Intergenerational Schools, Breakthrough Schools Announce Plans for Their Future

CLEVELAND, Dec. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, December 12, 2016, the Boards of Directors for The Intergenerational School, Near West Intergenerational School and Lakeshore Intergenerational School voted to accept the proposed terms of an agreement that would allow the schools to separate from the Breakthrough Schools network effective June 30, 2017. Breakthrough Schools and Friends of Breakthrough will provide continued support to ensure a smooth transition for the Intergenerational Schools and their students.

The agreement, characterized by both parties as fair and comprehensive, was reached after extensive and thorough review of potential options and modifications to the network's operating agreement, which was up for renewal. The Boards of Directors for Breakthrough Schools and Friends of Breakthrough will vote on the measure later this week.

"This agreement was reached after months of careful, thoughtful, and professional discussion by both sides," said Mark Saffran, chairman of the Intergenerational Schools' Boards. "Ultimately, our Boards felt that, given our unique intergenerational approach to education, the Intergenerational Schools could better serve our children independently. Having been a founding member of Breakthrough Schools, we still believe there is inherent value in the Breakthrough network and wish them continued success in their efforts to support educational opportunities for Cleveland's children."

"We respect the decision of the Intergenerational Schools' boards and are committed to providing financial and operational support to their schools during this transition," said Breakthrough CEO Alan Rosskamm. "I am proud that our six year collaboration helped bring two more high-quality Intergenerational Schools to Cleveland, and I'm confident that the Intergenerational Schools will continue to provide an excellent educational option for their families."

The Intergenerational Schools

The nationally-recognized, award-winning Intergenerational Schools (IGS) fosters student achievement in a multi-generational environment that works. The IG Schools have successfully grown from one school and 30 students in 2000 to three schools and more than 600 students today. IG students learn in a holistic environment that connects them to the broader community and prepares them to attend competitive, high-performing area high schools upon graduation.

Breakthrough Charter Schools

Breakthrough Schools is one of Ohio's top-rated networks of public charter schools.  Formed in 2010 by three of Cleveland's high-performing public charter schools, Breakthrough has earned a national reputation for excellence in urban education.  Breakthrough has grown to serve over 3,500 students – 90% minority and 87% low-income – in a variety of distinctive, high-quality schools across Cleveland, including Citizens Academy, E Prep & Village Prep, and Citizens Leadership Academy.  Breakthrough will open E Prep Willard and Citizens Leadership Academy East in August 2017.  Learn more at www.BreakthroughSchools.org.

SOURCE The Intergenerational Schools; Breakthrough Charter Schools