Franklin School, Jersey City
Oppidan Education launched its partnership with Franklin School in October 2025.
Located in Jersey City, a short train ride under the Hudson from Manhattan, Franklin is an innovative offshoot of the Dwight Schools Group, recently awarded ‘Most Innovative School in the World’ by T4 Education. Led by Head of School Will Campbell, Franklin is a new school that prides itself on innovation and student experience.
Piloting an initial day with a select group of 20 students in 9th Grade, Oppidan’s team of 3 mentors ran opening and closing assemblies for context and feedback on the day, sandwiching a packed schedule of 1:1 25-minute sessions for every student involved.
Oppidan’s ‘Character 1:1s’ include original content and discussions around a student’s values, role models, passions, strengths and weaknesses, before setting SMART goals to hold themselves to account in the days and weeks that follow. Students have the chance to be introspective with an impartial other, engaging with practical ways to focus on their personal development and approach to school life.
At Franklin, the timing of this day felt particularly relevant with 9th Grade ‘new joiners’ all getting to know each other, and themselves, as they start their high school journey. Every student received a 400-600 word written report with tangible feedback and practical takeaways to develop in triangulation with their parents and in-school advisors.
Franklin and Oppidan are now developing a more consolidated approach to extend their journey of 1:1 days with Oppidan mentors.
Henry Faber, Co-Founder at Oppidan Education:
“Franklin is an amazing school; a new, standout example of how to do things differently. We have rarely been so well looked after on a school day. Students were grateful and engaged; Franklin is clearly a community that is excited to innovate.”
“Oppidan sets the standard for thoughtful and professional mentoring. Their approach helps students reflect on their strengths, recognize areas for growth, and build lasting confidence. Oppidan can provide students with guidance and perspective that prove truly invaluable. Franklin School was grateful to have them work with our students.
In the context of U.S. schools, where students often face intense academic expectations and competitive pressures, Oppidan’s mentoring model offers a vital layer of support. By pairing academic ambition with emotional intelligence and self-awareness, they help schools cultivate balanced, resilient learners.”
