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Community Schools

A school is more than just a place to learn. Our Community Schools are like hubs of success for students. They focus on education, health, and bringing together students, families and the community.

What is a Community School?

A Community School is a hub in the neighborhood that everyone in the school and the community can be proud to be a part of. All community members play a big role in making sure every student can do their best. These schools offer help with schoolwork, teach social and emotional skills, and provide health services. They also make sure families and the community are involved in a safe way.

Our Pillars

United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Community Schools plan focuses on:

Health Support for Students

  • Programs help solve problems outside of school that can stop kids from learning.
  • Also provide services for both mind and body health.

Family and Community

  • Schools are like centers in the neighborhood.
  • Offer classes for adults and welcome family role in students’ success.
  • School leaders and teachers work with families to make choices about children’s learning.

More Learning Time and New Experiences

  • After-school, weekend, and summer programs give extra learning and help.
  • New activities help students learn about real-life events and solve problems in the community.
  • All programs match what students are learning in school.

Shared Leadership

  • All members of the school and community have a chance to give their ideas to make choices and help lead the school.

Healthy communities value P.R.I.D.E.

Prepared: Everyone — students, parents, schools, and communities — gets ready for student growth using what they have.

Resilient: Families help their children grow while keeping good relationships with the school and the community.

Interconnected: People in education, business and charities work together to make sure students and families have what they need to succeed.

Diversity: Communities include everyone and create a safe space for everyone’s views and experiences.

Engagement: Everyone — school staff, parents, students, community members, volunteers, and donors — works to improve the neighborhood and make it a better place for everyone.

Our School Districts

We have Community Schools in four districts across Metro Detroit. We work with these districts to use our model and do more in the community and nearby areas. Our main focus is on communities where many families cannot meet their basic needs, using the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report.

Our districts:

  • Hazel Park Schools
  • Pontiac School District
  • River Rouge School District
  • Southfield Public Schools