Community Schools

What is a Community School?

A community school is a public school that integrates academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement to support students, families, and the neighborhood as a whole.

Key Features of a Community School

Community schools are designed to be hubs for their communities, offering more than traditional education. Key characteristics include:

• Integrated Support Services: They provide access to health care, mental health counseling, after-school programs, nutrition support and other social services to address barriers to learning.
• Family and Community Engagement: Parents, local organizations, and community members actively participate in school decision-making, programming, and support initiatives.
• Extended Learning Opportunities: Programs such as tutoring, enrichment activities, summer learning, and vocational training help students achieve academic and personal growth.
• Collaborative Leadership: School leadership often involves partnerships between educators, community organizations, and social services and local government to align resources and strategies towards student success.

As part of Fontana Unified School District’s commitment to supporting the whole child, we implement the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) framework at four of our school sites: Palmetto Elementary, Poplar Elementary, Southridge Tech, and Truman Middle School.

Each site is supported by a dedicated Community Schools Teacher-on-Assignment (TOA) who collaborates closely with school administration and the broader school community. Together, they coordinate the key elements of the Community Schools model to help ensure every student has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.