Community Schools

Public education systems in our communities are dying. They are being dismantled by the profit making corporations and “reformers. “  Every school closure and take over weakens the fabric of each community, because it strays from what is right and good for that community. Community schools are our solution to this corporate takeover of public education.

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.

► For more information on how the community school strategy works, view the links at right, or explore our resources. Watch the video below for an informative introduction to community schools.