Why We Exist
Our Mission
Our Vision
The Intergenerational Schools are a top choice in public education for Greater Cleveland families. We foster joyful and independent academic and social-emotional learning that allows students and learners of all ages to excel both individually and together in one equitable community. As innovative and progressive educators, we are catalysts and collaborators in improving public education that transforms Cleveland.
These aren’t just words on a page. Our mission and vision guide every decision we make, from how we structure our multi-age classrooms to how we partner with senior centers and community organizations. We believe learning happens best in community, where every person—regardless of age—has something to teach and something to learn. This approach creates an educational experience where students don’t just prepare for the future; they actively contribute to their communities today.
Our Story
The first Intergenerational School opened in 2000, founded by child psychologist turned educator Catherine C. Whitehouse, Ph.D.; neurologist/gerontologist Peter J. Whitehouse, M.D., Ph.D.; and Stephanie FallCreek, DSW, then executive director at Fairhill Partners. They shared a belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit and that breaking down age barriers could transform education for children and enrich the lives of older adults. The school welcomed its first students as a free public charter school, offering Cleveland families an innovative alternative where older adults partnered with students to foster curiosity, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships across generations.
By 2010, the school served over 200 students in kindergarten through eighth grade and had earned recognition locally and nationally for its effective model. In 2011, Near West Intergenerational School opened in the Ohio City neighborhood in response to demand from west-side families. This campus became the first charter-district partnership in the State of Ohio to co-locate a charter and district school in the same building—a milestone in collaborative public education, and an important part of the newly legislated Cleveland Plan.
Today, the Intergenerational Schools serve approximately 450 students across two campuses: The Intergenerational School–East in the Buckeye neighborhood and Near West Intergenerational School in Ohio City. Both schools have earned recognition as Community Schools of Quality by the Ohio Department of Education, and Near West consistently ranks among the top 3 K-8 public schools in Cleveland.
In 2014, the network received the national Eisner Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Intergenerational Excellence. These awards reflect years of dedicated work by our staff, families, volunteers, and community partners who believe in the power of intergenerational learning.
25 Years.
Countless Moments.
For 25 years, the Intergenerational Schools have been creating countless moments of connection, growth, and discovery across Cleveland. From our founding in 2000 to today, we’ve remained committed to building community and fostering lifelong learning for students, families, and volunteers of all ages. Help us celebrate by sharing your favorite memory. Send an email to advancement@igschools.org.
Where We’re Going
Our work continues. While we’re proud of what we’ve built over 25 years, we remain focused on closing achievement gaps, expanding access to joyful learning, and proving that a different kind of public education is possible. We’re committed to supporting every student as they discover their strengths, build resilience, and learn what it means to be a spirited citizen. The community of students, families, staff, volunteers, and partners that we’ve grown together makes this work possible, and we’re grateful to everyone who walks this path with us.