changed. Superintendent Jason Golden accepted the committee's recommendation to change the school's mascot and on August 18, 2020, Pantall announced the new mascot as "the admirals." According to Pantall, "The Admirals was chosen because Franklin High is touted by the students, faculty and alumni as ‘The Flagship’ school of Williamson County and is the oldest high school in the district." Academics and testing Franklin High School was the first high school in Tennessee to offer the International Baccalaureate program. The IB program combines a rigorous academic workload with community service hours and an extended essay. The school also offers numerous AP and Honors courses to students to promote academic rigor. In 2013, the school had an average ACT score of 24.6. That year, 449 students took a combined 794 AP exams, earning an 84% passing rate (score of 3 or better). Additionally, the school offers career and technical education courses in several areas including digital arts, television and film production, early childhood education, culinary arts, autonomous vehicle coding, criminal justice, marketing, and automotive collision repair. Arts Franklin High School offers band, chorus, theatre, and visual arts programs. Band The Franklin Band comprises three concert bands, percussion ensemble, marching band, fall color guard, winter guard, jazz band, and numerous chamber ensembles. The band is a 2014 recipient of the Sudler Shield, an international award for excellence in marching band. The marching band is a six-time state champion, winning the governor's cup in 1980, 1981, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018. In addition, the group won Bands of America regional championships in 2012 and 2013. The band has been a consistent semifinalist at the BOA Grand National Championships since 2012. In 2015, the band earned 13th place at Grand Nationals, its highest placement to date and the third highest placing Tennessee band ever. The Franklin High School Band has made appearances over the years in the Orange Bowl Parade, The Tournament of Roses Parade, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The St. Louis St. Patrick's Day Parade, The Hollywood Christmas Parade, and The Tangerine Bowl. The Band also appeared in the Academy Award winning movie "Nashville," a Madonna music video, and the 2014 film "The Secret Handshake." The Franklin winterguard was founded in 2014. In 2015, the group won the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit class SAA championships and were subsequently promoted to class SA. The Franklin winter guard has won numerous competitions, and