Jefferson Elementary School was one of only six schools in Massachusetts chosen by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for a National Blue Ribbon School nomination in the 2025 Schools of Recognition program.
As part of its annual accountability reporting process, DESE identifies a small number of Schools of Recognition. These schools demonstrate progress toward annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on improved achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. The highest annual recognition in the program is the National Blue Ribbon School Nominee designation.
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| Jefferson Elementary now the Washington K-2 School |
Jefferson Elementary School was selected as part of the Exemplary High-Performing School category. This award recognizes schools that continue to demonstrate excellence across all subjects and deliver an overarching education program for all students, including students with disabilities and English language learners.
State officials recognized the consistency of Jefferson’s performance and the teaching practices that support it. The school’s practices are built on a strong curriculum and data-informed instruction. Staff collaborate closely and often involve multiple grades and subjects in their teaching.
Jefferson's inclusive practices were also a factor in the nomination. The school has multiple programs that are designed to link specialized instruction to general education classes, enabling students with disabilities to study grade-level material. This strategy has improved learning outcomes while maintaining students’ connections to the school community.
This collaboration happens throughout the building. General educators, special educators, specialists, and administrators collaborate to plan, assess, and modify curriculum and instruction as needed. The result is a whole-school model that focuses on providing access, consistency, and high expectations for each student, tailored to individual needs.
“This recognition is the result of the thoughtful leadership of Principal Stefani Wasik and Assistant Principal Beth Murray, commitment of our educators, and engagement of students and families at Jefferson Elementary School, which continues today throughout the district following the reorganization,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "We are very proud of this achievement and grateful for the state’s recognition.”
Although the National Blue Ribbon Schools program at the federal level ended in August 2025, Massachusetts has chosen to continue this important recognition.
DESE is scheduled to honor Jefferson Elementary School at the 2025 Schools of Recognition Celebration, to be held on Jan. 20, at the Massachusetts State House. The state will recognize the six National Blue Ribbon School nominees, two ESEA Distinguished Schools, and 55 Schools of Recognition.
For the 2025-26 school year, Franklin Public Schools underwent a district reorganization based on the recommendation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report. The plan created a central unified middle school and four partner elementary schools in two locations.
In the fall, most students from Jefferson entered the Washington Street K-2/3-5 Elementary School, located in the former Remington Middle School/Jefferson Elementary School Complex.
