Ashton-Franklin Center CUSD #275 serves nearly 500 students from Ashton, Franklin Grove, Lee Center and Lost Nation. Our district includes two school buildings: Ashton-Franklin Center Elementary School for students in PK-6 and Ashton-Franklin Center High School, which includes both the junior high (grades 7-8) and senior high (grades 9-12).

Our core values we commit to embodying are as follows:

• Respect — We believe in creating a safe learning environment where individual differences are appreciated and everyone is treated with dignity. 

• Positivity — We have pride in our school and community. We look for the best in one another. We treat challenges as opportunities to grow. 

• Achievement — We support a comprehensive education and the well-rounded development of all learners. We believe academic and social-emotional learning happens in and out of the classroom.

As a smaller, rural district, we pride ourselves on delivering a safe, personalized experience so every student can reach their full potential. Our small class sizes ensure more one-on-one attention, and our educators are continually evaluating and improving our curriculum to make our teaching and learning as effective as possible. Through athletic co-ops and other partnerships, we offer students more opportunities than they might typically find in a small school district.

We continue to invest in maintaining and upgrading our school facilities. Recent updates include a new Fine Arts and Wellness/Gymnasium facility addition with new choral and band rooms, a 1,200-seat gymnasium, fitness/weight room, locker rooms, concession area, trainer’s room, officials’ room, restroom facilities and additional storage space. The kitchen and cafeteria were upgraded, and features were added to enhance the safety and security of our buildings.

The AFC Junior-Senior High School science rooms were completely renovated for 21st Century learning during the summer of 2019. The AFC Elementary School installed a new playground with two handicap-accessible features in the summer of 2023, thanks to donations from the AFC Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) and the Class of 1970. Our schools are also fully air-conditioned.

Our district’s location on the edge of northwestern Illinois puts us within close reach of larger communities while still offering the charms of small-town life. Learn more about our academic offerings and why families love to call Ashton-Franklin Center home.

Our mission is to develop and empower curious, well-rounded problem solvers through strong relationships, academics and co-curricular experiences. 

Our vision is to create an atmosphere and culture where students LEARN, GROW and THRIVE. 

• Our students learn core academic and life skills. 

• Our students grow through experiences that stimulate curiosity and ignite a passion for learning and achievement. 

• Our students thrive through strong, positive relationships and social-emotional support.