Community Schools

EAB conducted research interviews with community school administrators at three school districts to look at community school implementation strategies, structure of community schools, partnerships, staff, funding, and offerings.

Summary

National conversations around how non-academic factors, such as food and health care access, impact students’ academic performances have led school districts and local communities to consider the community school model. EAB conducted research interviews with community school administrators at three school districts to look at community school implementation strategies, structure of community schools, partnerships, staff, funding, and offerings.

Key observations from our research

1. Collaboration between school districts and community organizations facilitates the development and implementation of a community school model.

2. Profiled school districts base community schools’ key offerings on needs assessment results.

3. Community school coordinator positions prove integral to the success of the model.

4. Community schools diversify revenue streams to ensure the stability of the model.

5. Profiled school administrators assess the community school model to ensure continued district and community support and to encourage district administrators to expand the model to additional schools.