Community First School (CFS) opened in August of 2020 and now serves children in grades K-5 in North Hartford’s federally designated Promise Zone neighborhoods, Clay Arsenal, Upper Albany, and Northeast. CFS believes in the inherent greatness of each resident, and the mission, vision, and core values embody this philosophy.
For more information, or to connect with us: info@communityfirstschool.org
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Congratulations! At its meeting on February 2-3, 2026, the Commission on Independent Schools of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges voted to grant Initial Accreditation to Community First School. NEASC and the over 550 independent schools warmly welcome you into our membership.
In reaching its decision, the Commission reviewed the Self-Study Report and Visiting Team Report.
The Visiting Team Report identified numerous areas of strength and commendation. The Commission especially acknowledges the entire school community for its commitment to meaningful community engagement and for cultivating a culturally inviting learning environment that supports the development of global citizenship. The school is further to be commended for designing individualized learning plans for every student and for actively involving families in the education and life of the school. Community First School is also recognized for its highly effective and fully engaged Board of Directors, as well as its distinctive partnership with Build a Better You, which enhances the counseling services available to students and families.
Mission
By partnering with community groups and implementing a whole-family care, relationship-based, and place-based program, CFS empowers children to own their greatness, and become passionate, independent learners able to compete, collaborate, and innovate in a diverse world.
Vision
CFS combines a place-based philosophy with essential social and emotional supports and a strong community partnership initiative to deliver an experiential academic program with the highest expectations, honoring the value of each child and family, and incorporating community supported human services to meet the needs of students in grades K-5.
When one walks into Community First School they will see:
- Learning through purposeful project-based experiential activities, tied to individual student interests and goals.
- Students or family members who greet you with a warm smile and engaging conversation.
- Students and families taking a walk to a local landmark to participate in a field learning experience.
- Teachers and families meeting in the community to celebrate student growth and seek input on how to best serve the child.
- Visual representations and student work representing the cultural diversity of the families who live in North Hartford’s neighborhoods.
- Daily activities where student culture and diversity are on display through music, call and response, staff and community testimonies, and other culturally relevant activities.
- Partner organizations and volunteers providing student and parent services in the visual and performing arts, health and nutrition, physical fitness, and academic tutoring.
Here’s more from our Co-Founder about our Foundational Philosophy: