Community School

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Providing Community Support is the Key to Improving Student Outcomes

Contact Us

CHRISTINE CHRISTENSENCommunity Schools Director(385)-646-4436

WHAT IS
A COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Community schools are public schools that collaborate with families and community organizations to oﬀer well-rounded educational opportunities and essential supports for students’ success.

At their core, community schools are built upon a foundation of high-quality teaching, oﬀering challenging academic content and fostering students’ mastery of 21st-century skills and competencies.

What sets community schools apart is the unique combination of four key pillars that create the conditions necessary for students to thrive:

SUPPORT

Integrated Systems of Support

Community schools support the whole child by addressing academic and non-academic needs that impact learning. Integrated student supports include on-site services such as health care, mental health, tutoring, and family resources like language training and food assistance.

These supports are tailored to each school community and help improve attendance, behavior, social skills, and academic success. A full-time Community School Coordinator connects students and families to services and helps create a safe, supportive school environment where all students can thrive.

LEARN

Expanded & Enriched Learning Time & Opportunities

Community schools extend learning beyond the traditional school day to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. Through after-school programs, summer learning, and hands-on enrichment, students gain up to one-third more learning time.

These opportunities include activities like arts, physical education, tutoring, and STEM projects, designed to deepen learning and build real-world skills. Educators and community partners work together to provide these programs, using both school and neighborhood spaces to reflect local priorities and engage all learners.

ENGAGE

Active Family and Community Engagement

Community schools prioritize strong partnerships with families and community members. This engagement builds trust, strengthens the school community, and connects local expertise to student success.

Schools create welcoming environments and offer meaningful ways for families to participate—from shared decision-making to parent workshops and community events. When families understand academic goals and feel valued, students benefit through improved attendance, behavior, and achievement.

COLLABORATE

Collaborative Leadership and Practices

Collaborative leadership is the foundation that connects all four pillars of a community school. By building a shared vision and shared responsibility, schools tap into the strengths of staff, families, students, and community partners.

This approach includes site-based teams, professional learning communities, and partnerships with local organizations to guide decision-making, improve instruction, and coordinate services. Community schools promote inclusive leadership, ensuring all voices contribute to school improvement and student success.

WHY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS?

Community schools are a powerful strategy for supporting student success by addressing the barriers that can interfere with learning. All children and families deserve access to the resources, opportunities, and supports that promote strong academic growth and healthy development. Community schools help ensure that every student—regardless of background—has what they need to thrive in school and in life.

By focusing on the whole child, community schools recognize that academic achievement is closely connected to students’ physical health, emotional regulation, and social skills. These schools provide wraparound supports that meet students’ diverse need—offering access to tutoring, health care, vision, dental care, afterschool enrichment, and family services all in one place.

Through strong partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and cultural institutions, community schools bring expanded learning opportunities and essential services directly into the school setting. This approach helps create safe, supportive environments where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them up for long-term success.