In Burlington School District, we believe our schools are the community, and our communities are our schools.
We know that academic excellence and equity are not achieved by schools working alone. They are achieved when educators, families, students, and community partners come together to understand our young people—not only academically, but culturally, developmentally, and as individuals.
We believe every student, from every background, culture, and ability, can learn and deserves the opportunity to thrive. Even as schools and communities face increasingly limited resources, Burlington School District continues to bring partners to the table. Together we work towards our North Star: ensuring every learner is challenged, empowered, and engaged.
We do this because we recognize that community is not something that we can build only within the walls of our schools. We cannot, and should not, expect families and caregivers to always come to us. Building truly inclusive schools means being present in our communities, listening to families where they are, building relationships beyond the school walls, and creating pathways for families and community partners to shape the educational experience. This is not an additional program or initiative; it is a deliberate, connected, coordinated, and inclusive way of educating our young people.
Investments in Community Schools are investments in the collective strength of Vermont communities. When we invest in the relationships, partnerships, and resources that surround our young people, we strengthen not only our schools, but the future of our communities. Right now, Vermont has an opportunity to invest in the future of every community. When we grow stronger—together—we all benefit.
The Community School work at the Burlington School District started in February 2025 thanks to a Community Schools Grant from the University of Vermont. “Community Schools” is both a place and a partnership between the Burlington School District and community partners. Additional special thanks to the Nellie Mae Foundation for sustainable funding to help continue the work. Click here to learn more about Community Schools
Community Schools Ongoing Work and Collaborations
Spring 2025 & Fall 2025
| Burlington Tech Center |
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| Pathfinder Program – Summer Session 2025 |
| Pathfinder Program – Summer Session 2026 |
| Middle School Digital Arts Club |
| Downtown Burlington High School |
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| Mini- Pathfinder Program Academic Year 25/26 |
| Downtown BHS Community Engagement Event | Dinners |
| Eagle Bay Academy |
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| Great Schools Partnership |
| Math Through Art |
| Eagle Bay Academy |
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| Annie O’Shaughnessy- Sterling Collaborative |
| GBYMCA- Personal training and exercise. |
| Up for Learning Youth-led Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Team |
| Office of Equity and Leadership |
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| Community Schools Team |Advisors |
| Public Service Announcement Team at BHS |
| Equity Collaborative |
| Playing Fields Event with The Flynn |
