In July, a school in North Jersey was named a Top 10 School for Innovation by T4 Education – and now Franklin School in Jersey City can proudly announce it has taken the title of best in the world!
Franklin School, an independent high school in Jersey City that’s only been open for four years, received T4’s 2025 World’s Best School Prize for Innovation. It is the only school in North America to be included in the Innovation category.
“T4’s recognition validates the model Franklin has been building and honing since before we even opened our doors,” Franklin School Director of Innovation Jaymes Dec says in a statement. “Our curriculum is grounded in design, systems, and preparing students for the future. A Franklin education is not just about what our students learn, but how they take that knowledge and make an impact wherever their lives take them.”
“Being named the World’s Most Innovative School is more than just an award, it’s proof of what happens when visionary educators and fearless students co-create learning, harness breakthrough tools, and reimagine education itself,” says Founding Head of School William Campbell. “Together, we are not just preparing students for the future, we are shaping it.”
Franklin School offers advanced courses, AP classes, micro-classes taught by industry leaders, and real-world challenges in AI, robotics, entrepreneurship, and more. Through the Franklin AI Research Collective, students and faculty co-train Franklin’s own large language model and experiment with AI-driven teaching and assessment tools. Students have run micro startups, launching ventures from AI apps to sustainable products.
One example that stood out to the judges is Sparkz, the in-house chatbot that students helped create. It delivers Shark Tank-level feedback in real-time to help students think critically, refine ideas, and lead with empathy.
Students in the Creative Applications of AI class trained AI models to translate sign language, as well as identify “WALK” vs. “DON’T WALK” street crossing signs for the visually impaired.
Another student built a drone controlled by a glove. His latest project is a remote-controlled dog that uses AI to follow him around.
The school has an incubator, Franklin Student Ventures, with internships that put innovation into action. The curriculum integrates technology and design in a state-of-the-art Fab Lab.
The school is considered a living prototype campus, because the school itself is a testbed for human-centered learning models and curriculum synthesis opportunities. And as part of the global Dwight network, Franklin students have access to international experiences, collaboration and competitions.
T4 Education Founder Vikas Pota says, “Leaders and schools around the world have so much to learn from this inspirational Jersey City institution.”
These were the Top 10 finalists in the Innovation category, of which Franklin School came in first:
- Ekya School, JP Nagar, Asia
- NTI Gynmasiet Johanneberg, Europe
- International Experiential School, Europe
- Hitachigymnasiet Vasteras, Europe
- Franklin School, North America
- USAP Community School, Africa
- Minerva Virtual Academy, Europe
- Key Academy, Africa
- Colegio Bicentenario de Excelencia Carlos Oviedo, Latin America
- Applied Technology Schools-Umm Al Quwain Campus-ATS-UAQ, Middle East
In addition to accolades for students, the faculty has been recognized as well. Franklin School received a Platinum “Best School to Work” nod for the teachers who help shape their students’ futures.
Franklin School is located at 80 Town Square Plaza in Jersey City.
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