“Community Schools are the neighbourhood hub where children, youth, families, residents, staff, agencies, and local businesses work together to build a strong and caring community.”
Community Schools are regular schools with special belief in, and emphasis on, the value of community involvement.
A Community School is open to everyone in the neighbourhood. It’s a neighbourhood hub where people can go to make new friends, develop, learn, and grow. It’s a place where children, students, staff, families, residents, agencies, and local businesses come together to build a strong and caring community.
Community schools also have unique programming designed to meet the specific educational, recreational, and social needs of the neighbourhood it serves, achieved through partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, child and youth development, family support, health and social services, and community development leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and vibrant, healthy communities. The community school’s curriculum emphasizes real-world learning through community problem solving and service. By expanding the use of the school, it becomes accessible to more families and community residents. The school is characterized by extended services, extended hours, and extended relationships.
“There is no power equal to a community
discovering what it cares about.”
~ Margaret Wheatley