In New York City’s Community Schools model, public schools partner expansively with community-based organizations to create welcoming environments that support the whole student (and their families) and promote academic success and social-emotional well-being. 

University Settlement operates Community Schools in partnership with the Middle School for Media, Law, and Fine Arts in Brooklyn and PS/MS 34 in Manhattan. We first established a school-based community center, our Beacon at East Side Community School, in 2001.  

Our community schools are grounded in shared leadership and collaborative planning with school administrators and other stakeholders. We develop direct partnerships with teachers, regularly gather and respond to student feedback, and consistently engage families and the community at large in our decision-making.  

Academic success is closely linked to students’ overall well-being, and our community schools prioritize wellness, creating environments where students’ physical, mental, and emotional health are supported. These efforts extend to supporting educators’ mental wellness with connection circles, community-building activities, and creating access to coaching. 

Attendance is another key driver of student success, and our teams play a big role in supporting our students’ consistent attendance. And to ensure that students benefit from expanded learning time, our community schools offer a wide range of enriching after-school activities, while bridging into the school day by supporting student initiatives like student council, culture days, and book clubs.