What is a Community School?

What is a community school?

A Community School serves as the hub of its community and unites families, educators and community partners in an effort to provide all students with top-quality academics, enrichment, health and social services, and opportunities to succeed in school and in life. Together, we will aim to improve student outcomes, reduce mental health stigma and social isolation, as well as strengthen community partnerships by building new alliances and networks.

A community school focuses on:

Integrated Student Supports: Address out-of-school barriers to learning through partnerships with social and health services agencies. May employ social-emotional learning, conflict resolution and restorative justice practices to support mental health and decrease conflict, bullying and punitive disciplinary actions.

Expanded Learning Time & Opportunities: Includes afterschool, weekend and summer programs to provide additional academic instruction and support, enrichment activities and opportunities for real-world learning.

Active Parent/Guardian & Community Engagement: Bring into schools as educational partners and make school a neighborhood hub for learning.

Collaborative Leadership & Practices: Build a culture of professional learning, collective trust and shared responsibility.