Transforming Schools: The Community Schools Model in California and Kentucky

This article is part of the Transforming Schools series, which highlights effective practices and research for educators, families, and policymakers aiming to create safe and thriving educational environments.

At first glance, California and Kentucky may appear vastly different. California, a populous state brimming with major urban centers, contrasts with Kentucky’s predominantly rural landscape. However, both states are making significant strides through the community schools model, an evidence-based strategy designed to enhance student learning and well-being by fostering collaboration among students, families, educators, and local community partners.

Understanding the Community Schools Model

Research has shown that successful community schools lead to:

• Increased attendance and decreased chronic absenteeism
• Improved academic performance, particularly in mathematics and English language arts
• A more positive school climate, with students reporting enhanced relationships and a sense of belonging
• A reduction in disciplinary actions and suspensions
• Strong returns on investment, with potential benefits ranging from $5 to $15 for every dollar spent

New findings from large-scale studies in New York City and California further reveal positive impacts on attendance and academic success, particularly among historically underserved groups.

California’s Community Schools Initiative

Dr. Ingrid Roberson, Chief Deputy Superintendent at the California Department of Education, shared insights into the state’s ambitious community school initiative. Serving nearly 6 million students across over 10,000 schools, California has adopted a locally driven and flexible approach. Currently, 25% of its schools function as community schools, a shift that required not just financial investment but a fundamental change in mindset.

The California Community Schools Partnership Act, passed in 2021, has been a cornerstone of this initiative, bolstered by a historic $4 billion investment during the pandemic. With state funding, California emphasizes local structures, including a statewide technical assistance center and support from county offices of education, enabling schools to be more responsive to community needs—especially during emergencies like wildfires.

Early outcomes indicate that community schools in California are outperforming similar schools in terms of chronic absenteeism, academic achievement, and suspension rates. Notably, gains have been most significant for historically underserved populations, highlighting the potential for community schools to bridge achievement gaps.

Kentucky’s Integrated Approach

In contrast, Kentucky has a 35-year history with community schools, guided by the Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs), known colloquially as “Friskies.” Developed in response to a 1990 Supreme Court ruling on school funding, FRYSCs are embedded in nearly 960 schools and cater to over 600,000 students by addressing non-academic barriers such as mental health and family engagement.

Kentucky’s model thrives on strong community partnerships, ensuring resources are targeted effectively. It enjoys bipartisan support due to its proven returns on investment and community engagement. Annually, the state allocates $17.5 million, allowing flexibility as community needs evolve, from early literacy to mental health services.

The recent expansion of the community schools model through the Full-Service Community Schools state scaling grant has shown promising results. Key metrics, such as a 46% increase in community organization participation and improvements in reading and math achievement, underline its effectiveness.

Key Principles for Community Schools Success

Across both states, the success of community schools hinges on several shared principles:

• Local control
• Active family engagement
• Partnerships with community organizations
• Alignment of resources across various agencies
• Data-informed decision-making
• Collaboration across political lines

Community schools are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they are flexible strategies adaptable to unique local contexts. For example, Kentucky’s enduring support for FRYSCs contrasts with California’s model that relies on competitive grants and technical assistance, yet both yield favorable outcomes for students.

Conclusion: The Future of Community Schools

The community schools model is gaining momentum in states across the U.S., from California to Florida and Maryland to Idaho. This approach emphasizes local solutions, fosters strong parent and community partnerships, and adheres to research-based practices, paving the way for a more effective educational system that meets the diverse needs of students everywhere.

Explore more about the effectiveness of community schools and their potential to transform education at the Learning Policy Institute. This strategy presents a viable path forward, promoting academic success and community well-being.