Why does Paterson have community schools?

A Full Service Community School is both a physical space and an alliance between the school and other neighborhood members. In addition to academics, community schools offer health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement that leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier relationships. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone beyond school hours.

Community schools offer children and families an array of support from community partners right at their school. Communities and schools leverage their shared physical assets and human connections to help kids succeed. Community schools contain a host of opportunities and benefits built-in that give students and parents the tools they need to reflect, learn, and grow.

Paterson now has eleven full-service community schools:

• School 2 with the lead partner as Oasis: A Haven for Women & Children

• Napier (School 4) with the lead partner as Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic

• School 5 with the lead partner as NJCDC

• SFLS (School 6) with the lead partner as New Destiny Family Success Center

• School 15 with the lead partner as St. Paul’s CDC

• School 16 with the lead partner as Oasis: A Haven for Women & Children

• New Roberto Clemente with the lead partner as St. Paul’s CDC

• Joseph A. Taub School with the lead partner as NJCDC

• JFK with the lead partner as NJCDC

• Eastside with the lead partner as Montclair State University

• Al "Tambua" Moody Academy with the lead partner as Paterson Education Fund

PEF is a key partner on the Community School Advisory Board to assure community investment and development.