ABOUT US

Communities In Schools of Jacksonville has kept students on track to graduate for 35 years, helping more than 111,000 individuals. We know that even minor challenges can have a significant impact on a child's development. That’s why we create tailored student support services through proven programs to keep students focused on their education and future success. We’re embedded in classrooms and in the lives of our students and families to help them overcome obstacles ranging from academic and social struggles to food insecurity and chronic absenteeism.Our goal is simple: we build meaningful relationships and trust between students and caring adults, ensuring they stay on track for graduation and a successful future. To learn more about our impact, check out our latest reports.

DIGITAL BOOKLET

2024-2025 IMPACT REPORT

OUR SERVICES

CASE MANAGEMENT

Our case management program places full-time site coordinators directly in Duval County Public Schools. It offers support for students at risk of falling behind or dropping out, providing access to many important services.

LITERACY

Reading is the single most important skill for students to develop, as it unlocks a world of knowledge and opportunities while setting the foundation for their entire academic journey.

AFTERSCHOOL

Many of the toughest challenges for students occur after the school bell rings. These issues can range from academic hurdles to the more basic need of finding a nourishing meal. Our afterschool program provides a safe, nurturing environment and so much more.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

We not only nurture the academic success of students, but also strive to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed in the workforce after graduation.

OUR HISTORY

1989

A multi-year dropout prevention study conducted by Jacksonville Communities Council Inc. identified the need for a comprehensive, community-wide approach to dropout prevention. The JCCI report led to creation of Cities In Schools (the precursor to Communities In Schools). Cities In Schools was incorporated on Dec. 21, 1989.

1990

The first Cities In Schools of Jacksonville site, Jefferson Davis Junior High School, opened on Jacksonville’s Westside. At the time, the school had one of the highest dropout rates in the county.

1996

Cities In Schools of Jacksonville became Communities In Schools of Jacksonville. The organization was the first local program in Florida to achieve chartered status through the CIS national network. CIS of Jacksonville student enrollment grew to more than 2,000 students from its original 50 students at Jefferson Davis Junior High.

1998

CIS was chosen to operate the first four after school programs funded by the City of Jacksonville through the Jacksonville Children’s Commission (now Kids Hope Alliance).

1999

The AmeriCorps Duval Reads literacy program launched with 10 members, supporting kindergarten through third-grade students across five elementary schools.

2001

Worth Magazine chose Communities In Schools as one of its “Top Ten Worthwhile Charitable Organizations Most Likely to Change the World.” Two of the afterschool programs were accredited by the National Scholastic Accreditation Committee Alliance.

2005

CIS’s student enrichment program achieved a 90% promotion rate for elementary school students and a 79% promotion rate for middle school students. A notable 70% of CIS high school students graduated.

2006

CIS’s literacy program became the largest and most successful in Florida, with 82% of students improving their overall reading abilities. United Way of Northeast Florida created the Achievers For Life program to help sixth-grade students at risk for academic failure. CIS began collaborating with The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida to provide Achievers For Life.

2008

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and CIS launched Jump Start Strings, offering free instrumental lessons to more than 100 students in grades one through four, taught by symphony members.

2013

A record 99% of CIS seniors graduated from the high schools we supported.

2020

CIS continued to serve students at risk of dropping out in 40 schools throughout the city. Additionally, workforce development initiatives were integrated to better prepare students for their futures.

2025

Communities In Schools of Jacksonville celebrates its 35th anniversary and launches the Leon Baxton Legacy Fund to establish a permanent endowment to support programs for students in need.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

Communities In Schools is the largest dropout prevention nonprofit in the United States, working directly in 2,300 schools in 25 states and the District of Columbia. Founder Bill Milliken launched the organization in New York City during the 1970s. Milliken came up with the idea of bringing community resources inside public schools where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable.“It’s relationships, not programs, that change children,” Milliken said. “A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”Learn more about CIS National by visiting their website at www.communitiesinschools.org.