The Franklin School system began in 1871 and consisted of a two-room school located opposite the present Jewish synagogue with an enrollment of 50 pupils. In 1914, the school stepped into "modern" times when the central part of the building was constructed on Washington Avenue and was used as a vocational school. In 1922, the left wing was added, and in April 1926, $150,000 was appropriated to build the right wing, which was occupied in September of 1927.

At the time, the Franklin education system was heralded in newspapers as the most modern school district in Sussex County, and they detailed every item in the school’s shops. Victrolas and stereopticon lanterns are some examples of the "modern" equipment found in the school.