In today’s world, schools are facing a complex, and ever-evolving mix of academic, social, and emotional challenges. It is more important than ever to reassure families that their children are learning in environments that nurture their well-being, honor their unique identities and needs, and welcome their caregivers as valued partners.
The Prichard Committee’s Family Friendly Schools (FFS) Certification helps schools do exactly that. This nationally recognized framework strengthens school-family relationships through guiding schools through a research-backed process with best practices, and a commitment to creating welcoming, supportive communities.
Here are five reasons your school or district should get certified:
- Meet Post-COVID Student Needs: The pandemic reshaped both the academic and emotional landscape for students. Many are still navigating the impacts of increased stress, virtual learning, and shifting social dynamics. Students need more than academics, they need additional resources and support. The FFS certification helps educators take a more holistic approach, by adopting practices that promote belonging, connection, and support. By strengthening partnerships with families, schools are better equipped to identify student needs early and respond in a thoughtful manner.
- Create a Culture of Care: A family-friendly school is a school where every child and their caregiver feel loved and supported every day. Certification encourages schools to build a culture that prioritizes positive relationships, safe spaces, and inclusive practices. Shifting the culture helps build trust between staff, students, and their families. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure every child knows they matter, and making sure every caregiver knows they have a voice in their child’s education.
- Strengthen Family Engagement Practices: The research is clear: when families are engaged, students thrive. The FFS certification process challenges schools to improve family involvement. In certified schools, teachers have gained self-efficacy in all areas of family engagement, including communication, collaborating for learning, partnering, honoring families, and equity. Family engagement signals to families: We want you here. We value your voice. And that connection drives student success.
- Boost Enrollment and Retention: Families choose schools where they feel welcome and respected. The FFS certification shows both current and prospective families that your school is committed to collaboration, transparency, and student well-being. This can be a powerful differentiator, especially in an environment where many schools face declining enrollment.
- Support Academic Success: By building strong school-family partnerships, we can help students thrive both inside and outside school walls. The certification helps schools fill any gaps in their current practices and connects families to academic goals, resources, and opportunities to support learning at home. When families and schools work together, we see improved attendance, higher confidence, and better long-term outcomes for students.
Earning the Family Friendly Schools Certification shows your commitment to building a collaborative, caring, and thriving school environment for all students and their families. To learn about the Family Friendly Schools program, visit https://prichardcommittee.org/familyengagement/.