Community Schools

The Community Schools model is a transformative approach to education that views schools as central hubs for community support, learning, and engagement. It integrates academic instruction with a wide range of services and opportunities to address the holistic needs of students, families, and the broader community.

Lawndale Elementary School District is committed to transformational strategies that support personalized, culturally affirming and empowering community schools committed to the healthy development, learning and thriving lives of our students, families and community.

As of the 2024-2025 school year, seven of our schools—Anderson Elementary, FDR Elementary, Green Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, Smith Elementary, Addams Middle School, and Rogers Middle School—have embraced the Community Schools model. While these schools serve as the flagship sites for this transformative initiative, the expanded services and partnerships will benefit all families district-wide, ensuring every child has the support needed to thrive.

The Four Pillars of Community Schools

Our Community Schools initiative is built on a foundation of four essential pillars that holistically address the needs of our students, families, and communities:

Integrated Student Supports: Ensuring access to critical services like mental health care, healthcare, and basic needs assistance.
Expanded and Enriched Learning Time: Providing diverse enrichment opportunities in arts, music, STEM, and leadership programs both during and beyond the school day.
Family and Community Engagement: Empowering families and community members to actively participate in decision-making and fostering a collaborative culture.
Collaborative Leadership and Practices: Promoting shared decision-making among school staff, families, and community partners to effectively support all students.

District's Framework

The Community Schools model aligns seamlessly with our district’s four goals—Increasing Academic Achievement, Ensuring Access and Equity, Improving Parent and Student Engagement, and Providing 21st Century Learning Environments—by addressing the holistic needs of students and families through its four pillars. By expanding academic support and enrichment programs, the model boosts academic achievement. Its emphasis on family and community engagement strengthens parent and student involvement, fostering deeper relationships and collaboration. The model’s focus on integrated supports and collaborative leadership ensures that all students’ needs are met and that every learner has equitable access to resources and opportunities. Finally, by offering expanded learning opportunities, the model creates 21st-century learning environments that prepare students for future success.

This model is equity-centered, providing targeted resources to ensure access and success through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). By promoting Professional Learning Communities, intentional collaboration, data-driven practices, and responsive action, the framework ensures that all students’ needs are addressed effectively.