Nov 7, 2025 - Education

Charter group buys Des Moines' former Franklin Jr. High

Jason Clayworth

Brick building with tall windows and a clock tower labeled "Benjamin Franklin Junior High School," surrounded by tall grass and bushes under a clear blue sky. — Franklin Junior High was used as a school until the late 1970s. It was a longtime location of a church until about a decade ago. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios

A charter school development group purchased the former Franklin Junior High with plans to expand its Horizon Science Academy (HSA), superintendent Christopher Murphy tells Axios.

Why it matters: The move resolves the long-uncertain future of the landmark building and secures a college-prep public charter on the city's west side.

HSA, which is K-5, will become a K-12 in the coming years.

Catch up quickly: Local developer Jeff Young purchased the 1950s-era school in 2018 with plans to transform it into one of the metro's largest entertainment venues.

The facility, which includes two theaters, has recently been called the Franklin Center, hosting events and serving as the headquarters for several groups, with HSA being the largest tenant.

State of play: The property became bank-owned this year via a deed in lieu of foreclosure with former owner 4801 Franklin, LLC, per the Polk County Assessor.

Illinois-based New Plan Learning is the new owner, with HSA managing the operations of the site.

Zoom in: The Franklin campus' event center identity isn't disappearing overnight, but education will become the site's primary use as HSA scales up, Murphy said.

HSA will expand into additional space inside the building and work with other tenants, providing ample notice for some to relocate by the 2027–28 school year, Murphy said.

What's next: HSA will add one grade each year starting next fall.

The school aims to graduate its first senior class in 2033 and grow to about 650 students, Murphy said.

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Charter group buys Des Moines' former Franklin Jr. High

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