigh against the support systems the school and district provide. The district’s recent bond investment suggests a commitment to improving facilities, and the boundary changes may reshape the educational path for current and future students.
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