Every Child Deserves a Thriving School Community

At the UCF Center for Community Schools, we believe in a world where every student has access to education that nurtures success and well-being. We're dedicated to creating environments where children can flourish in all aspects of their lives through our comprehensive community school models.

Why Choose a Community School Approach?

Community schools activate student and educator potential, integrate family engagement, and transform communities through:

  • Providing Opportunities: Fostering an environment where every student thrives and academically achieves.
  • Community Collaboration: Strengthening connections between schools, families, and local organizations to support student success.
  • Holistic Focus on Students: Considering more than just academics to support the holistic well-being of students.

What We Do

The center provides the following services:

  • Continuous Assessment and Evaluation: Utilizing data-driven strategies to inform decision-making and drive ongoing improvement.
  • Collaborative Leadership: Champion initiatives that bring together various stakeholders to promote learning environments that support improved student outcomes.
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7 New Community Partnership Schools

The UCF Center for Community Schools welcomes all seven awardees of the Community School Grant Program to begin planning during the 2024-25 school year:

  • Buchanan Middle (Hillsborough)
  • Carver Middle (Orange)
  • Homestead Senior High (Miami-Dade)
  • Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Elementary (Alachua)
  • Matthew W. Gilbert Middle (Duval)
  • Turie T. Small Elementary (Volusia)
  • Weatherbee Elementary (St. Lucie)

Interested in applying next year? Check back in Summer 2025. In the meantime, learn more about the Community School Grant Program, this year’s awardees and their core partners.

The Impact of Our Work

We are making strides, with 19 UCF-Certified Community Partnership Schools in Florida and plans for expansion. Our commitment is to create educational environments where every student can excel. See how students in Community Partnership Schools are progressing academically through the latest available data, as well as the impact statewide in 2023-24.

2023-24 CPS Data

43
Community Partnership Schools serving communities
43k+
students and families served
3,600+
vision checks
3,800+
dental health visits
10k+
tutoring & academic support sessions
5k+
primary healthcare visits
12k+
behavioral health sessions
17k+
expanded learning opportunities

Community Partnership Schools™ Model

In the News

Amy Ellis presenting to audience

UCF, State Universities Partner to Upscale Impact of University-Assisted Community Schools in Florida

University researchers are partnering with Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Florida International University, and the...
Students enjoy a reading session

State Funding Increase to Drive Growth in Community Partnership Schools

Statewide, nearly 50,000 students and their families benefit from services such as tutoring, healthcare and...
Community Partnership Schools aim to serve both students and families.

UCF Center for Community Schools Welcomes $3.9M Funding Increase

This funding will provide thousands of students with access to needed enrichment and tutoring programs;...
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