Overview
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. In School Year 2024-25 there are 421 Community Schools across every district in NYC, funded through city, state and federal dollars. Learn more on the NYC Community - Results page.
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, school holidays and summers Learn more on the Expanded Learning Time page.
Tools to Empower Your Practice
Guides, templates and other resources 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 build on the strengths of students, families and communities and address 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
Have questions? Contact the Office of Community Schools.