California's Community Schools: A New Mindset in Education

How California's CCSP Program Works For Children

When someone mentions the term school, the first thing that comes to mind is a building with classrooms, textbooks, and teachers. However, in addition to serving an academic purpose, schools can function as community centers, where students, families, teachers, and local organizations cooperate to support every child holistically. This is the essence of community schools embedded in the California Community Schools Partnership Program. In California, the CCSP is undertaking this work with over $4.1 billion in grants to districts, county offices of education, and charter schools (California Department of Education [CDE], 2025).  

What is the CCSPP?  

The California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), established in 2021, supports the planning, implementation, and expansion of community schools statewide. Each school site can access up to $500,000 per year to help develop programs in integrated student supports, extended learning opportunities, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership (CDE 2025). Most recently, $618 million was distributed to support 458 newly opened schools, within the expected level of new openings and schools serving high-need students, including English learners, foster youth, and children from low-income families (CDE 2025).

The Positive Impact of Community Schools on Children

Academic Gains

Community schools funded through CCSPP are aiding children in their academic endeavors. Learners in CCSPP schools have gained the equivalent of 43 additional days in math and 36 extra days in English language arts compared to students in non-CCSPP schools (Learning Policy Institute [LPI], 2024). The impact is even more pronounced among historically marginalized populations. For example, the academic progress of Black children translates to 130 additional days in math and 151 extra days in English language arts (LPI, 2024). With these achievements, it is evident that barriers beyond the classroom are lowered, thus allowing more equitable outcomes in learning.  

Improved Attendance  

Improved student attendance is one of the most noticeable advantages of community schools. CCSPP schools have demonstrated a 30% greater reduction in chronic absenteeism compared to similar schools that do not have the program (LPI, 2024). Given that chronic absenteeism has a direct impact on the achievement and social and emotional development of children, the value of additional integrated supports, such as home visits, health services, and transportation assistance, is further emphasized.

Reduced Discipline and Safer Climates  

Compared to schools matched along other characteristics, CCSPP schools have 15% lower suspension rates (LPI, 2024). Secondary campuses saw the most dramatic drops, particularly among Black students, English learners, and those from low-income families. As schools have shifted to more supportive environments, including the adoption of restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and social-emotional learning, the climate of these schools has changed more positively (UCLA Center for Community Schooling, 2024). As these schools decided to stop using punitive discipline, the climate has become safer and more inclusive.

Whole-Child Supports  

The funding provides additional support to health, nutrition, and wellness services. School-Community Partnership schools offer on-site counseling, collaborate with local health care providers, and develop food security programs (Contra Costa County Office of Education [CCCOE], 2023). Children's learning readiness can be affected by untreated physical illness, food insecurity, or mental health needs. This approach targets these issues and improves learning readiness.

Why This Matters

As demonstrated by schools receiving funding through the CCSPP, when districts adopt a whole-child approach that addresses the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of the child, students benefit and succeed. Improvements in school climate, as well as attendance and educational achievement, are most pronounced among the historically underserved populations (LPI, 2024) when schools can serve their communities and families, too, benefit, as schools become trusted centers for community connection and support (San Diego County Office of Education [SDCOE], 2023).  

Looking Ahead  

The early evidence is clear: CCSPP-funded community schools are a powerful tool for equity. Schools will also need to maintain strong partnerships and a long-term commitment from state leaders, as well as provide ongoing training for staff to encourage schools to sustain their momentum. If these efforts are successful, community schools will position California to serve as a national model for transforming public education to fully meet the needs of all children, support their families, and strengthen their communities.

References

California Department of Education. (2025). "California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP)". Retrieved from https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/ccspp.asp  

Contra Costa County Office of Education. (2023). "California Community Schools Partnership Program". Retrieved from https://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us  

Learning Policy Institute. (2024). "The impact of California's community schools on student outcomes". Retrieved from https://learningpolicyinstitute.org  

San Diego County Office of Education. (2023). "Community schools as hubs of support". Retrieved from https://www.sdcoe.net  

UCLA Center for Community Schooling. (2024). "Exploring the influence of community schools on whole-child and family supports". Retrieved from https://communityschooling.gseis.ucla.edu