Whether a school is recovering from a tragedy, supporting a diverse population, or pulling together resources for those in need, a strong school community can make all the difference in students’ lives. That’s what the “Strongest School Community” award by ProCare Therapy set out to celebrate—those school communities that go above and beyond in creating environments where students thrive, regardless of challenges.

After receiving thousands of submissions from school therapy professionals and teachers, ProCare Therapy chose ten exceptional winners to spotlight. Each of the schools, which are presented in no particular order or ranking, tells a story of resilience, community effort, and unwavering support that makes them stand out. 

Explore the nation’s strongest school communities below, including their inspiring stories and what makes their community so admirable.

1. McMahon Elementary School – Lewiston, ME

The McMahon Elementary School community exemplifies the power of unity, resilience, and compassion. After enduring an unimaginable tragedy, a mass shooting that claimed the lives of many community members, McMahon Elementary School was deeply affected, with students, staff, and their families bearing the weight of the traumatic event. However, in the face of overwhelming sorrow, the Lewiston community came together in remarkable ways.  

Therapy dogs, counselors, and an outpouring of support—from meals to donations—came in from near and far. The school quickly became a hub for healing, with “Lewiston Strong” ribbons and T-shirts symbolizing their collective strength. McMahon showed an unwavering dedication to the well-being of everyone in the school community, with counselors and social workers available to support community members for as long as needed.

McMahon Elementary made the conscious decision to prioritize the community’s emotional well-being before academics. When the school year resumed, academics took a backseat as the staff concentrated on addressing the emotional needs of everyone affected.

“This traumatic event brought our community closer together and showed us how strong we can be when we work together as a community,” said Melissa, an occupational therapist at McMahon Elementary School. “…It is a strong reminder of what we went through and that we can get through anything.”

The McMahon Elementary School community is recognized as a powerful example of how healing, kindness, and togetherness can unite a community, proving that strength comes from supporting one another through life’s most difficult moments.

2. Timber Creek Elementary School – Livingston, TX

In Livingston, Texas, Timber Creek Elementary is recognized for fostering a sense of belonging and creating a welcoming environment for students and families, regardless of socioeconomic background. The school staff and leadership team collaborate and work hard to prioritize growth and individual success over standardized test results, ensuring that all students are given the opportunity to thrive. The school instills confidence and curiosity in their students by emphasizing that knowledge isn’t shown only from your test score—it comes from growing as a learner also. 

The school’s wider community steps in to support its flourishing learners wherever they can. The PTO previously raised funds to replace the school’s playground swings, and local farmers brought eggs to classrooms for hatching—a gesture that created memorable experiences for the students. Additionally, Timber Creek’s Student Council continues to lead community service projects, helping students build leadership skills while giving back to the community.

Last year, the district and Timber Creek community faced several devastating events, including a destructive hurricane and the tragic loss of a beloved teacher and student. The way the school responded to these tragedies speaks volumes about their unity and resilience. Wendy, a resource teacher at Timber Creek, highlighted how the school community pulled together to support the families impacted by the events, for example, by donating items and raising money to help contribute towards bills.

“It is just an amazing campus that pulls together to help our kids and each other in every way possible,” said Wendy.

3. William Howard Taft Elementary School – Boise, ID

William Howard Taft Elementary School in Boise, Idaho, stands as a beacon of inclusivity and cultural celebration. With a significant population of refugee families, Taft’s principal, Tim, is recognized for his work towards creating a school community that addresses not only academic needs but also the unique challenges these families face.

Taft’s annual Culture Fest, where families share food and entertainment from their countries of origin, brings the entire school together in a celebration of diversity. The tradition has become a way to unite all Taft families, foster a greater understanding of different cultures, and create a sense of school belonging. 

Tim’s leadership goes beyond events—he’s partnered with community organizations to provide essentials like food and clothing, developed an attendance policy to combat chronic absenteeism, and even offers free family portraits to strengthen bonds within the school community. Tim is also applauded for showing the utmost respect, trust, and compassion when communicating with others. He supports the staff with access to language resources, such as district interpreters and technology language services, so they can effectively interact with families for whom English is not their first language—further fostering a close-knit community, regardless of background. 

Cristi, a school psychologist at Taft, emphasizes the school’s welcoming environment: “At Taft, everyone is treated with respect: staff, students, and families alike, creating a safe, family-oriented place in which to work and learn.” 

4. Hightower High School – Missouri City, TX

Hightower High School’s Special Education Department in Missouri City has made it its mission to provide students with not only an education but also life-changing experiences. Two particular individuals, Department Chair of the Special Education Unit Kimberly and Transition Coordinator Judy, are recognized for being not only professionals, but essential caregivers who provide the best services. They arrive at school ready to accept and embrace Hightower students each morning with a smile, hug, and positive attributes.

Last year, when the Hightower students expressed interest in attending the school prom, there were concerns that some students may not have the resources needed to get the full experience they deserve. Special education teacher Bakari recalls how both individuals joined forces, determined to give their students a memorable prom night with the help of their community. 

With donations of gowns, tuxedos, and hairstyling services, the students were given an unforgettable night. This story shows just how much the Hightower school community cares for its students outside of the classroom, providing a sense of inclusion and celebration for all. 

5. Cabool School District – Cabool, MO

Despite being a small rural district, Cabool School District in Missouri exemplifies the power of community. It boasts a vibrant and supportive community that is deeply invested in the success of its students, and it fosters an environment where students feel valued and encouraged to excel. 

The dedicated staff in Cabool School District go above and beyond to meet the diverse needs of their students. One powerful story that exemplifies empathy, inclusion, and resilience within the Cabool School District is the journey to establish a track and field program. Recognizing the absence of a proper track, one determined student took the initiative to rally support from both the community and the school. With the support of local businesses and families, they successfully created a designated track area, providing students with a space to develop their athletic skills.

By banding together to overcome challenges, the Cabool community not only supports individual student needs but also enriches the educational experience for all, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Sheena, a high school special education teacher in the Cabool district, said the community’s unwavering support fueled her passion for education and motivated her to pursue further growth.

“Thanks to this encouragement, I successfully earned my master’s degree in special education, making me the first person in my family to achieve this milestone,” Sheena highlighted. “Cabool School District’s commitment to fostering talent and providing opportunities has not only transformed my career but has also inspired me to make a positive impact on the lives of my students.” 

 6. Lansdown High School – Lansdown, MD

At Lansdown High School in Maryland, diversity and community service are at the heart of the school’s culture. With faculty members coming from various cultural, faith, and gender backgrounds, the school actively works to foster inclusion and celebrate the community’s diversity.

Key efforts included welcoming staff with personalized “Welcome Kits” to make them feel valued, which created a positive environment that extended to students. This culture of kindness led to volunteer initiatives, with parents and students helping with tasks like running the school’s food pantry and assisting staff with various needs. The school also provided weekly food pantry services to combat food insecurity for both students’ families and the broader community. 

By responding to community needs and celebrating diversity, Lansdown High created a strong, united environment that showcases pride, inclusivity, and compassion. 

7. Shenandoah Elementary School – Los Angeles, CA

For over 50 years, Shenandoah Elementary in Los Angeles has been a pillar in a diverse community, navigating changes and challenges with unwavering commitment to the well-being of its students and their families. Even in difficult times, the community and school staff show gratitude and appreciation for one another. 

Shenandoah’s staff understands that some children might face hardships outside the classroom, and they work tirelessly to provide not just education but emotional support to their students. Shenandoah Elementary became a sanctuary where students knew they would be cared for, supported, and, above all, safe.

Despite the financial struggles faced by some in the community, community members consistently show immense gratitude to the school and its staff. Steve, a retired special education educator who worked at Shenandoah for 30 years, recalled how, during Teacher Appreciation Week, parents made sure the staff received the best possible meal, bringing homemade dishes from their own kitchens. This tradition of appreciation was not just a gesture of thanks; it was a powerful reminder of the bond between the school and the community.

Through the collective efforts of its staff, students, and the surrounding neighborhood, Shenandoah Elementary became more than just a place of learning. It became a central part of the community’s fabric—a place where people came together to support one another, even in the face of significant challenges. 

8. MS 131 – New York, NY

MS 131, though small, exemplifies the essence of a strong, compassionate community. Located in the heart of Chinatown, it extends its care not only to its students but also to their families and the surrounding neighborhood. About two years ago, the school welcomed an influx of migrant families, many of whom lacked basic necessities. In response, the entire school—teachers, staff, and administration—quickly mobilized, collecting donations within days. Through personal networks, they secured essentials like toiletries, clothing, shoes, and even social services for not only students but their siblings and parents as well.

This immediate and heartfelt response not only met the urgent needs of the community but also laid the foundation for ongoing support. The school established a permanent “closet” of goods, allowing students and their families to access supplies when needed. Paraprofessional Veronica was inspired to start a “Prom Closet” to ensure that students had access to formal wear for their special day. The dedication of Veronica and other school staff ensured that the students didn’t feel disadvantaged or overlooked but valued and included.

This school is recognized for its strong sense of community, collaboration, and commitment to serving those in need. It demonstrates how even a small institution can have a significant, lasting impact when everyone comes together to create a nurturing environment.

9. Clissold Elementary School – Chicago, IL

Clissold Elementary School stands as a beacon of inclusivity, empathy, and community spirit, which is why it deserves recognition as a strong school community. The staff is deeply dedicated to their students, not only by ensuring they stay up to date with the latest training and expertise in their fields but also by actively participating in afterschool activities that foster positive relationships and boost student self-esteem. This commitment to their students goes beyond academic instruction; it shows a deep investment in the personal growth and emotional well-being of each child.

One of the school’s most cherished traditions is an annual food drive where students come together to help surrounding families combat hunger, demonstrating a profound sense of empathy and compassion for others. More importantly, students learn that every family facing challenges, like hunger, deserves dignity and respect.

The spirit of community and support at Clissold is not limited to just the students. School paraprofessional Kimberly highlighted how staff members genuinely care for one another, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support that she received during a personal health crisis. She said that a community-driven effort to provide help, including a fundraising campaign and messages of love and well-wishes, made a lasting impact on her recovery, inspiring her to return to the job she loves for the 2024-2025 school year.

Whether it’s through fostering resilience in students by teaching them to help those in need, or by offering unwavering support to staff members facing personal challenges, Clissold proves to be a shining example of what it means to be a strong school community.

10. Monte Sano Elementary School – Augusta, GA

Monte Sano Elementary in Augusta, Georgia, exemplifies the strength, unity, and resilience that define a truly remarkable school. The school community is recognized for how the students, staff, and leadership come together as one to support one another through adversity. 

The school community devastatingly experienced the loss of a beloved, outstanding student. With unity and strength, the school came together to remember and recognize the student’s legacy and support the student’s family. 

They honored the student with a lifetime “HORNET” award, which stands for Honesty, Organization, Responsibility, being a Great Neighbor, Engaging with All, and being a Smart Thinker—a tribute to the core values the student truly embodied.

Talyn, a behavior support teacher at Monte Sano, shared that it is the strength of the staff and students that keeps her motivated and ensures that she never forgets her “why”—the reason she chose to become an educator. Every day, she strives to make everyone she encounters feel loved, valued, and supported. 

Monte Sano Elementary School’s commitment to a culture of compassion and resilience extends far beyond the classroom. The community’s strong sense of unity makes this school deserving of recognition. It’s a community that comes together to lift each other up, overcome obstacles, and honor those who have touched their lives.

The Impact of Strong School Communities

A strong school community is not just about academic achievement—it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where everyone feels valued. The ten winners of the “Strongest School Community” competition remind us that schools are more than just places of learning—they are the heart of our communities. These schools have proven that when communities come together, there is nothing they cannot overcome.

“We are incredibly honored to spotlight these powerful stories, each one a testament to the unwavering compassion within our school communities,” said ProCare Therapy Senior Vice President Stephanie Morris. “The resilience and unity showcased by the educators, students, and families in all the submissions we received are nothing short of inspiring. At ProCare, we feel truly fortunate to be able to share these impactful narratives, highlighting the extraordinary ways schools come together to support one another and uplift their communities.”

Whether it’s offering emotional support, leading cultural initiatives, or providing resources for students and families in need, these remarkable stories from across the nation also highlight the role that school therapy professionals and teachers play in building and supporting strong communities. 

School therapists, counselors, and teachers are uniquely positioned to help students navigate personal challenges, emotional difficulties, and trauma. In turn, a strong school community provides these professionals with the support they need to continue their work, fostering an atmosphere of trust and collaboration.

If you’re looking for a role that allows you to make a positive impact on students and the communities you serve, visit our jobs listings today, including opportunities for school social workers, special education teachers, school psychologists, and more.