La Tijera Community School
CS Newsletters
What Are Community Schools?
Community Schools are public schools that serve as the center of the community, bringing together students, families, educators, and local partners to support student success and family well-being. At La Tijera Academy of Excellence, our Community Schools model focuses on the whole child not just academics. We connect families to essential resources, offer expanded learning opportunities, and create a welcoming environment where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.
Community Schools Four Pillars
Integrated Student Supports
Expanded & Enriched Learning Time
Active Family & Community Engagement
Collaborative Leadership & Practices
Community schools have existed for over 100 years, rooted in the belief that schools should be centers of support for both students and families, not just places for academics.
Key Facts & Milestones:
Early 1900s: The community school model began with “settlement houses” and extended-use schools that offered education, recreation, and social services to neighborhoods.
1930s–1940s: Schools began expanding services during the Great Depression to support families facing economic hardship.
1960s (Civil Rights Era): Community schools grew as a response to educational inequities, emphasizing access, equity, and community voice.
1990s: The model gained national recognition with partnerships focused on student wellness, after-school programs, and family engagement.
2010s–Present: Community schools expanded rapidly across the U.S., supported by research showing improved attendance, academic outcomes, and family involvement.
Why It Matters Today:
Community schools focus on the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally by connecting students and families to essential resources like health services, food support, enrichment programs, and mentorship. Built on four key pillars Integrated Student Supports, Expanded Learning Time, Family & Community Engagement, and Collaborative Leadership community schools continue to transform education by meeting the real needs of the communities they serve.
La Tijera TK–8 Academy of Excellence operates under the Community School framework, prioritizing the integration of academic, social-emotional, and family support systems. This approach is designed to address the comprehensive needs of students by leveraging strategic partnerships, coordinated services, and meaningful family engagement. By aligning school resources with community assets, La Tijera ensures equitable access to opportunities that promote student achievement, well-being, and long-term success. The Community School model reflects our commitment to building sustainable systems that support the whole child, strengthen families, and empower the community.