Community School (noun)
      – a public school that is the hub for its neighborhood

A Community School is a service and inclusion strategy that coordinates relationships and resources through a public school to accelerate equitable outcomes for all students.

The Arkansas Coalition for Community Schools (ACCS) is staffed by ForwARd Arkansas since 2020, which leads the development and implementation of Community Schools in Arkansas.

ACCS is made up of partners including ForwARd Arkansas, state-level educator and community service organizations, state agency representatives, school leaders, Community School Coordinators, and local leaders. 

ForwARd is dedicated to establishing partnerships to launch Community Schools statewide. Download this brochure to learn more.

Featured Stories

Good Things in a Small, Rural School District

Is the community school model viable in small, rural school districts? Community Resource Innovations and the Rural Community Alliance believe the answer is a resounding yes!

The Best of All Worlds for Students

The Office of Innovation for Education, University of Arkansas, led an Arkansas group to visit a set of high-tech learning opportunities on a regional campus in Michigan.

Why This Matters

National research shows when it comes to Community Schools …

Ready to transform Arkansas schools?

It all starts with:

1. Integrated support for students
2. Expanded learning time
3. Family and community engagement
4. Collaborative leadership and practice

And we can’t make any of it happen in Arkansas without people like you. Find out how you can take action today.