Community Schools

  • What are Community Schools?
    According to the Coalition for Community Schools, a community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, services, supports and opportunities leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.

    Why does Greece Need Community Schools?
    Greece schools, like many across the country, face numerous challenges. Poverty, homelessness, physical and mental health concerns are just some of the barriers our schools, teachers, students and families encounter every day.

    The 5 Pillars of Community Schools

    1. Expanded Learning Opportunities
      Increasing educational opportunities for children and youth requires us to use innovative approaches that expand learning opportunities before, during, and after school.  A Community School serves students and their family’s needs, and operates with the support of community partners that can tailor their activities to the school’s academic and non-academic goals.

    2. Health and Social Services
      Poverty, family circumstances, limited access to healthcare, and other social supports have a substantial impact on children. Community Schools make connections to important health and social supports bringing community health agencies, dentists, and mental health practitioners to schools to enable young people to develop the competencies needed to lead healthy lives. All of these services for students, their families, and the community help create a supportive environment that keeps students healthy and safe.

    3. Parent Engagement
      Parent and family engagement is critical to the success of children and youth. Community schools consistently and sustainably increase parent participation in the education of their children, providing them with a variety of supports. These include programs, classes, food pantries, opportunities to participate in schools, and more.  

    4. Community Engagement
      Community schools are built on the community’s strengths and focus on improving the well-being of the entire community. Community school leaders seek and act on community input and work in partnership with community organizations. Shared ownership with the community paves the way for joint accountability and success.

    5. Early Childhood Development
      Children who start kindergarten ready to learn are better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead, and all children should have access to high-quality early childhood opportunities. Many community schools are seeing increased attendance, less mobility, and fewer behavioral problems among kindergarteners. Children are coming to school ready to learn.