The system operates ten schools and enrolls over 5,500 students.

The district was founded in 1885 by D.C. Arnold, who was hailed as the "father of the graded school system of Cleveland."

[1] The Teen Learning Center was founded as an alternative high school in 1994.

[4] In early 2024, the Cleveland Board of Education voted to oppose efforts to merge its system with Bradley County Schools.

The move came after the county mayor suggested consolidating the districts to save taxpayers money.