Choosing the right kindergarten in Downtown Cleveland is one of the most important decisions families make. Parents want a school that is academically strong, safe, and supportive—where children feel cared for and prepared for long-term success.

A Tuition-Free School with Proven Academic Results

At Ginn-Thompson School for Girls, we provide families access to a high-quality education without the cost of private tuition.

Our school is recognized by the Ohio Department of Education for strong academic performance, reflecting our commitment to:

· High academic expectations

· Research-based instruction

· Continuous student growth

· Accountability and transparency

Families are encouraged to review our official Ohio Department of Education report card results to see how our school performs academically.

A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

Academic success starts when children feel safe, supported, and valued. We intentionally create a learning environment where students feel confident and cared for—allowing them to focus on learning and growth.

Families choose our school because we provide:

· Safe, well-supervised classrooms

· Caring, dedicated educators

· Consistent routines that support young learners

· A positive school culture built on respect, responsibility, and trust

This nurturing environment helps students build strong academic skills while developing confidence and independence.

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

Our kindergarten program focuses on developing essential skills that prepare students for long-term success in school. Students receive developmentally appropriate instruction that supports both academic and social-emotional growth.

Kindergarten students at Ginn-Thompson School for Girls experience:

· Early literacy and math instruction aligned to state standards

· Support for social-emotional learning and relationship building

· Structured routines that encourage focus and responsibility

· Opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement

By combining strong academics with a caring environment, we help students develop a love of learning from the very beginning.

As a tuition-free public charter school, Ginn-Thompson School for Girls is open to all families. We proudly serve families seeking a high-performing school that prioritizes safety, care, and academic excellence.

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Give your child a strong, confident start at a school recognized for academic excellence and care.

Newsletter September 2025 (PDF)

As we build momentum, your continued partnership is vital. Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the daily growth of our students. Together, we will ensure that Ginn Thompson School for Girls is not only a place of lea, 11ing but a community where young women find their voice, their purpose, and their path.
With appreciation,
Janet McDowell
Principal
September Character Word

Spirit Week at Ginn Thompson School for Girls (Uniform-Friendly Edition)

For parents in Cleveland, Ohio, seeking a unique and empowering educational environment, the Ohio State Report Card provides valuable data to guide your decision. At Ginn Thompson School for Girls, we are proud to share our latest academic results, which not only demonstrate our commitment to academic excellence but also solidify our position as a leading all-girls charter school in Ohio.

Our 2024 Report Card Highlights

Our students and staff have worked diligently to achieve these results. Here is a summary of our ratings:

• Performance Index (PI) Score: 72.6
• Rankings: Scores in the Top 25% of all Ohio Charter Schools

What These Results Mean for Your Daughter’s Future

These ratings are more than just numbers on a page; they offer a clear picture of the benefits your daughter will receive at Ginn Thompson School for Girls.

High Academic Performance: Our Performance Index (PI) Score of 72.6 reflects the academic achievement of our students on state tests. This score, which places us in the Top 25% of all Ohio Charter Schools, shows that our curriculum and instructional methods are highly effective and are preparing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic journey.

The Power of an All-Girls Environment: Research consistently shows that girls who attend all-girls schools have higher academic achievement, greater confidence, and are more likely to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. In an all-girls environment, your daughter can focus on her studies without the social pressures often present in co-ed settings. She will have more opportunities for leadership roles and be encouraged to speak her mind, take intellectual risks, and explore her full potential.

At Ginn Thompson School for Girls, our mission is to empower young women with the skills and confidence they need to become future leaders. Our results on the Ohio State Report Card are a testament to our commitment to that mission. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and academically challenging environment where every girl can reach her full potential.

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Learn more and discover if Ginn Thompson School for Girls is the right fit for you.

Ginn-Thompson School for Girls took home two Accely Awards at this year’s ALIVE25 Summit, the annual gathering of ACCEL Schools leaders from across the country. Competing among ACCEL’s urban schools, Ginn-Thompson won the Highest Score, ELA and Highest Score, Science awards, recognizing students’ outstanding performance on state assessments in English Language Arts and Science.

“I’m inspired by the educators at Ginn-Thompson School for Girls for their commitment to our students,” said Ron Packard, CEO of ACCEL Schools. “They make a real difference in children’s lives, and we’re proud to recognize their success.”

Held annually, the Accelys celebrate the standout achievements of educators across ACCEL Schools’ network of 85+ public charter schools, which serve students from PreK through 12th grade. Awards honor excellence in areas like student attendance, teacher commitment, enrollment growth, financial stewardship, and academic progress.

Congratulations to Ginn-Thompson School for Girls on a banner year!

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Ready to join our award-winning school?

PARENT PORTAL

You will need the student code from your school office to sign up.

• Check your child’s grades
• Communicate with teachers
• Update personal information

Sign up using an internet browser! Access the Parent Portal

Download Flyer (PDF)

January is School Board Appreciation Month

As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, we want to take a moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of our dedicated Board of Directors. Their unwavering commitment to our charter school community has been instrumental in shaping our school into a thriving hub of learning and growth.

Why Charter Schools Matter

Our charter school offers a unique educational experience that is:

• Tuition-Free: Accessible to all families in our community, regardless of their financial situation.
• Safe and Secure: Providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can learn and thrive.
• Community-Focused: Partnering with parents, teachers, and the broader community to create a strong educational foundation for our students.

The Role of Our Board

Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of our school. They:

• Set the Vision: Establish a clear and inspiring vision for our school’s future.
• Make Informed Decisions: Carefully consider all options and make sound decisions that benefit our students.
• Provide Oversight: Monitor the school’s operations and financial health.
• Advocate for Our Students: Represent our school’s interests at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Recruit and Support Quality Staff: Help attract and retain talented educators who are passionate about our mission.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Board members for their tireless efforts. Their dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on the lives of our students.

Let’s take a moment to thank our Board members for their invaluable contributions. Their commitment to our school’s mission is truly inspiring.

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Experience the Pillars of Educational Success! Begin your application today:

Thanks to Michael Indriolo at Signal Cleveland for featuring us! Read the full story at signalcleveland.org.

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Cleveland’s new all-girls public school starts this year in partnership with Ginn Academy 

By Michael Indriolo (Signal Cleveland)

This school year, Cleveland-area parents can send their daughters to a new all-girls school serving grades 6-10: The Ginn-Thompson School for Girls.

The tuition-free public charter school is starting this year in partnership with the all-boys Ginn Academy, a school noted for its strong athletics and a graduation rate that outpaces the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s average. 

Ginn-Thompson is currently accepting applications for its 2024-2025 school year, which will start on Sept. 4. The school, which can accommodate about 150 students, has recruited about 60 students in the eight days since it opened enrollment, according to Ginn-Thompson Vice President Sherree Ray Dillions. The school is only serving grades 6-10 this year but plans to expand to 11th and 12th grade next year.

Realizing a longtime dream

Ray Dillions spent about 27 years as an administrator in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, she said. She helped Ted Ginn Sr., the well-known coach of Glenville’s football team, launch Ginn Academy in 2007. Since then, she said she has dreamt of opening an all-girls school in Cleveland. 

“I wanted something on the level of the private schools that we have for girls here in Northeast Ohio,” Ray Dillions said. “I felt that girls, regardless of race, color or creed, should be able to experience that greatness and that high academic achievement in a tuition-free school, in a non-traditional school, here in the City of Cleveland.”

Ginn-Thompson is not part of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. ACCEL Schools, an organization that manages charter schools, is running the new academy. Ray Dillions works for ACCEL and is directing the school’s curriculum and day-to-day operations. St. Aloysius, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit focused on serving youth, is acting as the school’s sponsor and is responsible for ensuring it complies with state laws that govern charter schools. 

Athletics and extracurriculars

Ginn-Thompson is operating out of a school building in Cleveland’s Asiatown neighborhood that used to house Health Careers Center High School. 

Similar to Ginn Academy’s model for athletics, Ginn-Thompson will partner with high schools in Greater Cleveland to bolster its in-house sports programming. The school is also planning to offer international learning opportunities. Ray Dillions said she hopes to send students to an ACCEL partner school in London during the 2025-2026 school year. Ginn-Thompson and Ginn Academy will also partner to host cotillion and beautillion events. 

“Our goal is definitely to produce, academically, National Merit finalists and, athletically, worldwide champions,” Dillions said. “I am overly excited for the faculty and staff that we have because they’re highly committed and invested in this mission.”

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Ready to enroll at our exciting new school?

ACCEL Schools Partners with Ted Ginn Sr. to Launch Tuition-Free Ginn-Thompson School for Girls in Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio, June 16, 2024 – ACCEL Schools is excited to announce the opening of Ginn-Thompson School or Girls, a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 6-10. The school, a partnership with Ted Ginn Sr. and Ginn Academy, is committed to providing students with an exceptional education that fosters academic excellence, character development, and athletic achievement.

Ginn-Thompson School for Girls will offer a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for college and career success. In addition to core subjects, the school will emphasize STEM education, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and community service projects.

A cornerstone of the Ginn-Thompson experience is its robust athletics program. Under the guidance of college-level coaches, students will have the opportunity to participate in basketball, golf, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track, and volleyball. The school believes that beyond physical fitness, sports teach important life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Beyond the classroom and the athletic field, Ginn-Thompson School for Girls will aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals. Students will participate in annual international learning excursions and experiences to broaden their horizons and foster global citizenship. Additionally, the school will partner with Ginn Academy, a boys’ public school, to provide opportunities for students to attend Cotillion and Beautillion events and emphasize the importance of conducting life with grace and etiquette.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ted Ginn Sr. and Ginn Academy to bring Ginn-Thompson School for Girls to the Cleveland community,” said Sherree Ray Dillions, VP of Turn Around Schools at ACCEL Schools. “Our shared vision is to create a school where students can reach their full potential academically, athletically, and personally. We believe that Ginn-Thompson School for Girls will be a transformative force in the lives of our students.”

Ginn-Thompson School for Girls is now accepting applications for the upcoming school year which begins on September 4th.

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Ready to join this exceptional school?

What is a Charter School? 

According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, charter schools are independently operated public schools that are free to design educational programs that meet their students’ needs. All charter schools operate under a contract with a charter school authorizer – usually a nonprofit organization, government agency, or university – that holds them accountable to the exacting standards outlined in their charter.

Why Choose Charter? 
The reasons parents choose charter schools for their children are just as unique as the students themselves. Here are a few of the reasons why families choose charter education: 

Teachers 
Charter schools are known for having dedicated administrators and teachers who have a stake in their students’ success. The charter model encourages innovation, thinking “outside the box,” and going the extra mile to help each student be successful. 

School’s focus 
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, charter schools can change it up! They may choose a specific educational methodology like Montessori or competitive sports training, like Ginn Thompson. Parents may be attracted to a charter school for the specific programs it offers. Open Houses and special events on campus are excellent opportunities to get to know what makes each school unique.

Time for a change 
Whether your child is struggling in his or her current school, needs a challenge, or simply is ready for a different educational environment, charter schools offer a fresh approach to learning that many families appreciate. Every child is unique and charter schools offer many options for meeting your family’s educational needs.

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Join us for these benefits and more!  

Did you know that less than one-quarter (24%) of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day? That means most children aren’t getting the exercise they need to prevent serious health issues like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. And they’re missing out on the academic benefits too, since exercise is linked to better focus, memory, and classroom performance.  

The CDC recommends 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise a day for school-aged children. When kids are active at school, they are healthier, happier, and more successful in school. Here are a few of the benefits of sports and physical education in schools: 

• Improved attention 
• Better mood and memory 
• Lower risk of depression 
• More time on task 
• Fewer absences 
• Better behavior 
• Better bone & heart health 
• Healthier weight 

Source: CDC Healthy Schools

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Our experienced school leaders strongly believe in these benefits and implement them throughout the school day.