OUR SCHOOL
Designed for girls.
Built for possibility.
FORWARD is an independent, tuition-free school in Cleveland, bringing academic learning, leadership, and sisterhood together.
OUR MISSION
Confidence.
Courage.
Meaningful impact.
To empower each girl to lead with confidence, take bold actions, and make meaningful impact in the world.
Our school opened in August 2026 with its founding ninth-grade class—the Class of 2030. At FORWARD, girls are encouraged to ask questions, explore their interests, strengthen their skills, and contribute to their community.
Future of Remarkable Women Advancing With Ambition, Resilience, and Determination.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Dr. Luciana Gilmore
Founder & Head of School
With more than two decades of experience in education, Dr. Gilmore founded FORWARD to create a school where girls’ voices are honored and their potential is cultivated.
Her work brings together academic expectations, meaningful relationships, and the belief that girls deserve an environment where they can learn with purpose and grow into leaders.
Connect with our founder ↗OUR MODEL
Learning that moves her FORWARD.
Exploratory Leadership™ connects academic learning with leadership, collaboration, reflection, and experiences beyond the classroom. Leadership in STEM + Innovation and Leadership in Global Humanities provide themes for exploring her future.
Explore the FORWARD Experience ↗Meet our Board of Directors ↗