Alta's Community School is center around an evidence-based school improvement framework of four pillars, which together create the conditions necessary for students to thrive:

 

1. Integrated Student Supports - Removing barriers to school success by connecting students and families to service providers or bringing holistic programs and services into the school that help families meet their basic needs so that students are able to focus on learning.

 

2. Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities - Ensuring there are before- and after-school learning opportunities that augment traditional learning, including summer instruction, additional academic instruction and mentoring, and out-of-school learning experiences. Learning opportunities build upon the cultural, linguistic, and entrepreneurial assets of the community.

 

3. Family and Community Engagement - Incorporating strategies that cultivate clear communication between school and home, parents engaging with learning at home using strategies taught by educators, families being involved in school decision-making, and embracing community organizing for school and District improvement.

 

4. Collaborative Leadership and Practice - Strengthening processes whereby parents, students, teachers, and principals with different areas of expertise work together, sharing decisions and responsibilities, with mutual accountability toward a shared vision or outcome. Collaborative school cultures are central to school improvement, the development of professional learning communities, and the improvement of student learning.