C.A. Weis Elementary School has been named the “Community Partnership School of the Year” in recognition of its outstanding achievements through the Community Partnership Schools™ (CPS) model. The designation honors C.A. Weis for its commitment to advancing student success, family engagement, and community health since becoming the first elementary school in Florida to implement this pioneering model nearly nine years ago.
The CPS model was initiated in partnership with Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), the University of Central Florida, and key community organizations to address educational and social challenges in underserved areas. Each Community Partnership School benefits from a 25-year agreement and collaboration among four core partners: a lead nonprofit agency (CHS, which leads over 30 of Florida’s 40 CPS programs), the local school district (Escambia County), a secondary education partner (University of West Florida), and a healthcare provider (Community Health Northwest Florida).
“The transformative impact we’ve seen at C.A. Weis Elementary over the years demonstrates the power of partnerships to change lives and uplift communities,” said Leah Harrison, CHS Regional Executive Director for the Greater Pensacola and Greater Panama City communities. “The school’s progress exemplifies how public education and community resources can unite to create safe, enriching spaces for students and families.”
Since adopting the model, C.A. Weis Elementary has expanded access to health care, family education, and after-school programming while reducing disciplinary incidents by over 90% and out-of-school suspensions by nearly 94%. Thanks to these efforts, the school’s performance has climbed from an F rating to a strong C and is close to achieving a B.
C.A. Weis sets a statewide standard for CPS programming, with notable initiatives including the Healthcare Ambassador Program, Elite and Elegant Ambassadors, and the SAIL Academy, a dynamic after-school program funded by the Escambia Children’s Trust. These programs, along with other support services, provide students with diverse opportunities for academic and social-emotional growth.
“Being named the Community Partnership School of the Year is a testament to the dedication of our partners, faculty, and families who have worked tirelessly to create a brighter future for our students,” said Lisa Smith-Coleman, CPS Director for C.A. Weis. “A large part of this success has been to the credit of Dr. Kimberly Thomas, the principal who has led a strong shift in the culture of the school, and we are thrilled to continue leading the way in community-centered education, fostering an environment where every student can thrive.”
The award underscores the effectiveness of the Community Partnership Schools™ model as a catalyst for holistic student development and stronger, healthier communities across Florida.
Locally, CHS provides Community Partnership School programming with the same core partners at Bellview Middle School and Pine Forest High School, completing a feeder pattern for the students in our community from kindergarten through high school graduation.
For more information about how to get involved with the work of Children’s Home Society and within our local Community Partnership Schools, members of our community are encouraged to contact the Pensacola Development team at pensacoladevelopment@chsfl.org.