Ben Franklin Elementary School Home

“Where everyone is inspired and challenged to excel.”

Message from Principal Urbani

Hello, I’m Kelly Urbani, and I have been Principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School since 2017. At Ben Franklin, we have a team of dedicated professionals who are devoted to our students and each other. The incredible support we receive from our parents clearly indicates that a high-quality education is valued and supported at the homes in our community. I consider it a privilege to lead a school with such outstanding students, teachers, support staff, custodial team, cafeteria crew, bus drivers, and families!

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Edinboro State University of Pennsylvania. I received a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University, and later went on to obtain Principal Certification at their institution. Staying true to my desire to be a lifelong learner, I am currently enrolled at Mount Saint Joseph where I’m working to earn a Reading Science Certificate.

Prior to Ben Franklin Elementary, I worked as a primary teacher with Temecula Valley Unified School District in the state of California. I made the decision to move back home and was lucky enough to become a 1st Grade teacher at my alma mater - Ligonier Valley School District. I later became an Assistant Elementary School Principal at neighboring Marion Center Area before landing at Indiana Area School District.

Ben Franklin is a vibrant learning community with dedicated, professional staff committed to making our school an exceptional place to learn and work together. I love being in classrooms and interacting with students as they learn new concepts or tackle a project together. I also thoroughly enjoy learning and growing with our staff as we work to provide the best school experience possible for our students.

Outside of school, I love reading, baking, walking our Golden Retriever, and spending time with my wonderful family. I enjoy visiting my children, Dominic and Mia, who are attending college at Allegheny and John Carroll University.

I would be happy to share more information or answer any questions about Ben Franklin Elementary. Thank you for visiting our website!

Every time I walk through the doors of our school, I think “It’s a great day to be a Ben Franklin Hero!”

Kelly Urbani, Principal

Fun Activity on a Day School is Closed! - 4H Discovery Camp!

Join us for a day of fun and learning!
See the flier for more information.

What's So Cool About Manufacturing?

Watch the videos from area schools answering the question: What's so cool about manufacturing? - and then vote for your favorite!
Voting concludes Friday, March 31st, so do not delay!

2023-24 Pre-K Registration!

Registration for our 2023-24 Pre-K Counts Program is now open for Indiana Area students ages 3-4. Please follow the link to visit our website for more information.

2023-24 Kindergarten Registration is now Open!

Kindergarten Registration for Indiana School District residents is now open for the 2023-24 school year. Children must be age 5 by August 31 2023 to be registered. Click the link to complete the registration packet. Once completed, our schools will contact you to set up a registration meeting so we can welcome your student to the Indiana Area School District!

Collaborative Project Between Local Farmers and Educators

The Indiana Outdoor School is a collaborative project between local farmers and educators at Nature Works Farm and Mother Earth Farm in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
The Indiana Outdoor School is committed to regrounding the community by:
Connecting children with nature and farm experiences
Inspiring the community on the wonders of the natural world
Modeling responsible care of the earth
Presenting sustainable food systems
Encouraging imaginative play & exploration
Discovering the possibility that we can change the world (through empowering youth)
Creating a space and opportunity to practice kindness to all living things

After-School Program From Evergreen Starts on October 2nd!

Read the article to learn how you can register your child for our new after-school program for students.

Substitutes needed for 2022-2023

It's never too early to start preparing for a flexible and rewarding job!

Elementary Students of the Month visit Renda Broadcasting

We could all learn a lot from some of our recent students of the month. Take a peek and listen in as they share their thoughts!

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications

Please read the article to learn more about the ending of the free lunch waiver program decision made by Congress and what you can do to apply for free/reduced breakfast/lunch options.

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