Current research on the relationship between home, school, and community is reviewed and juxtaposed to perspectives on communities developed by scholars of families and child development, community developers, and urban sociologists. Research findings suggest the importance of learning more about the communities in which family involvement projects are located. Researchers and school staff should become part of community mapping efforts, which would not only strengthen the links between schools, universities, and the community, but would also provide rich information about community assets. The current work of community developers suggests that looking at the school from the vantage point of the community shows it to be an essential player in community redevelopment. Partnerships between schools and businesses and community agencies have been one of the most studied aspects of community involvement in schools. Researchers now need to focus on the various kinds of school-based comprehensive services being started across the United States. In addition, the social networks families use to assist them in their relationships with schools should be explored. (Contains 65 references.) (SLD)