Definition of community school

The term "community school" emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to societal changes that resulted from the post-World War II economic boom and the increasing urbanization of society. Community schools represent a collaborative approach between schools and their surrounding neighborhoods, with the goal of addressing not just the academic needs of students, but also the social and emotional needs, as well as the broader societal needs of the community. The concept was initially popularized by John Dewey, a prominent philosopher and educational reformer, who emphasized the importance of integrating schools into their communities and treating the school as a center of community life. Today, community schools can be found across the globe, with the defining characteristics typically including partnerships between schools, families, businesses, and community organizations, as well as a focus on addressing the diverse needs of all students and promoting social justice and equity. While definitions and models of community schools may vary, the essence of the concept remains to maximize the positive impact of schools on their communities and to utilize schools as a resource for promoting positive outcomes for students and the broader community.