Cleveland expands charter school options amid district downsizing

Cleveland is seeing an increase in new charter schools even as the public school district undergoes downsizing. Four new charter schools are slated to open in the city, with two opening this fall and two more scheduled for 2027.

Among the new institutions is the FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy, founded by Luciana Gilmore. The school focuses on leadership development for Black girls and is modeled after various all-girls private schools. Other upcoming institutions include an all-boys primary school and a career-training school.

Nonprofit organizations such as Future Ready Cleveland and the national nonprofit City Fund are working to ensure these new educational models are high quality. Future Ready Cleveland, led by former education chief Holly Trifiro, has provided startup funding to assist with the expansion of school options in Northeast Ohio.