Incoming Student FAQ
Welcome to FSI! We are excited to have you and your family join us here. These are our most frequently asked questions. If you have one that is not answered, please email us at explore@thefsi.us
What is a charter school?
The Franklin School of Innovation is a tuition free, public school. Any student who lives in NC is eligible
to attend a charter school. We are a school of choice. Come join us!
What grade levels do you serve?
We serve grades 5-12.
Approximately, how many students do you have?
We expect to have around 750 students for the 2024-2025 school year, with 100 students per grade
level, averaging 25 students per class.
What curriculum do you use?
We are required by law to follow the NC Standard Course of Study, which defines what students are
expected to know by the end of the school year or course.
What sets your school apart from the other schools?
1. Crew! We firmly believe that we all have a responsibility to be working together as crew
members in life, and not just be passengers. Crew is a place where students and teachers
develop strong relationships and communications around on character growth, teambuilding,
leadership, goal setting, conflict resolution, and service. We focus on the whole child, and not
just academics.
2. Learning Expeditions! An expedition is an in-depth interdisciplinary plan of study with lessons
making real world connections. While digging into problems without a clear, single answer,
students learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills and understand the power of
collaboration and communication as a team.
3. Student Led Conferences! Have you ever to been to a boring parent/teacher conference? Me
too! Student Led Conferences (SLCs) represent a deliberate shift from the traditional parent-
teacher conference. Twice a year, students lead these presentations, by self-reflecting and
sharing their goals and progress with their parents. This structure builds students’ sense of
responsibility and accountability for their own work and helps their understanding of the
importance of meeting learning targets.
When is the first day of school for Fall 2025?
August 25: 1st Day for Students. View the 2025-2026 Calendar.
What time does school start and end?
Middle School 8:15 – 3:15 and Wednesday’s 8:15 – 1:00
High School 8:25 – 3:35 and Wednesday’s 8:25 – 12:30 (optional on-campus lunch from 12:30 –
12:55)
Do you have before and after school care?
We do! Beyond the Bell provides our students a safe and fun place to be before and after
school here at FSI! We open our doors from 7:15-7:45 am M-F and are here every day after
school from 3:15/3:30 pm until 6 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday
Early Release we operate from 12:30/1:00 pm until 6:00 pm. For more information about
the cost of our Beyond the Bell program, please contact Ron Scott, Director of Afterschool
Programs at rscott@thefsi.us or 828 335 1053
Do you have bus service?
We are one of the only charter schools in the area who offer bus services to our students. We will have
set community stops, throughout the community. Due to the large number of requests for bus service,
we prioritize based on need and hardship. Over the summer, we will provide more information and
forms to request bus service. If you have any questions regarding bus service, please contact Deeana
Bennett at dbennett@thefsi.us
Do you have summer programs?
We offer a variety of summer camps, including discovery and athletic camps. Programming changes year over year. Look out for those announcements close to summer!
Will my child go on field trips?
FSI believes learning goes beyond the classroom, so teachers select enrichment events that are an
extension of the classroom curriculum which provide unique opportunities to enhance learning.
Do students have to wear uniforms?
No, but we do have a dress code that all students are expected to follow.
How much time will my middle school student spend outside?
Anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes depending on the weather during recess, lunch, and crew periods.
Does FSI have a Special Education program?
Yes, we do! We are committed to providing quality special education services to students who qualify under the Disabilities Education Act(IDEA). Please reach out to Dr. Paula Dowd at pdowd@thefsi.us with any questions.
Do you have a nutrition program? How much does it cost? How does that work if you qualify for Free
and Reduced Lunch?
All students will be provided with the option to purchase lunches daily. We will be offering the ability to apply for our free and reduced program as well. Frequently Asked Questions about Free and Reduced Lunch
Do you have sports?
MS and HS Girls Volleyball
MS Flag Football
MS and HS Cross Country
MS Soccer, HS Boys and Girls Soccer
MS and HS Basketball
HS Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee
More on our athletics program here
We are adding new athletic fields slated to be completed summer of 2025, and we hope to expand our sports program in the coming year!
What is the technology policy (phones, laptops)?
Students are permitted to have a cell phone at school. However, cell phones are to be stored out of sight and must not ring or vibrate during the school day. Phone calls or texting are not allowed during school hours without explicit teacher permission. Laptops are provided at the school and used during specific class activities.
Does your school put on plays or musicals?
Yes! We have active Middle School and High School theatre departments, each which put on productions several times a year. Some productions are held at the school, others are held at places like the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.
What are some of your school events and fundraisers?
We have a variety of events throughout the year. We are also expanding these to help build more community! Events we currently throw are parent socials, educational workshops, and the Filthy Franklin Mud Run. We also throw a biennial fundraising auction, and at the end of November we have our largest annual fundraising drive of the year, Giving Tuesday. There is also an active “parent crew” working on building more community events!
