New coalition urges public use for historic Franklin School

How about a public high school for diplomacy in the beautiful Franklin School building downtown? The Coalition for Franklin School was formed in November 2009 to urge the DC Government to retain ownership of the historic Franklin School and to renovate the building for public use. Among ideas being floated for its future use – a high school for global citizenship and diplomacy, which is currently being planned by CGEL and interested partners. The Franklin School, located at 13th & K Streets, NW, has always been a dream location for the school, because of its proximity to the many internationally focused organizations and resources in downtown Washington. Furthermore, did you know that Benjamin Franklin, for whom the building is named, is considered our nation’s first citizen diplomat? How appropriate, then, to use the building as a school to prepare a new generation of citizen diplomats for the 21st century.

To learn about the Coalition for Franklin School and ways to get involved, check out their website at http://www.franklinschooldc.org/.

To learn more about CGEL’s work to develop an internationally themed high school for global citizenship and diplomacy, read a brief overview here. For additional information or to learn about ways to get involved, contact Sally Schwartz at sally@dc-cgel.org.