Durham Public Schools and Student U have added two middle schools to the Full Service Community Schools collaboration, strengthening the model’s impact on its students and their communities.
Brogden and Carrington middle schools join Club Boulevard, Fayetteville Street, and Lakewood Elementary schools to receive:
a fully funded community school coordinator at each site
the creation of a Family Resource Center, a dedicated physical space in the school that provides food, clothing, and hygiene supplies
additional funding to support school-based community services and develop school specific programming, led by a school-based School Advisory Board composed of staff, school leadership, parents, and community members
a focus on providing supports focused around the four pillars of full service community schools:
Integrated Student Supports, including Mental/physical health support,
Expanded and Enriched Learning Time, including After school and out-of-school programs, Academic tutoring, workshops, and mentoring,
Collaborative Leadership and Practice, including supports for Staff wellness and professional development, and
Increased focus on Family and Community Engagement
A Full Service Community School is a public school that serves as a hub for students, families, and community partners, creating expanded opportunities for everyone to learn and grow. Since 2017, Durham has been a leader in advancing this work, with strong support from North Carolina education leaders. This approach builds on the strengths of public schools by connecting students and families to the resources they need to thrive, while also giving them a voice in shaping how programs and supports are developed, informed by data and community needs assessments. Expanding Full Service Community Schools will allow more students across Durham to access these opportunities and succeed.
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Statements from DPS Superintendent; DPS Principals; Student U Executive Director; Director of Community Schools Partnerships; and the Co-Director of the NC Community Schools Coalition:
Dr. Anthony Lewis, DPS Superintendent:
“We’re grateful to the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition for funding this critical educational program that reinforces the conditions that support learning and leadership. As a result, we now have 2,000 DPS students in Community Schools that represent a dynamic community partnership among Student U, Durham County, and our district.”
Desirae Smith, Principal, Brogden Middle School
"We are excited to deepen our partnership with Student U as part of the Community Schools initiative. This collaboration reflects our commitment to our school's theme of 'Our Brogden’ by ensuring that every student and family is supported through strong relationships, access to resources, and a shared investment in student success.”
Dr. Quincey Farmer, Principal, Fayetteville Elementary School
"As a school rooted in generations of family connections, our community remains at the center of everything we do, making the community schools model an ideal match for Fayetteville Street. Through expanded resources and partnerships, we equip families to bridge critical gaps and accelerate student achievement."
Dr. Luke Carman, Student U Director of Community Schools Partnerships | Durham Lead for Community Schools
“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with DPS, and build on the amazing work done in DPS Community Schools for the past decade. Student U's partnership with Durham's community schools has been central in growing our impact and working towards our organization's vision of building a Durham where every student can succeed. As we expand to Brogden and Carrington, we look forward to all five of our DPS schools continuing to lead and learn in collaboration with other community schools established across the state as part of the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition, so that all of our schools are dynamic places of learning and support for students, families, staff and the wider community.”
Elena Maina, M.Ed., Student U Executive Director
“We are excited to welcome Brogden and Carrington. This moment showcases what can happen when communities wrap their arms around students and champion their success - anything is possible! Student U is honored to be doing this work and deeply appreciative of the collaboration between Durham Public Schools, Durham County, and NCCSC.”
Dan Kimberg, Co-Director, NC Community Schools Coalition
"We are excited to welcome Brogden and Carrington Middle Schools - their students, parents, staff and surrounding communities - to the growing NC Community Schools Coalition for the 2026-2027 school year. They will join with 50 other schools across 28 NC school districts all working and learning together to demonstrate the power of public schools that serve as hubs of community pride, resources and partnerships."
Student U is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more equitable education system, so that every student in Durham can succeed.
About DPS
Durham Public Schools is one of the 12 largest districts in North Carolina, with 57 schools serving more than 31,000 students in the city and county of Durham with a vision of igniting the limitless potential of its students. It boasts two National Blue Ribbon Schools, 10 merit magnet schools, and a commitment to equity and excellence. Driven by its five-year Strategic Plan, DPS embraces, educates, and empowers every student to innovate, serve, and lead.