Why Community Schools Matter Now More Than Ever

Schools today are expected to do much more than teach. Every day, educators encounter students who are hungry, tired, overwhelmed, or grappling with challenges beyond their control. When a student comes to school without glasses and cannot see the board, when they are anxious or carrying emotional stress, or when the family is struggling with food or housing insecurity, learning becomes secondary. We can teach standards and curriculum, but failing to meet a child's basic needs compromises their academic engagement. This is where community schools become essential.

I work in a school system with more than 70 identified community schools, primarily serving elementary and middle school students. Through this work, I have seen how the program strengthens student learning, improves health outcomes, and increases engagement by building meaningful partnerships within the community.

To me, a community school is much more than a place where students attend classes. It is a hub that brings together academics, health and mental health services, family engagement, enrichment opportunities, and partnerships with local organizations, all in one accessible space. Rather than expecting families to navigate complex systems on their own, we intentionally bring those supports directly into the school building.

All students receive these services, which is what I appreciate most about community schools. For example, community schools ensure every child receives essentials like winter coats. Providing support universally removes stigma; no one feels singled out, embarrassed, or left out. Instead, every student’s basic needs are met, and everyone feels like they belong.

I’ve learned that when students struggle, it’s often not about motivation. It may be the child with a toothache who can’t see a dentist or the teenager staying home to care for younger siblings because there is no childcare. Community schools recognize these real-life barriers and work to remove them so students can fully focus on learning.

Community schools also create more learning opportunities. Before- and after-school programs, weekend enrichment, summer learning, and partnerships with museums and community organizations offer students more time and more experiences to grow. Extending learning beyond the traditional school day exposes students to new interests, talents, and passions. These experiences reinforce academic skills while also building confidence and curiosity.

A powerful part of the community school model is how it embraces families as partners. Instead of expecting parents to simply attend a meeting or sign a form, community schools invite families to participate in decision-making, planning, and leadership. Schools may offer adult learning opportunities such as language classes or workforce development workshops, recognizing that supporting parents supports students. When families feel welcome and respected, the school becomes a true community space, not just a building students enter from Monday to Friday.

At its core, the community school approach is about equity. Traditional schooling often assumes that all students have the same access to support and resources outside of school. Community schools recognize that this is not true. Equity means giving every student what they need to thrive, not expecting them to succeed despite barriers. By bringing health services, mental health support, family engagement programs, and enrichment opportunities into the school, community schools level the playing field. That is why we need them now more than ever.