Community Schools

Overview

New York City defines community schools as an equity strategy to organize resources and share leadership so that academics, health, youth development, and family engagement are integrated into the fabric of schools to support the whole child.

In partnership with lead community-based organizations (CBO), community schools create welcoming, supportive environments that help students navigate barriers and build on strengths so that every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Success and Impact

In New York City, the community school strategy has been proven to be effective in increasing graduation rates and student achievement, and in reducing chronic absenteeism and disciplinary incidents. By September 2021 there will be over 300 NYC community schools with over 70 lead CBOs, supporting more than 150,000 students. Learn more on the NYC Community - Results page.

NYC community schools: we want to hear from you! Please share success stories here.

Core Features

Community schools are based on four core evidence-based features. Expand each section to learn more about each feature.

Collaborative Leadership and Practice

School administrators and other community school stakeholders work together to implement the community school strategy through collaborative planning and data-driven continuous improvement. Each community school has a Community School Director from the lead CBO who coordinates and integrates services, programs, partnerships, and supports for students and families. Learn more on the Collaborative Leadership and Practice page.

Family and Community Engagement

Family and community engagement is a hallmark of effective community schools. In a community school, families and community members participate in decision‐making, hold leadership roles that drive school change, and are partners in students’ holistic development. Learn more on the Family and Community Engagement page.

Wellness and Integrated Supports

Community schools integrate key health, wellness and social supports for students and families such as mental health services, vision, reproductive health, and social services. Learn more on the Wellness and Integrated Supports page.

Expanded Learning Time (ELT)

Expanded Learning Time offers opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning and enrichment during and after school, on weekends, holidays and summers. Learn more on the Expanded Learning Time page.

Tools to Empower Your Practice

Tools and guides to support implementation of the community school strategy are organized by core features and other relevant categories. Find all tools and guides on the Community Schools Tools page.

Partnerships for Your School

Community schools address out-of-school barriers to student learning through partnerships with city agencies, the private sector and community-based organizations. Learn more about available opportunities on the Partnerships for Your School page.

Get Involved

If you are interested in partnering with the Office of Community Schools, please complete the Partnership Interest Form below.

If you have questions, email the Office of Community Schools.