The essence of a Beacon is a collaborative, youth-centered program model that adopts the ideals of a community school framework.  The 27 Beacon Centers across San Francisco work to support a shared vision but each site is custom tailored to its surrounding community. Program elements of a Beacon Community School include family partnership and engagement, behavioral health and wellness, school transitions and expanded learning.  Beacon Centers strive to add an additional layer of support to strengthen a child’s ecosystem so they succeed as a lifelong learner.

Community School Framework

4 Community School Practices:
♦ Shared Leadership
♦ Strategic Data Collection and Analysis
♦ Intentional Coordination and Alignment
♦ Continuous Learning and Improvement

Community School Coordinating Structures:
♦ Site Leadership Team(s)
♦ Coordinating Point Person(s)
♦ Partnership Collaboration

For over twenty five years, Beacon Centers have revitalized communities and empowered youth by transforming school sites into hubs that connect the community and expand learning beyond school hours and academics. Today, 27 Beacon Centers serve 13,000 San Francisco youth and their families. 

Beacon Centers create a more open, collaborative school culture. School faculty partner with Center directors to achieve better results for youth.

Through these strong partnerships, more resources are available and services are better coordinated to achieve positive outcomes for our youth, families and communities.