"A school that gives students a second chance."A.B., Senior
Eleanor Gerson School
There are many students today who feel lost in the shuffle. These young people probably hold a low expectation of themselves academically, or may need more individualized attention than his or her school can provide. Sometimes they even fear coming to school due to harassment or teasing. Often, these young people internalize how they feel, which can lead to depression, isolation and ultimately academic failure.
This describes most students who attend the Eleanor Gerson School. Gerson offers an alternative education program for students who, due to emotional or behavioral difficulties, are unsuccessful in standard schools. The school also helps young people progressing from a controlled setting (e.g., hospital or treatment center) toward a standard living and learning situation.
"You learn in a caring environment." B.J., Sophomore
How can the Gerson School help?
With a student body of about 50, Gerson offers a personal and caring environment. Each student is assigned an advisor who provides evaluation and support. Students are given the opportunity to exercise initiative and responsibility, with interventions designed to increase his/her dignity and instill a sense of competence. In addition, mental health counseling services are available on an as-needed basis through Applewood Centers and other providers.
The program’s goal is to guide students toward returning to his/her high school or preparation for college, technical training or full-time employment.
"If you ever need help with either your school work or a personal problem, there is always someone willing to talk with you." S.J., Freshman
What are the admission requirements?
A personal interview, shadowing (prospective student spends a half-day at Gerson) and a completed application determines the student's commitment to learning, his or her ability to function appropriately in an open setting, and willingness to work on life improvement.
A placement test is given, as needed, to evaluate the academic suitability of the school for the applicant. Students are also required to have completed the 8th grade.
The School accepts applications and enrolls students throughout the school year. School districts may refer non-special education students at a daily rate. Special education students are enrolled by referral from their local school district and from the Special Education Department of the Cleveland Municipal Schools.
"Our principal knows more about each student than any other principal I've ever met." S.K., Junior
For more information call (216) 861-6015 or write to:
Russell Newman, M.Ed., LSW, Principal
Eleanor Gerson School
1320 Sumner Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Phone: (216) 861-6015
Fax: (216) 696-6592
Click here for answers to frequently
asked questions about Gerson School.
The Eleanor Gerson School is an alternative program for selected special education students supervised by the Cleveland Municipal Schools, the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County and Applewood Centers. It is chartered by the Ohio Department of Education.
History of the Eleanor Gerson School
In 1970, the Society of Friends established The Friends School on Magnolia Drive in the University Circle area. In 1974, the school was renamed the School on Magnolia when it amicably severed ties with the Society of Friends. At that time, a new Board of Trustees was formed and the school served between 25 and 30 students. The Board set the school on a course to become recognized in the community as an educational and mental health resource for adolescents with a variety of difficulties. In order to improve its financial stability and management, the school merged with Applewood Centers Inc. in 1982. In 1984 the school moved from Magnolia Drive to East 22nd Street in Cleveland and, in May of that year, it was named in honor of Eleanor Gerson, a benefactor of the school from its inception. In 1995 the school moved to another location at 2201 Superior Avenue. Finally in 2007 the school moved to its present location at 1320 Sumner Avenue.