Community School
Why the Community School model makes an even bigger impact
Inclusive education is powerful on its own; when we combine rigorous academics and wraparound support with a neighborhood-based approach, the outcomes are truly transformational. Right now, a child’s ZIP Code predicts a wide variety of life outcomes–educational attainment, future earnings, and even life expectancy.
A growing field of research is coming to understand that if we want our children to thrive, we must invest in the places where they grow up. We must reshape their environments, making sure they experience a strong, interconnected community full of opportunity, resources, and support to see them succeed.
This is where the Community School model can put children, families, and communities on a Transformational Journey.
What is a Community School
Simply put, it’s a public school that offers wraparound services and support for students and the people who love them:
Community Schools transform students and families.
National research and years of evidence are clear: Community Schools accelerate learning and well- being for children, families, and communities. Here are some of the exemplary impacts of Community Schools like ICS:
- Improved socio-emotional wellbeing
- Students average 20 more days attended + plummeting chronic absenteeism
- 35% more focused learning time through expanded learning opportunities
- Parent participation in school activities doubled!
- 14% increase in children reading at grade level
- Reduced racial and economic achievement gaps
Overall, cost-benefit research suggests that every dollar invested in a Community School’s wraparound services generates up to $15 in social value and economic benefits.
By focusing on creating a locally-rooted, diverse school that combines rigorous academics with a welcoming Beloved Community, we can transform our world by empowering children, families, and partners.
How ICS has been using the community school model
ICS has been adopting the Community School model for years–offering deep learning enrichment, family engagement, and on-site services for families.
- Collaborate with Urban Recipe to host an on- site food co-op that distributed 45,629 lbs of food in 2023-2024.
- 107 home visits
- 56% of students participating in an after- school enrichment activity
- 92% of parents feel welcomed at the school
- 3 ICS staff certified as Master Gardeners through an on-site partnership
- 3 Teachers certified through the Aspiring Teacher Program (and 2 more in progress!)