Community Schools

Community Schools are public schools that work with their community to determine what students need to learn and thrive. Taking advantage of the resources that already exist in the community, community schools provide health and social services, programs, and support that meet the unique needs of the neighborhood. Through these coordinated efforts, community schools help students and their families overcome barriers. The community school model should be expanded in St. Louis Public Schools to ensure that students are receiving the highest quality learning experience in an environment that supports their individual growth. Working alongside key partners and institutions in the city, community schools can help improve learning while also building healthier and stronger communities.

Student-Centered Education

​Together, we can build better conditions for learning and development by placing students at the center of everything we do. A student-centered education focuses on the whole child, treating each student as a life-long learner bringing with them their own unique experiences, knowledge, and interests. Empowering our educators, families, and community partners to expose students to rich learning experiences and opportunities for growth will help students explore and identify their own interests, strengths, and aspirations.  

Strategies that Engage and Empower

We have a unique opportunity right now to build upon the strengths of St. Louis Public Schools and advance the progress of the district. It's imperative that we actively listen to educators, community members, families, and students and implement strategies that are informed by the needs of the SLPS community. We should focus on empowering educators through increased professional development, resources, and support so teaching practices lead to high levels of student engagement and success. Let's be proactive in our approach to improving public education in the city of St. Louis and work towards a future where every school in SLPS has the resources and support they need to serve their students.