Franklin Center

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Franklin Center Franklin Center unlocks potential through an integrated model of services for neurodiverse learners.

Franklin Center is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to unlock potential and transform lives by addressing the holistic academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of the neurodiverse community. We do this through an approach that integrates a full range of services:

+ Franklin Academy: A Minnesota school unlike any other, delivering K-12 education through personalized accommodations for neurodiverse students.

+ Franklin Therapy: Fully licensed, comprehensive therapy for the neurodiverse, with a focus on the intersection of behavioral and mental health.

+ Franklin Enrichment: Engaging experiences outside of school where students build friendships, create connections, and develop social skills.

+ Camp Franklin: Summer camps for neurodiverse or sensory-sensitive students to maintain their learning, have fun, and make friends.

+ Franklin Capstone: A post-secondary program offering a full range of life skills courses, preparing neurodiverse young adults to live and work independently with confidence. Formerly called The Whole Learning School, and then Academy of Whole Learning, a group of parents of children with neurodiversities founded our organization in 2003. Since then, we’ve continued to add grades and electives, along with new innovative, tailored services and activities as our community grows with us. By offering custom support through a variety of services, we’re working every day to help our neurodiverse community achieve their goals and have an exceptional human experience.

"What happens when you leave a successful corporate career to lead a nonprofit you know as a parent, but not as a leader...
10/12/2026

"What happens when you leave a successful corporate career to lead a nonprofit you know as a parent, but not as a leader? Kim Snow knows this journey intimately.

When she stepped into the role of Executive Director at Franklin Center, she was not an educator. She did not have a background in behavioral health. But she had curiosity, business experience, and a deep passion for the mission."

Listen to Kim on the Go First podcast as she describes her path to becoming our Executive Director and the lessons she learned along the way!

What happens when you leave a successful corporate career to lead a...

Today is World Mental Health Day! 💙Taking care of your mind looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a morning walk ...
10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day! 💙Taking care of your mind looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a morning walk or time with a friend. For others, it’s therapy, journaling, or simply resting.

We want to hear from you. What is one way you take care of your mental health? 👇

10/02/2026

Our first full month was one to remember! 🍎

While traditional outpatient therapy is valuable, it often operates in a vacuum. At Franklin, we approach mental health ...
09/28/2026

While traditional outpatient therapy is valuable, it often operates in a vacuum. At Franklin, we approach mental health care differently.

With our Clinic, Academy, and Capstone operating under the same roof, therapy isn't an isolated event, it is an integrated part of a student’s day. Read how talk therapy operates beyond the session to provide truly holistic care.

Beyond the Hour: How Integrated Talk Therapy Works at Franklin Center When most people picture talk therapy, they imagine a familiar routine:...

A little peek into life in Lake Itasca! 🤩🧡
09/25/2026

A little peek into life in Lake Itasca! 🤩🧡

Coffee please! 🦉☕Friday marked the grand reopening of Owl Coffee Company: a student-run café where Franklin Academy high...
09/21/2026

Coffee please! 🦉☕Friday marked the grand reopening of Owl Coffee Company: a student-run café where Franklin Academy high schoolers gain hands-on experience in financial literacy, customer service, and teamwork (one cup at a time!).

We are so grateful to have our friends from MacPhail Center for Music back with us again this year! 🎶Twice per week, two...
09/17/2026

We are so grateful to have our friends from MacPhail Center for Music back with us again this year! 🎶

Twice per week, two of our Lower School classrooms spend time with a Music Therapy Instructor experimenting with instruments, rhythm, voice, and movement. And... they have a lot of fun doing so!

Happy Grandparents' Day! We are so thankful for the amazing support system of grandparents that show up for their Frankl...
09/13/2026

Happy Grandparents' Day! We are so thankful for the amazing support system of grandparents that show up for their Franklin Center students each year. Thank you for all that you do! 💙

Best wishes to all of our student athletes competing at the Special Olympics Regional Tournaments this weekend. Have fun...
09/10/2026

Best wishes to all of our student athletes competing at the Special Olympics Regional Tournaments this weekend.

Have fun and go owls! 🦉

The first Coffee & Conversations meeting of the year is this Friday! Enjoy coffee, a sweet treat baked by our Culinary s...
09/07/2026

The first Coffee & Conversations meeting of the year is this Friday!

Enjoy coffee, a sweet treat baked by our Culinary students, and conversation with Franklin families and staff. Each month features a brief presentation highlighting school information, community resources, or topics relevant to our families. ☕

Address

1001 Boone Avenue North
Golden Valley, MN
55427

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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