What is a Community Schools?
A community school is a public school that partners with community organizations to provide wraparound services — such as health and mental-health care, family support, expanded and enrichment learning, and social services — alongside academics. The idea is to remove barriers to learning and support the whole child and the whole community, using the school as a hub.
History & origins
The community-schools approach has grown for decades and gained major momentum with state and federal support, as districts sought to address students' non-academic needs and strengthen family and community engagement.
Philosophy & approach
Community schools rest on the belief that students learn best when their broader needs are met — so schools coordinate services and partnerships to support health, family, and community, not just instruction. They're often organized around a few core pillars.
Curriculum & academics
Academics follow the public curriculum, strengthened by wraparound supports: integrated student services (health, mental health, social services), expanded and enrichment learning, active family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership with partners. Many use a full-time community-school coordinator.
The classroom & school day
The school functions as a community hub — often with on-site or connected services, before/after-school and summer programs, and strong family engagement — while classrooms run the regular academic program.
Grade levels & structure
Community schools span K–12; the model can apply to any public school.
Admissions & enrollment
Community schools are public and free, enrolling like other public schools (attendance zone or, for charters, lottery). "Community school" describes the model layered onto a public school.
Costs & financial aid
Community schools are free (public), with services provided through partnerships and funding. They aim to reduce barriers for students and families.
Accreditation & governance
Community schools meet state public-school standards; the model adds services and partnerships. Look at the depth of services, family engagement, and coordination at a specific school.
Is a Community Schools right for your child?
A community school benefits families who value a school that supports the whole child and connects them to health, family, and community resources — especially where those supports remove real barriers to learning. It's a public-school model, so it's an added layer rather than a separate admissions choice.
How it compares to other schools
Community schools are a public-school model built on wraparound services and partnerships, distinct from charter or magnet schools (which are about governance or theme). The defining feature is the school-as-hub, whole-child approach.
Finding Community Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists public, community, and other schools across the country.
Key facts
- ModelPublic school + integrated community services and partnerships
- PillarsIntegrated supports, expanded learning, family engagement, collaborative leadership
- GoalWhole-child, whole-community support; fewer barriers to learning
- LevelsK–12
- CostFree (public)
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: