Article Release: “Community Schools: A brief history for principals”

Posted by on September 15, 2026

What makes a community school a community school?

What have been the major models? We are very pleased to share “Community Schools: A brief history for principals,” published in Principal Leadership (September 2026). While written for Principal Leadership, this brief history should be useful for everyone in the community schools movement. It discusses the origins and development of community schools, and identifies the major models, including University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS). We hope that you find it useful in your important work. Your comments and suggestions are welcome!

Authors: Ira Harkavy, PhD, is the Barbara and Edward Netter Director of the Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a founder and chair emeritus of the Coalition for Community Schools. Cory Bowman is associate director of the Netter Center and director of its University-Assisted Community School Regional Training Center Program and University-Assisted Community School National Network. Richard M. Gordon IV is assistant superintendent of Learning Network 14 with the School District of Philadelphia. While leading Paul Robeson High School, a university-assisted community school, he was named the 2021 National Principal of the Year. Rita A. Hodges, EdD, is associate director of the Netter Center and editor of its Universities and Community Schools Journal.

Read the article to learn more: “Community Schools: A brief history for principals“