About the Community Schools

The Cambridge Community Schools Program has been in continuous operations for over thirty years. Its mission is to work with residents and local institutions to provide services and activities that enhance health, learning, creative expression and the sense of community that makes Cambridge a special place. Our programs are designed to include educational, cultural and recreational programs for residents of all ages.

Our programs reflect and draw upon the diversity of age, ethnicity, race, gender, and economic background found throughout the City. The information provided on this web site is meant to give you an overview of programs. Please contact the individual community schools for more information on their programs and how to get involved in your community school neighborhood council.

The Community Schools Program does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to persons with disabilities upon request.
TTY/TDD (617) 492-0235

Childrens' School Year Programs

During the school year, Cambridge Community Schools provides out of school time programming for children at every public elementary school in Cambridge, Monday through Friday, from the end of the school day through early evening hours. In twelve Community Schools, directors work with resident-led neighborhood councils to assess community needs and to develop high quality, cost effective out of school time activities.

Our arts and science curriculum encourages creativity and independent thinking with classes such as music, architectural model building, woodworking, drama and dance. We support the public school's emphasis on literacy and math with afterschool book clubs, library visits, journalism and foreign language classes, chess, and math-related activities. Physical fitness, skills and teamwork are promoted through yoga, soccer, hockey and karate. Homework assistance is an important part of each program. Children receive individual support to complete their daily assignments and to reinforce the school day learning.

Our programs draw upon the rich cultural and educational resources available in the Boston area including MIT, Harvard, Habitat, Underground Railway, CCTV, Museum of Science, Boston Children's Theatre and City Sprouts. Community School Directors work collaboratively with Cambridge Public Schools to promote whole day learning. We are partners in three extended day learning centers and various individual afterschool projects such as Odyssey of the Mind, Girls' Science Project, drama and intramural sports.

Cambridge Performance Project

The Cambridge Performance Project was founded in 1985 as a program under the Community Schools to provide high quality dance and theater classes and performance opportunities to Cambridge children ages 5-15. Each year CPP offers over 50 after-school classes in a variety of Cambridge public schools, providing access to arts education for children who have few other opportunities. The Cambridge Performance Project was incorporated as an independent non-profit and continues to work within the Community Schools program and receives in-kind support from the Department of Human Services Programs.

Adult Programs

Adults, seniors and families can participate in a variety of activities such as salsa, book clubs, yoga, computer, English as a second language and citizenship classes. Several active senior clubs provide social, cultural and recreational activities throughout the year. Neighborhood block parties, multicultural celebrations and children's performances strengthen our diverse community.

Summer Programs

All Community Schools offer a summer camp program with a full or partial day option. Some of our summer camp programs include an academic component, which is sponsored in collaboration with Cambridge Public Schools. Arts in the Park programs provide live entertainment such as storytellers, musicians and puppeteers and related craft activities. We work collaboratively with the Cambridge Arts Council in developing some of these programs. All Community School Summer Camps must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.