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United Community Schools

Founded in 2012 by the United Federation of Teachers, United Community Schools (UCS) operates the largest community school network in New York City. Having started with just six schools, we have grown to a network of 31 schools that touches more than 20,000 students in all five boroughs of New York City and beyond.

The community school model is predicated on the notion that students cannot reach their full potential in the classroom if their stomachs are empty, they cannot see the board, they cannot hear the teacher, or they are pre-occupied by problems outside the classroom. Rather than throwing their hands up at these challenges, community schools actively work to improve student achievement by addressing the educational, emotional, social and health issues that can stand in the way of learning. Community schools connect the entire school, including students, teachers, principals and counselors, to the entire community – parents and other caregivers, non-profits, local businesses and government agencies. By mobilizing these diverse elements, the school becomes a community hub often well beyond traditional school hours, a welcoming place where problems are solved and barriers to learning are eliminated so that teachers can do what they do best: teach.

See the United Community Schools website

United Community Schools: 'A true community effort'

What's New

Enrollment drive saves Harlem school’s funding

When PS 30, a United Community School in Harlem, found out in early October that it was going to lose $285,000 due to low enrollment, it decided to take the initiative and find 30 more students. By the end of October, PS 30 had 76 new students — more...

‘Lots of smiling faces’

At the PS 14 family resource fair in Queens, more than 400 PS 14 family members and students checked out information booths from 15 partner organizations, participated in activities like board games and dancing and took advantage of book giveaways...

Anthony Rosario, community school director

At Hudson HS, a United Community School in Chelsea in Manhattan, Community School Director Anthony Rosario helps the school community address unmet needs through wraparound services.