A Community School is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources.

A Community School's integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community  engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and health communities. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone.

Essential to a Community School's success is a committed partnership between the school and school district, community organizations and parents' a partnership that is built on a shared responsibility for student and family outcomes. Partners come together to surround young  people with:

• A strong, coherent core instructional program during the regular school day;
• Supports and services that address and seek to remove barriers to learning; and
• Enrichment opportunities during non-school hours that build students motivation and capacity to succeed. 

Community Schools seek to promote children's learning and development in ways that prepare them for productive adulthood, and are based on a solid body of current research from multiple professional disciplines.

Conditions:

1. Early Childhood Development: High quality, academic programs and linkages to  kindergarten for students and parents.
2. Quality Education: Quality leadership, challenging and engaging curriculum, highly-skilled teachers, and high standards for all.
3. Positive Youth Development: Active learning in school and community, during & beyond schools hours with asset-building focus.
4. Basic Needs are Met: Physical, social, emotional and economic needs of the students and families are acknowledged and met.
5. Mutual Respect & Collaboration: Respect and collaboration between school staff and parents/families supports students' learning.
6. Community Engagement: School is a safe and supportive climate that is welcoming to ALL. The school promotes lifelong learning for &    from community and is the hub for neighborhood revitalization.