Ethical Minds. Leading Hearts. Respectful Souls.

The Genesis School is a high-performing, Ohio-approved private school enrolling scholars in grades PreK–8 in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded by Marshall Emerson III and a team of passionate Cleveland educators, Genesis offers families across Greater Cleveland a private school experience at no cost and built on proven results: rigorous academics, joyful culture, whole-child support, and a strong moral foundation.

We are now enrolling scholars in PreK–8 for Fall 2026.

children in white shirts sitting on floor

Our Mission

To guide scholars toward successful lives by providing rigorous academics, a moral foundation, love and support.

Our Vision

The Genesis School vision is to create a culture of high expectations for scholars by providing a college preparatory education, relevant curricula, and a focus on achievement. It is our goal that our scholars will attend a college prep high school and ultimately gain acceptance and graduate from a four- year college. It is our expectation that 100% of the Genesis scholars will make a positive contribution to their local communities, engage in global problem-solving activities and strive to be lifelong learners.

Our Story

Founder Marshall Emerson III has spent his career opening and operating high-performing schools across Northeast Ohio. Over the past 15 years, these schools have positively affected thousands of scholars. Genesis is the next chapter: a PreK–8 college-prep school designed from the ground up to serve the families of Greater Cleveland with the promise of an exceptional education.

The name Genesis was chosen intentionally. For our scholars, this school is the beginning — the beginning of a college-prep journey, a life of purpose, and a story they get to write for themselves. As Marshall puts it: Genesis represents the beginning of the rest of your lives.

What Makes The Genesis School Different

Private School Quality. Public School Price.

K–8 tuition is covered through the Cleveland Scholarship (for Cleveland families) or the EdChoice Scholarship (for families outside city limits). A private school education in Cleveland has never been more accessible.

One School for the Whole Family

Genesis enrolls scholars in PreK through 8th grade keeping every child in your family under one roof, on one campus, with one trusted team.

A Proven Model

The Genesis founding team has launched numerous high-performing schools across Northeast Ohio. Every school is still open. Every school is still thriving. Your children will thrive here, too.

Rigorous Academics

Our college-prep curriculum is built on the best practices of the nation’s top high-performing schools. From kindergarten through 8th grade, Genesis scholars are held to high expectations  and supported every step of the way to meet them.

Structure That Creates Space for Joy

At Genesis, structure and joy go hand in hand. Weekly school-wide celebrations, field trips, art, music, and dance fill our school days with energy and meaning. Scholars are praised publicly and supported fully in a culture built on high expectations and genuine care.

Character Education Is Coursework

Resilience. Respect. Responsibility. These are core tenets woven into everything we do. Dedicated coursework in civics and ethics gives scholars the tools to understand their place in the world and their responsibility to it. Every scholar graduates from Genesis with a solid education and strong character.

Every Scholar Is Welcome

Genesis has no selective admissions. We open our doors to every scholar — including those with IEPs and learning differences — and we meet every child where they are.

Free Transportation for Cleveland Families

Free transportation options are available for scholars living within Cleveland city limits.

The Whole Child, Every Day

On-site counseling support, mentoring through community nonprofit partners, and a team that believes academic success and personal growth go hand in hand. At Genesis, every scholar is known, valued, and supported so they can show up fully, learn deeply, and thrive in every area of their lives.

The Genesis School is a private school serving scholars in grades PreK–8. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @GoGenesisSchool.