FCS Annual Report 2025

Franklin Classical School

Annual Report 2024-2025

Dear Friends and Families of Franklin Classical School, As we reflect on the 2023–2024 school year, our hearts are full of gratitude for all the Lord has done in and through the Franklin Classical School community. This year has been a beautiful continuation of our mission—to provide a biblically-based education that is both academically excellent and spiritually vital, equipping young men and women to know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our vision to raise up the next generation of Christian cultural and spiritual leaders remains at the forefront of all we do. Through parent-directed discipleship, covenantal community, and classical instruction, we are witnessing students flourish—not only as scholars, but as thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous followers of Christ.

Whether in the classroom, in athletic competition, on the stage, or within the Franklin community, our students are embracing a curriculum that is both college preparatory and mission preparatory. This year, they have demonstrated intellectual achievement, artistic excellence, servant-hearted leadership, and a growing passion for gospelcentered living.

In this Annual Report, you will find stories, milestones, and moments that reflect the Lord’s continued faithfulness to FCS and our students. But even as we celebrate the year behind us, we are filled with anticipation for what lies ahead—especially as we look Adventure forward to our New New Adventure at 1021 Windcross Ct. in the 2025–2026 school year.

This new home for Franklin Classical School is more than just a facility; it is a tangible expression of God’s provision and a vital step forward in our mission to disciple and equip students for generational impact.

We believe this next chapter will provide greater opportunities for growth, community, and excellence in every area of school life. It will serve as a hub of learning, worship, and cultural engagement for years to come.

We are so thankful for our incredible Teachers and Staff who have lovingly served our students this year. And Thank YOU for your faithful partnership in this journey. Through your prayers, generosity, and encouragement, you are helping build something that will bless families, shape leaders, and glorify God for generations.

With appreciation and great hope for what lies ahead,

Rick Miller, PhD Interim Administrative Principal Franklin Classical School

2

Welcome our new Headmaster Tom Carson Mr. Carson brings a rich background in education, leadership, and classical values to his role as Headmaster of Franklin Classical School. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, both from the University of South Carolina.

His teaching career includes collegiate experience at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina, and Columbia State Community College in Franklin, Tennessee. While at Midlands Technical College, he served as Coordinator of Developmental Mathematics and sat on the board of the South Carolina Association of Developmental Educators. Mr. Carson has been teaching at Franklin Classical School since 2007. His commitment to excellence in education has been recognized with the NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award and inclusion in Who’s Who Among American Teachers.

Mr. Carson is also the author of several mathematics textbooks published

by Pearson, including Prealgebra, Elementary Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra.

He and his wife, Laura, are longtime members of the Franklin Classical School community and proud parents of two FCS graduates. As Headmaster, Mr. Carson is passionate about cultivating a culture of beauty, goodness, and truth while guiding students and families in the classical tradition.

Outside of school, Mr. Carson enjoys reading, playing guitar with his band, and spending time on the golf course.

3

The mission of Franklin Classical School is to provide a biblically-based education that is both academically excellent and spiritually vital to enable young men and women to know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to transform families, institutions, and nations for the glory of God. The three-fold vision of Franklin Classical is to: Raise up the next generation of Christian cultural and spiritual leaders; Model a biblical pattern of discipleship through parent-directed, covenantal, and classical education; Lay foundations for economic and biblical justice, artistic excellence, intellectual achievement, worldview discernment, physical health, and evangelistic passion so that each student may ultimately attain their high calling and realize their destiny. Therefore the curriculum is both college preparatory and missions preparatory; it is both academically accelerated and socially responsive; it is both community oriented and globally minded.

Senior Capstone 10 day trip to London Mentorship

Quarterly Presentations

4

5

1021 Windcross Court

Coming August 2025 66,000 Square Feet

300+ Parking Spaces

5+ Acres

Room to Flourish!

6

When we invited our community to support the purchase of our new building, you responded with incredible generosity.

From December 2024 through April 2025, we received over 300 individual donations, totaling more than $600,000. That’s more than one donation for every student at Franklin Classical School—a powerful reminder of how deeply our families, friends, and supporters believe in our mission.

Every gift—large or small—played a role in securing a place where our students can learn, grow, and glorify God for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us. Your generosity is laying the foundation for what’s next.

ThankYou! 7

Capital Campaign Account Balance

$2,000,000

19 44,1 6 +$ $1,792,157

$1,500,000

$1,000,000

$1,148,038

$500,000

$0

December 2024

May 2025

As of May 9, 2025

8

Number of Donations by Dollar Amount

$10k-$24,999

88

00-$999 $4

<$100

00k 22

…

28

$100k-$249,999

$1

$1

25 11

99

-$24,9 0k

…

$

$50k-$99,999

0-$399 $10

155

65

$5

6

99

9 k-$ ,9

33

50 1

…

$

k-$4,999 $1

$25k -$49 ,999

More than 300 donations totaling over $640,000 9

Operating Budget - Revenue

Scholarships 11.1% Activity Fee 5.5% Application Fees 2%

Tuition 81.5%

10

Operating Budget - Expenses

Marketing 1%

Business & Office Expense 9.4% Athletic Expense 6.2%

Staff Payroll 17.1%

Activity Expense 5.8% Enrollment Expenses 1.7%

Teacher Salaries 22.7% (Lower and Upper Division)

Facilities 19.9%

Teacher Salaries 16.7% (Grammar)

11

Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow

Grammar (K-6)

LD (6-8)

UD (9-12)

300 Projected Growth

200

150

100

50

0 20 21 -2 02 20 2 22 -2 02 20 3 23 -2 02 20 4 24 -2 02 20 5 25 -2 02 6 20 26 -2 02 7 20 27 -2 02 20 8 28 -2 02 9

Number of Students

250

School Year 12

Growing in Grace and Grace & Expression Expression beginning in Kindergarten

13

FCS Composite ACT Average Scores

FCS Average 30

ACT Composite Average

25

20

State Average

91st Percentile

78th Percentile

50th Percentile

15

10

5

0

2022

2023

2024

2025

Graduation Year 14

College Acceptance List of Class of 2025 University of Alabama Mississippi State University of Alabama Birmingham Ole Miss Florida State University University of South Florida University of Alabama Huntsville University of TN Knoxville Lee University Lipscomb University Trevecca Nazarene College Samford University Mercer University Union University Berry College Auburn University Wake Forest University Columbia State Community College

Wheaton College Western Kentucky Transylvania​ MTSU​​ Maryville College Lee University Bryan College Liberty University Mississippi State Alabama in Huntsville Dallas Baptist University Palm Beach Atlantic Johnson University Sewanee University Berry College Cedarville University Saint Mary of the Woods College Cumberland University Covenant College Clemson University High Point University

The class of 2025 received a total of $4,608,520 in merit based scholarship offers for leadership, academics, athletics, and community service*.

*Scholarship totals do not include Tennessee Promise, Hope Scholarship, or other financial aid.

15

Theater Department Overview

Under the direction of Mrs. Stefani Rose Martin, the FCS Theater Department continues to flourish. Each year, the program stages two full-scale productions, with the spring performance offering four sold-out shows and welcoming over 1,000 patrons.

Mrs. Martin holds an MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama and brings deep experience in producing, directing, acting, and vocal performance. Through her leadership, FCS students are gaining confidence, creativity, and a love for the dramatic arts.

16

Athletics Overview

This year, 360 students participated in 8 sports and various summer camps through the FCS athletic program. Student from our homeschool umbrella, The Comenius School, participate with FCS students in our athletics programs.

Cross Country: Several runners set personal records at the championship meet.

Volleyball: Middle School: Rapid program growth led to the creation of a developmental team. The varsity team had a strong season and placed in the district tournament.

High School: Competed successfully in district play, with one athlete earning All-State honors.

Basketball: Middle School Boys: Reached the district tournament.

High School Girls: Advanced in district play with a competitive season.

High School Boys: Rebuilding year after graduating nine seniors, showing growth and perseverance.

Soccer: Girls' High School, Boys' High School, and Middle School Coed teams all competed in the spring season, with both high school boys and middle school advancing to district quarterfinals. One middle school player was named All-State.

Tennis: The team had a successful season marked by strong performance and sportsmanship.

FCS athletics continue to reflect dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.

17

Number of Employees 20 19 17 15

10 9

5

0

Grammar Teachers th

K - 5 Grade

Lower & Upper Division Teachers th

Staff

th

7 - 12 Grades

18

Tom Carson, Headmaster tcarson@franklinclassical.com

Melinda Mahand, Academic Dean mmahand1@franklinclassical.com

Dr. George Grant, Chancellor

Anna Floit, Director of Admissions afloit@franklinclassical.com

Amanda Priefer, Director of Development apriefer@franklinclassical.com

www.franklinclassical.com

19