The students divide into small groups and stay with the same teachers for several years. The community serves as a laboratory for educational pursuits, and students compile a community history, study community planning, and work with health care research and environmental surveys. The body is addressed through on-site primary health services, including immunizations and dentistry. Counselors are assigned to specific houses to work closely with students, families, and school staff. Every student has access to an adult advocate if not the parent, then another adult.
Health education is built into the community school in many different ways.
Teachers incorporate health information into the science curriculum. Trained health educators or youth workers from the community agency teach social and behavioral skills. The building is designed to capture the spirit of a community school. The community can use the auditorium for events, and the cafeteria is constantly available from breakfast through after-school snacks and even for family dinners. When space is a problem, schools can use mobile units for resource centers and clinics.