Community School reform was established in Ohio to promote new and innovative options in delivering public education to children. In Ohio, charter schools are referred to as community schools. Community schools attract students because of the uniqueness of their particular educational approach and program offerings. Community schools prioritize developmentally appropriate instruction, educational effectiveness, and academic achievement.

The promise community schools hold for educational reform lies in a thoughtful combination of freedom and accountability. Underwritten with public funds but run independently, community schools are held accountable by their sponsors for academic and fiscal performance. Although community school law governs community schools, community schools must meet the same rigorous standards of traditional school districts. 

In 1997, the Lucas County Educational Service Center (now the ESC of Lake Erie West) was granted authority to sponsor community schools statewide. Today, the ESC of Lake Erie West is the largest sponsor of community schools with 64 schools throughout Ohio. These schools offer exciting new options by providing quality educational experiences for students and their families.