In an effort to increase opportunities to educate our community’s children through an integrated and innovative model, Genesee Community Charter School (GCCS) is excited to announce plans to replicate its K-6 school in the fall of 2022. The proposal will be provided to SUNY, one of the State’s charter authorizers, by February 16 and the review process and approval would occur this spring. If approved, enrollment would start in the spring of 2022, with preference given to city of Rochester residents.

Since its founding in 2001, Genesee Community Charter School has been one of the most successful K–6 schools in New York as measured by the New York State Education Department’s School Performance Index. GCCS is nationally recognized for its implementation of the EL Education  (formerly named Expeditionary Learning) model. Throughout its 20-year history, GCCS has expanded its footprint through efforts to collaborate and grow professionally with local and national schools as well as community service projects with community-based organizations and looks forward to continued partnerships and growth. GCCS equally values multidisciplinary education, community activism, and social justice and actively seeks ways to erase the visible and invisible boundaries to equity in education. 

“In this past year, our country has seen the greatest challenges in the fight for racial, economic, and educational equity and has truly been divided across all differences. The time for action is now,” said School Leader, Shannon Hillman. “Our small school community of 220 students has consistently outperformed schools in the city, county, and the state to help grow Rochester’s youngest citizens. By opening a second school, we can expand our reach to serve more students and families.”

The replica school, GCCS – Flour City Campus, will serve approximately 180 students and have a local history-focused curriculum with a strong arts-integration focus. With plans to be located near the original campus, both schools will strengthen the partnership with the Rochester Museum & Science Center to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programming and integration. 

If the proposal is approved, the replica school would open in the fall of 2022 with grades K-2, adding grades each consecutive school year. Each grade level will have approximately 26 seats. Virtual public meetings will be held in the coming weeks to share more information and gather community input.

Families who have age-eligible children to enroll in the new school are encouraged to fill out this form to join our contact list to stay informed:             Intent to Apply Form 

Learn More

See our Second School: GCCS – Flour City Campus page!

Visit the GCCS Replication School Facebook page for updated information and email GCCS2@GCCSchool.org for additional inquiries.

Informational Flyer in English

Informational Flyer in Spanish