Community Schools
What is a Community School?
A Community School, as defined by the California Community Schools Partnership Program, uses a whole-child approach that integrates academics, health and social services, youth development, and family and community engagement.
In a Community School, educators, families, and community partners work together to create safe, supportive environments where students have what they need to learn, families are valued as partners, and communities grow stronger.
This whole child approach supports not only academic success, but also students’ social emotional, physical, and mental well being. Schools respond to real needs such as food, health services, and additional learning support, ensuring students are supported holistically.
Community Schools also serve as hubs for their communities, bringing together resources and partnerships to remove barriers and expand opportunities. This work is asset driven, rooted in shared decision making, and strengthened through continuous improvement.
California’s Community School framework is guided by four pillars, four cornerstone commitments, four key conditions of learning and four proven practices:
BVUSD Community Schools Facts
Most Community Schools operate in communities where students and families face barriers related to access, opportunity, and resources. In Bear Valley Unified School District (BVUSD), our Community Schools work is grounded in understanding and responding to the unique needs of our mountain communities.
The BVUSD Community Schools initiative, supported through the California Community Schools Partnership Program in collaboration with the California Department of Education, is focused on strengthening and expanding supports across our district.
Our current Community Schools sites include:
- North Shore Elementary School
- Big Bear Middle School
- Big Bear High School
Together, these schools serve approximately 2148 students across the district, including a significant population of English Learners and students who benefit from additional academic, social-emotional, and family supports.
While these sites are grant-funded, BVUSD considers all schools to be Community Schools. Across the district, we have long provided programs and services aligned to the four Community Schools pillars. We are committed to strengthening existing supports and expanding services based on the identified needs of our students and families.
Through this work, BVUSD continues to enhance programs, build strong family partnerships, and align resources to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Community Schools Contacts:
