What is a Community School

A community school is a public school that effectively benefits from partnerships with community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. Community Schools become centers of the community and are open to all, even outside of standard school hours.
 

Community Schools in Fairfax County

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community Services (NCS) have been examining opportunities to implement Community Schools for many years. In 2016, the Board of Supervisors & School Board formed a work group to work towards pursuing the model. United Way came forward as a funder, in a joint effort with NCS, and spurred this pilot project. FCPS identified Walt Whitman MS and Mount Vernon Woods ES as the schools for the pilot project.

Questions about our Community School Partnership

Please contact our Community School Coordinator, Karen Cordova.