Implementing a Systems Approach to Community Schools: A Nested Case Study of the Hamilton County School District and Brainerd High School

School systems across the United States are increasingly adopting the community school strategy to strengthen connections between schools and their surrounding communities and to better address students’ academic and nonacademic needs. This nested case study examines implementation in Hamilton County, Tennessee, using the Community Schools Forward: Essentials for Community Schools Transformation Framework to describe both district-level strategy and school-level practice. Focusing on Brainerd High School, a historically significant institution in Chattanooga, the case illustrates how coordinated supports, shared leadership, and community partnerships contribute to school improvement. Findings highlight the potential of the community school strategy to advance educational equity and strengthen school–community collaboration.