Schools as Centers of Community

Partnerships for a Sustainable Future: Schools and Community
The Rosa Parks School

View the video online
Student Voices

 Long Version
 (9:10 - 32 MB)

 Short Version
 (4:20 - 16 MB)

Order Today
Order a copy of this DVD for $10. The Discussion Guide is forthcoming and may be ordered or viewed online at a later date.

In 2007, the Rosa Parks School opened its doors to students in one of the most impoverished areas of Portland, Oregon. Facing a burgeoning population and a tightened budget, Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP) joined forces with The Boys & Girls Club of Portland and the City of Portland’s University Park Community Center to create a two-acre educational campus. PPS developed a gold-standard Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified sustainable building that helps children learn, keeps them safe, and serves the community. This school is a lighthouse – a beacon along the path to creating sustainable schools that benefit students, the community, and the planet.

The Rosa Parks School is a model for how multiple partners and creative design can result in a sustainable school and a sustainable community. Watch the DVD to see the ideas in play at the Rosa Parks School brought to life and imagine it in your community!

An accompanying resource guide will soon be available to help your community consider sustainable design and community partnerships for your school.

Rosa Parks School Wins Acclaim from U.S. Secretary of Education for Innovation in School Design

AAF’s Film on Rosa Parks School Wins Gold Award and Award of Excellence