Community Partners and Academic Success Program (K-12)

The Community Partners and Academic Success Program supports newcomer and English Learner families of K-12 students as they learn how to understand and navigate the U.S. school system. Through this 5-week virtual program, families gain practical knowledge about family engagement, communication with teachers, English Learner services, student well-being, and school and community resources that can support student success.

Supporting Newcomer and English Learner Families

Families entering or navigating the U.S. school system often face new expectations, processes, and challenges. CPAS helps families build confidence by learning how schools work, how to ask the right questions, and how to access information and resources that support their children’s academic growth.

• Through the program, families learn about:
• PIQE’s role in supporting family engagement.
• Key differences between the U.S. school system and school systems in other countries.
• How to communicate effectively with teachers and schools.
• How to support students at home through learning strategies and school involvement.
• How to connect with school and community resources.

What Families Learn

The program includes five sessions that help families better understand school systems, English Learner support, student well-being, and community resources.

Navigating the U.S. School System

Families learn how the U.S. school system works, how to support student success, and how strong communication with schools can help students meet academic expectations.

Understanding What It Means to Be an English Learner

Families explore how students are identified as English Learners, what that classification means, and how services, assessments, and reclassification can support student progress. They also learn practical ways to support English Learner students at home.

Supporting the Whole Child

Families are introduced to Social Emotional Learning and how it supports students’ emotional, social, and academic growth. The session also covers stress, trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and the importance of safe and supportive relationships between home, school, and community.

The Program Helps Families:

• Understand how schools support English Learner students.
• Learn strategies to support language development and academic success at home.
• Recognize the importance of student well-being and Social Emotional Learning.
• Access community resources that respond to family needs.
• Build stronger home, school, and community partnerships.

The Impact

When families understand how to navigate the U.S. school system, they are better prepared to advocate for their children and support their academic success. CPAS helps newcomer and English Learner families feel informed, connected, and empowered as they build relationships with schools and community partners.

The Community Partners and Academic Success Program ensures that families do not have to navigate the school system alone. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, families can help their children succeed in school and beyond.