New York’s community schools address barriers to learning and deliver real results for students and families, including improving attendance, increasing graduation rates, and enhancing academic outcomes. Across the state, more than 820 community schools serve over 200,000 students, delivering a proven strategy to advance educational equity in high-need communities.

Despite their impact, community schools lack consistent state funding  to ensure quality and accountability statewide. To sustain and expand this evidence-based model, the state must establish categorical funding that supports essential staffing, coordination student services, and invest in regional support networks to maintain high-quality implementation across counties.