What is a community school?
Community learning centers. Full-service schools. Community hubs. Whatever you call them, community schools make a difference in the lives of children, families, educators, and their communities each and every day. By moving beyond the normal confines of the school and partnering with local stakeholders, community schools provide real solutions to the unique problems of the students and families they serve, and are another major step forward in reclaiming the promise of public education.
Community schools aren’t just centers of education; they’re the new heart of the community itself that help create better conditions for both teaching and learning. They’re a place where teachers, families, community members and service providers can come together in coordinated, purposeful and results-focused partnerships. These schools become the center of their communities by providing the services to students, families and neighbors that best serve their needs, while at the same time promoting stable, healthy neighborhoods. This isn’t just another program: It’s a paradigm shift in the way we think about schools that goes well beyond just providing supports and services for students.
This collection aims to provide free preK-12 lesson plans, webinars and resources for educators, parents and community members to build successful schools. Get started here. Read more about building family partnerships with empathy and respect here.
