A good deal of evidence now suggests that a strong sense of community in schools has benefits for both staff members and students, while providing a necessary foundation for school improvement. This digest provides an overview of the literature on schools as communities. The digest identifies the elements of community schools, the effects of school community on staff members and students, the structural and organizational factors of community in schools, and the relationship of community to other improvement activities. The digest views a school community as having open communication, widespread participation, a prevalence of teamwork, and diversity that is incorporated. Development of a healthy sense of community may be necessary for the long-term success of school-improvement activities. (Contains 10 references.) (LMI)