It's Official: The 1st Tuition-Free Leadership & STEM High School for Cleveland Girls!
FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy is a new independent all-girls public high school in Cleveland where young women lead in STEM, global humanities, and innovation—with the confidence, support, and sisterhood they deserve.
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Single-gender, tuition-free public charter high school
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Two pathways: Leadership in STEM & Innovation and Leadership in Global Humanities
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Small classes, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences
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Opening with 9th grade in Fall 2026 in Cleveland
Why FORWARD?
Cleveland’s girls deserve a school built just for them—where they see themselves as scientists, founders, public leaders, engineers, authors, and innovators. FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy combines rigorous academics with leadership development, mentorship, and a culture of sisterhood so that every girl graduates prepared for college, career, and community impact.
Two Pathways: One Powerful Future
Leadership In STEM & Innovation
The Leadership in STEM & Innovation Pathway helps girls explore the intersections of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on projects and real-world problem solving. Students might:
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Build and program robots
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Design apps or websites
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Explore medical and health sciences
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Partner with local businesses on innovation challenges
By graduation, they are ready for college STEM majors, technical careers, and entrepreneurship in fields shaping Cleveland’s future.
The Leadership in Global Humanities Pathway prepares girls to become powerful thinkers, speakers, and advocates. Through literature, history, civics, and global studies, students:
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Analyze real-world issues like justice, policy, and equity
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Practice debate, public speaking, and writing
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Work with community leaders, universities, and cultural institutions
Graduates are ready for fields such as law, public policy, communications, education, social entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
Leadership in Global Humanities
Is FORWARD a Good Fit for My Daughter?
FORWARD may be a great choice if your daughter:
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Is curious, creative, or a problem-solver—even if she doesn’t always love traditional school
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Would thrive in a smaller, all-girls environment with strong relationships
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Is interested in STEM, social justice, leadership, or community impact
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Needs a school that combines high expectations with real support
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Wants teachers and leaders who believe in her potential and push her to be her best
If you see your daughter in this list, we’d love to meet you.
A School Founded for Cleveland’s Girls
FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy was founded by Dr. Luciana Gilmore, a veteran Cleveland educator, former principal, and mother who has spent more than two decades championing young women. After years of watching girls get overlooked or underestimated, she created FORWARD to be a school where Black and Brown girls, and all girls, see themselves as leaders in every field—from STEM and entrepreneurship to public service and the arts.
“Every girl in Cleveland deserves a space where she can see herself as powerful, capable, and prepared to lead. FORWARD is that space.”
— Dr. Luciana Gilmore, Founder
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy is a public charter high school. There is no tuition to attend.
Is FORWARD really tuition-free?
We plan to open with 9th grade in Fall 2026 and add one grade level each year until we serve grades 9–12.
What grades will you serve?
We are exploring transportation options and will share details with families as we finalize our location and routes.
Is transportation provided?
We are finalizing our location in Cleveland and will update families as soon as it is confirmed. Our priority is to be accessible to families on the southeast side of Cleveland.
Where will the school be located?
FORWARD is designed specifically for girls, combining leadership, STEM, and global humanities with a culture of sisterhood. Students experience hands-on projects, mentoring, and opportunities to lead—inside and outside the classroom.
What makes FORWARD different from other schools?
The best way to stay up-to-date is to join our interest list. You’ll receive invitations to information sessions, events, and application reminders.
