The Harvard Family Research Project separated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to become the Global Family Research Project as of January 1, 2017. It is no longer affiliated with Harvard University.
Educators, policymakers, and families increasingly agree: schools cannot do it alone. Children need multiple opportunities to learn and grow—at home, in school, and in the community. Complementary learning is a comprehensive strategy for addressing all of these needs and ensuring success for all children and youth. Complementary learning is the idea that a systemic approach—which intentionally integrates both school and nonschool supports—can better ensure that all children have the skills they need to succeed.
What is Complementary Learning?
This short publication will give you a quick overview and some concrete examples.
A complementary learning approach provides and aligns these beneficial opportunities:
- Effective schools
- Supportive families and opportunities for family engagement
- Early childhood programs
- Out-of-school time activities (including sports, arts, mentoring programs, etc.)
- Health and social services
- Community-based institutions (including community centers, faith-based institutions, cultural institutions such as museums and libraries, and partnerships with the business community)
- Colleges and universities
We are working to stimulate national discussion and build knowledge about complementary learning. To this end, we:
- Profile examples of complementary learning, highlighting lessons and insights for others in the field
- Help policymakers, foundations, and school leaders develop complementary learning strategies
- Organize conferences and present in national forums
- Create tools to help professionals build connections among families, educators, out-of-school time staff, early childhood providers, and other complementary learning stakeholders
- Examine and share approaches to evaluating linked services
Complementary learning is a core principle of HFRP’s work, and is reflected in our projects in out-of-school time, family involvement, and early childhood education. To learn more about complementary learning connections within and among these areas, navigate to the Publications & Resources section any research area to browse our publications that feature complementary learning.