The School of the 21st Century (21C) is a unique program in that it takes the current research literature on what is best for children’s development and it translates it into practice for today’s community. The 21C model includes school-based preschool, before and after-school care and family support services designed to promote the optimal growth and development of children beginning at birth. 21C, also known as Family Resource Center (FRC) in some communities, transforms the traditional school into a year-round, multi service center providing high-quality, accessible services from early morning to early evening.

The 21C model has proven successful in urban, rural and suburban areas, as well as in affluent, middle class and poor communities. There are more than 1300 schools in the United States incorporating 21C. The flexibility of the 21C model enables individual schools to tailor it to match their own needs and resources. In many communities, 21C serves as an umbrella for an expanded array of family support services including adult education, youth development, and social services.

Please read about our guiding principles and key 21C components and then learn why and how you can get involved in this revolutionary program.

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