Founded in 2001 in partnership with the United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Schools RI Initiative (CSRI) and Newport Public Schools, NCS has had a thriving presence in both Thompson Middle School (TMS) and Rogers High School (RHS) providing out-of-school time programs to the community’s Grade 5-12 students and their families. With its success, NCS expanded in the summer of 2009 to offer NCS Con
nects, providing improved access to wellness, mental health and family support services. This program addresses barriers to learning such as inadequate family involvement, social and health services and encouragement of a link between home, school and the community. In January of 2010, the Aquidneck Island Adult Learning Center (AIALC) engaged in a merger process to become a division of Newport Community School, continuing to provide, at more than 10 sites, comprehensive services including: academic assessment, literacy and numeracy instruction, workplace literacy, job readiness skills, high school completion and vocational training and counseling services. All AIALC programs have an underlying focus: the active recruitment of early school leavers and special populations; assisting adult learners to become literate members of the community; assisting adult learners to become economically self-sufficient; and providing a variety of services that offer opportunities to complete a secondary credential. With the addition of NCS Connects and the AIALC, NCS is a comprehensive provider of academic and social supports for youth and adult learners in Newport County and is considered one of Rhode Island’s premiere school reform strategy models. The organization has a track record of success, demonstrated by annual program evaluations and external reviews by independent parties. It is a thriving organization with a loyal following among youth and adults and is well-regarded by its community partners.
“A Community School is both a set of partnerships and a place where services support and opportunities lead to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.”
Community Schools, Coalition for Community Schools.
