Overview
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) manages the largest community schools system in the nation, known as the Community Schools Initiative (CSI). Awarded by the Coalition for Community Schools in 2006 with the Community Schools National Award for Excellence, CSI has launched more than 175 schools in partnership with nearly 50 lead non-profit organizations that serve as hubs of their communities to meet students’ and families’ academic and non-academic needs to develop educated citizens and strengthen local neighborhoods.
Goals
- Transform and maintain selected public schools to become the centers of their communities, with campuses open mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and into the summer.
- Connect children and families to a range of services that foster individual and economic well-being.
- Counteract the effects of a range of negative factors that contribute to students’ lack of opportunities and underachievement.
- Engage parents and the community to improve academic achievement.
Benefits
- Job training courses are available for parents
- Provide access to medical and dental care on site
- Provide opportunity to take music and art lessons.
- All out-of-school programs relate to and support the school’s academic program
Enrollment
Students may contact their Community School Resource Coordinator for the specific enrollment processes at their CSI school.
Resources
Community Schools offers students and parents a variety of opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Visit the Coalition for Community Schools to learn more about the numerous tools and publications available.
