Feet in the same circle

Welcome to the

Genesee Community Charter School

Our diverse-by-design school erases social and traditional academic boundaries. We embrace school integration, social justice, and strive to be active citizens in our community.

About Us

The Genesee Community Charter School - among the highest performing EL Education schools in the nation - is located on the campus of the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Genesee Community Charter School - Flour City Campus, is our new replica school located at 1100 South Goodman Street in Rochester, just 5 minutes from its "sister" school.

Genesee Community Charter School at the RMSC enrolls approximately 215 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Genesee Community Charter School – Flour City Campus currently enrolls 120 students in kindergarten through third grade and will add a grade level each year until they reach sixth grade.

Our schools are publicly funded and there is no tuition.  Enrollment is open to all city of Rochester residents, and a lottery is held in April of each year for incoming kindergarten students and for vacancies as they are available in first through fifth grades.

The curriculum focuses on local history and the natural world and—as an EL Education school – students are immersed in three interdisciplinary learning expeditions each year. Classes frequently venture into the community for purposeful and rigorous field studies integral to their ongoing learning experiences. Music, visual arts, dance, and creative movement are integrated into the academic and social life at both schools. The organization is nationally recognized for its implementation of the EL Education model and its approach to arts integration.

Since it was founded in 2001, Genesee Community Charter School at the RMSC has been one of the most successful K–6 schools in New York as measured by the New York State Education Department’s School Performance Index.

To view Genesee Community Charter School at the RMSC’s latest New York State generated School Report Card, click here.

To view Genesee Community Charter School – Flour City Campus’ latest New York State generated School Report Card (when it becomes available), click here.

To view GCCS at RMSC’s latest annual report to New York State Education Department click here.

To view GCCS – Flour City’s latest annual report to New York State Education Department click here.

Mission Statement for Both Schools

The Genesee Community Charter School provides a rich educational experience that values intellectual rigor, respect for diversity, and community responsibility. Our local history-based and globally-connected program immerses our diverse population of children in investigation and discovery, extensively using the cultural and natural resources of our community. We nurture children’s natural abilities to be reflective questioners, articulate communicators, critical thinkers, and skilled problem solvers, enabling them to reach exemplary standards.

Genesee Community Charter School and Genesee Community Charter School – Flour City Campus do not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, or age in the administration of any of its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, recreational, and other school-administered programs.

GCCS at the RMSC “At-A-Glance”

  • K – 6 Charter School
  • Located on the campus of the Rochester Museum & Science Center
  • A tuition-free public school chartered and funded by New York State Board of Regents
  • Located within Rochester City school District; operated independently from district
  • 215 students selected by random lottery
  • One classroom per grade level with up to 32 students
  • Two teachers and one teaching assistant per classroom are “looped” in grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5
  • Three specialists teach music, visual art, and physical expedition
  • One Special Education Coordinator
  • One Student Culture Coordinator (supporting students in social emotional learning and building a spirit of “Crew”)
  • One social worker provides student and family support
  • One academic intervention teacher
  • Our school calendar and hours differ from other districts

GCCS – Flour City Campus “At-A-Glance”

  • K – 3 Charter School
  • Located on the former Colgate Divinity campus at 1100 South Goodman Street
  • GCCS – Flour City Campus continues to hold a partnership with the Rochester Museum & Science Center
  • A tuition-free public school chartered and funded by State University of New York (SUNY)
  • Located within Rochester City school District; operated independently from district
  • 120 students selected by random lottery
  • One classroom per grade level with up to 32 students
  • Two teachers and one teaching assistant per classroom are “looped” in grades K-1, 2-3, and will also be 4-5 when it grows to these grade levels
  • Three specialists teach music, visual art, and physical expedition (movement)
  • One Special Education Coordinator
  • One Student Culture Coordinator (supporting students in social emotional learning and building a spirit of “Crew”)
  • One social worker provides student and family support
  • One academic intervention teacher
  • Our school calendar and hours differ from other districts

Check Us Out on Facebook, YouTube, or Follow Us on Twitter: @GeneseeCharter

Klingenstein Teacher Award

EL Education National Conference in 2016

Chris Dolgos receives the Klingenstein Teacher Award at the EL Education National Conference in 2016.  He now serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for both campuses.

More GCCS Recognition and Awards

  • EL Education Credentialed school since 2015
  • 2022 – Building Hope Education Innovation Finalist and Award Winner
  • 2017-2020 – First New York State Dissemination Grant with RCSD partnership
  • 6th Grade Teacher received 2016 EL Education Teaching Award
  • Former School Leader received 2015 EL Education Leadership Award
  • 2015 New York State Reward School
  • 2014 National Blue Ribbon School
  • EL Education Credentialed Mentor School
  • Partnership for 21st Century Skills Exemplar School
  • Federal Arts Integration Dissemination Grant
  • Exemplary reviews by New York State Education Department
  • Frequent visitors

Apply Today!

Please see the Student Admissions Page for more information about our 2024-25 application process.