A recent study by the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) has found that California’s significant investment in Community Schools is having a positive effect on student learning, attendance, and well-being. The research, which examined the first cohort of schools funded by the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), revealed notable improvements after just one year.
The LPI report indicates that chronic absence rates at Community Schools dropped by 30 percent, suspension rates decreased by 15 percent, and academic achievement improved compared to similar schools without such funding. Gains were especially pronounced among Black students and English learners, who saw academic progress equivalent to about 43 additional days of learning in math and 36 in English language arts. The report also found that the strongest academic gains occurred in schools where attendance improved most significantly.
At a press conference held at Encanto Elementary School in San Diego—one of 35 Community Schools within the San Diego Unified School District—California Teachers Association (CTA) President David Goldberg discussed the importance of collaboration:
“A Community School is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school, families, and other community organizations with an integrated focus on academics, health and wellness, leadership and community engagement, which can lead to improved student attendance, achievement, and school climate. Community Schools represent a collaborative effort where educators, parents, families, and community groups share decision-making power with school district administrators to best provide the support students and families need every day.”
Encanto Community Schools Coordinator Clarissa Elmore emphasized family involvement: “Being a community school means inviting parents to the table – not just as participants, but as thought partners and leaders.”
Kyle Weinberg, Special Education teacher and President of the San Diego Education Association, added: “Here in San Diego, we are centering site-based councils and joint leadership structures that ensure educators, families, and community voices shape every step of implementation. This model validates that when stakeholders share decision-making power, schools become more responsive and equitable for our students and communities.”
San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula spoke about broader impacts: “Community schools are built on partnerships between community organizations, families, educators, staff, and the district, because it takes all of us to ensure that our children show up to school, to feel the joy of learning, to feel the love and belonging that is necessary for them to thrive. Here in San Diego…community schools are one of our strongest tools for meeting those needs. The research shows us what happens when we sustain this kind of work – not only do outcomes improve but the most vulnerable students…get the support they deserve. That makes this investment not only moral and smart but also essential.”
Walker Swain from LPI summarized the findings: “The early results from the first cohort of schools served by the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) are promising…In just the first full year of implementation CCSPP schools noticeably outperformed similar schools that did not receive grant funding…especially for traditionally underserved students….Together these studies suggest community schools are a scalable tool for addressing educational inequalities and promoting deeper learning. Looking ahead we plan to track additional cohorts of schools and analyze emerging student and teacher data to better understand the long-term impact of these efforts.”
Community Schools have existed for over a century but gained momentum in California following advocacy efforts by United Teachers Los Angeles members during their 2019 strike. In subsequent years state leaders allocated more than $4 billion through 2028 for expansion statewide; federal funds have also supported this initiative.
