Genesee Community Charter School

Genesee Community Charter School Website

Location: Rochester, New York

Demographics: (StartClass, 2016)

What is unique about this school?

Genesee Community Charter is an Expeditionary School located inside the Rochester Museum and Science Center. The school has several unique structures. Expeditionary means "outward bound" and the schools focus is on the community it resides within. The school's location inside the Rochester Museum and Science Center gives them access to science experts that the students can ask questions of and receive feedback from. Another unique structure is that the classes are taught by two teachers and are looped, so the students have those same two teachers for two years.

Their curriculum is organized into six historical time periods that are covered over the course of school years. The entire school focuses on the same historical period at the same time, but the topics vary depending on grade level. Sixth graders study one locally relevant topic their entire year, such as sustainability, public art, or waterways. The students present ideas and work on real solutions in their community.

Genesee Community Charter emphasizes risk-taking, working collaboratively, and stepping outside your comfort zone.

21st Century Skills Supported by this School: 

Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Social Responsibility Skills

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: 

Students at taught to work well together, know how to use resources, and care about the community around them. They are given opportunities to develop opinions, perspectives, informed decisions on issues that affect the community they live in. 

Promotion of Creativity in the Classroom for Students and Teachers:

Students ideas and solutions are promoted and supported by their teachers. They are also involved in dance, singing, and visual arts. Teachers are also involved in the art programs and participate with their students. 

The teachers have a high level of trust among each other, which facilitates effective feedback and collaboration. Teachers are given guidelines but are allowed a high degree of ownership of their class curriculum. The school's budget includes funding for field work and professional development of the teachers.

References:
P21. (n.d.). Case Study: Genesee Commuinty Charter Expeditionary School.
          Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/exemplar-program-case-studies/1310-
          genesee-community-charter-expeditionary-school

StartClass. (2016). Genesee Community Charter School in Rochester, New 
          York. Retrieved from http://public-schools.startclass.com/l/60667/
          Genesee-Community-Charter-School