History of Dunbar Area Community School

The Dunbar Area Community School began as a result of the 1973 court-ordered desegregation plan to further integrate the Fort Worth ISD and address community problems. The plan for the Dunbar Complex (Dunbar High School, Dunbar Middle School and Logan Elementary) was based on the Community School Concept. This plan extended the role of education from the traditional concept of teaching children to one of identifying and then assisting in the development of facilities, programs, staff, and community leadership.

The present Dunbar Area Community School was established in the "Dunbar Complex" at the Dunbar High School site to provide educational and vocational classes for the adult residents of the community in addition to the regular school programs for children. Three areas were designed for the impact by the school: (a) Parental Involvement in the schools to decrease (b) School Vandalism and (c) School Dropouts.

To determine the needs and desires of the Dunbar community ­ pupils, parents, lay citizens, out-of-school youth, and senior citizens ­ a needs assessment survey was conducted May 1973, from area residents. Over 500 responses were obtained and as a result of the survey, a program having four components was developed. The four components were (a) Academic, (b) Recreational, (c) Community Services and (d) Civic Activities.

In addressing these components, programs have traditionally been available to all citizens regardless of race, social-environment standing, prior educational or learning experiences. Activities are provided for all age groups, from preschool through adulthood. The programs involve the entire community in a broad range of activities.

The concept of the community school that underlies the plan for the Dunbar Complex is built upon the needs of the community. All plans grow out of these assessed needs. An Advisory Council consisting of school administrators and lay citizens work with the Community School director in assessing needs, formulating objectives, recommending programs and evaluating the community school as it progresses, and at the end of the regular school year.