What We Do
Imagine eliminating the achievement gap in Saint Paul Public Schools and in St. Paul's low-income neighborhoods. Community schools that bring services such as health care, family services, and academic learning supports like tutoring and mentoring to students can help to do so. The Foundation supports the community school model in Saint Paul. By convening important partnering organizations, the Foundation helps to rally the community around the schools.
The community school model is based on the idea that family and community life play a vital role in student development. As a result, academic reform consists of a holistic approach that takes these significant factors into consideration. Community schools offer a comprehensive educational model that involves the neighborhood and local community. By collaborating with the community, this model encourages change in an active and engaged environment. The community school model developed by the Wilder Foundation in collaboration with the district and the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation is the Achievement Plus Community School model.
Read more about Achievement Plus and its results.
Why It Matters
Research from the Saint Paul Public Schools shows that students perform better when they attend their neighborhood school. In addition, schools based on the community school model have shown to improve student outcomes. A brief from the Wilder Foundation finds that the community school model effectively increases student achievement.
Learn more about why this work matters.
What's Our Impact
The Foundation has secured vital partnerships by rallying neighborhood organizations around community schools. The Foundation is also a partner in the Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood initiative.
Learn more about our impact with community schools.
