<st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">Franklin</st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN"> <st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">Township</st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">, the largest township in <st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">Somerset</st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN"> <st1:placetype><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">County</st1:placetype><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">, occupies an area of 46.9 square miles in central<st1:place><st1:state><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">New Jersey</st1:state></st1:place><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">. The school community enjoys a population representative of diverse economic, ethnic, and social backgrounds and fifty-seven (57) different native languages.<!--?xml:namespace prefix = o /--><o:p></o:p>

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The <st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">Franklin</st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN"> <st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">Township</st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN"> <st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">Public</st1:placename><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN"> <st1:placetype><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">School District</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN"> is a Pre-K through grade 12 educational system which offers a six-hour full-time Kindergarten program.  Our district is comprised of nine (9) schools with approximately 7,700 students and over 800 certificated staff members. By September 2011, the student enrollment is projected to increase to 7,990.<o:p></o:p>

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The mission of the Franklin Township Public Schools is to provide excellent educational opportunities for every student, maintain an environment that engenders an appreciation of the value of every student, develop every student to his or her highest potential, and instill the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary to become independent contributing members of a democratic, multi-cultural society.<o:p></o:p>

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Students receive instruction in a full range of academic subjects, the arts, and developmental activities. Offerings include integrated language arts and reading, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, world language and culture, health, music, art, and computers.  To meet the diverse needs of our students, we offer a variety of programs and services aligned with state mandates and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards. These programs enhance the educational experiences of our students, and include academic support, gifted and talented, English as a second language, bilingual instruction in Spanish and Gujarati, special education programs, and environmental education at our 96 acre open-space property.<o:p></o:p>

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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN">Extended day programs are offered at all schools and include academic enrichment, tutorial support, performing groups, and recreational activities. A fee-based, before and after school childcare program is provided for grades K-6. 

Students at the secondary level enjoy extensive co-curricular and interscholastic athletic programs and consistently place among the top in our county.  Our fine, visual and performing arts program, including music, art, theater, and dance, has been recognized by the State in many areas.  Middle and high school music students have performed at state concerts, corporate events, and the White House. After-school enrichment programs include activities such as: Mock Trial, Math League, Science League, Model United Nations, Academic League, and J.R.O.T.C.