The National Center for Community Schools and the Children’s Aid Society defines a community school as both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, services, supports and opportunities leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Schools become centres of the community, open to everyone, all day, every day, evenings and weekends.
The National Center for Community Schools states that community schools represent a strategy, not a program. Partners and stakeholders come together to agree on a set of results for children that they will achieve together. They develop a coordination system to share leadership and connect children and families with opportunities, services, and resources. They share accountability for results. They transform schools and communities.
