Achievement Plus recognizes that successful academic reform must consider the implications of family and community life on student development. This realization led to the creation of the community schools model, a comprehensive approach to education that involves the neighborhood and local community as key players in the reform process. By soliciting the input of the community during school reform, and offering opportunities for personal development once the school is established, the community schools model ensures that academic change occurs in a receptive, engaged environment.

Core components of the community schools model include:

• Parent and community involvement in the school and in the students’ academic achievement
• Schools serve as a hub for the community
• School, families and community partnering to educate children
• Open to students, families, and community members before, during and after school, throughout the year
• Educational opportunities for families and community
• Array of services for students and families
• Combining school and community resources
• The community as a resource for learning

With Achievement Plus, these facets of the community school are all built around the central feature of Achievement Plus which is an unwavering emphasis on academic success for all students.

In developing the community school, two additional elements must be considered:

• The building
• Area revitalization