Skip Navigation
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.
NEA Issue Explainer

Community Schools

Full-service community schools meet students’ academic and enrichment needs by recognizing that many students are coping with serious issues that affect their ability to learn and thrive in the classroom.
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

Federal legislation can help expand the full-service public community school model, which features high-quality teaching and learning, family and community partnerships, community school coordinators, and a full suite of support services for students and families, such as health and nutrition services and mentoring programs.

Community schools fit each neighborhood’s unique needs—from offering food pantries to providing mental health counseling—and offer strategies designed to meet challenges identified by educators, students, families, local organizations, and social service agencies.

Dig Deeper

happy student in classroom

What are Community Schools?

Community Schools mobilize students, families, educators, and community members to develop a grassroots vision for their schools and communities, and they work together to achieve their vision.
students and staff distribute food at a community school

New Federal Bill Promotes Public Schools as Community Hubs

Integrated academic, health, nutrition, and economic services will transform outcomes for all students.
AA teacher

How Community Schools Reduce Crushing Educator Workload

The community schools model enlists local partners to provide enrichment and other student services, taking pressure off educators.

North Carolina Association of Educators

We are THE voice for educators in North Carolina. See what membership can mean for you!
ESP talking to group of students

It's More Than a Job, It's a Career!

Education Support Professionals (ESPs) are vital to our schools, communities, and our movement.
North Carolina Association of Educators logo

A leading voice for educational excellence

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) is our leading voice for educational excellence, for children and their families, and for the public schools they count on. As the public school employees union and the largest association of professional educators in North Carolina, our membership extends to all 100 counties and includes teachers, non-classified school staff, administrators, students, retirees, and community allies. NCAE believes that every child has a right to a high-quality education, an excellent teacher, and a well-funded school.