In Ohio, charter schools are often called community schools. In many other states, “community school” has a different meaning. The Coalition for Community Schools promotes a model for schools where they form close ties with community partners, where schools become a hub for the community with services in the school building, coordination of partners, supports during out of school time hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Schools looking to make more strategic decisions about their community partnerships, or looking for ideas about how to make their school a hub for the community can visit the Coalition for Community Schools website. Historically, schools using the Community Schools Model as a school improvement strategy have drawn on 21st Century Community Learning Center funding, Title I and III funding, and other state, local district, and community partner funding to hire a resource coordinator and increase the number of resources available at the school for families and students.
