Community Schools

WCPS Community Schools

Lewis Elias
Community School Manager
📞 301-766-8178 ext. 74202

Community Schools are designated by the Maryland State Department of Education based on criteria in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. These schools receive Concentration of Poverty Grant funds to help address challenges faced by students and families living in poverty. Each school receives a Personnel Grant and, after the first year, a Per Pupil Grant based on the number of students in poverty.

Washington County Public Schools currently supports 24 Community Schools—including elementary, middle, high, and special program schools. Each Community School must complete a needs assessment, develop an implementation plan, and establish an advisory committee made up of staff, families, and community members.

The goal of a Community School is to serve as a hub for services that reduce barriers to learning. Funding is intended to directly support the identified school and its students both academically and non-academically, often through partnerships with community organizations.