WHAT ARE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS? 

Community Schools are public schools that partner with families and community organizations to provide well-rounded educational opportunities and support for students' school success. Like every good school, community schools must be built on a foundation of powerful teaching that includes challenging academic contect and supports students' mastery of 21 century skills and competencies.

What makes a community schools unique is the combination of four key pillars that together create the conditions necessary for students to thrive. The pillars are: 

1. Integrated student supports; 

2. Expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities;

3. Active family and community engagement; and

4. Collaborative leadership and practices. 

Because each community school is a reflection of local needs, assets, and priorities, no two look exaclty alike. What they do share, however, is a commitment to partnership and to rethinking--and at times rebuilding--relationships based on a strong foundation of trust and respect. School staff, under the leadership of the principal and community school program coordinator, work with families and community partners to create and implement a share vision of students and school success.¹