The Rochester City School District is committed to shifting the educational landscape in many ways including the adoption of a more inclusive approach to student learning. Our holistic approach is currently reflected in establishing 20 of our schools into Community Schools that aim to improve student achievement through strong partnerships among students, families, community partners and residents, building and district administrators, teachers, and other school staff.  

Community Schools are defined as "a place and a set of partnerships" that focus resources on students and families, resulting in students who are ready and able to learn in school. A community school acts as a hub, offering a coordinated approach to connect and cultivate assets in the community and to link families to services, so that educators can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. 

What makes community schools unique is the combination of four key pillars (or features) that together create the conditions necessary for students to thrive.

The pillars are:

Pillar 1 - Integrated Student Supports

Pillar 2 - Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities

Pillar 3 - Active Family and Community Engagement

Pillar 4 - Collaborative Leadership and Practices

Four Pillars Infographic

Each community school is a reflection of local needs, assets, and priorities, no two look exactly alike. What they do share, however, is a commitment to partnership and to rethinking - and at times rebuilding - relationships based on a strong foundation of trust and respect.