The HighScope curriculum for preschoolers is a comprehensive, research-based educational approach centered on active participatory learning and the “plan-do-review” process. This approach focuses on the whole child, ensuring that all aspects of their development are supported. HighScope is designed to foster children’s independence, problem-solving skills, and readiness for school and life.
HighScope is backed by decades of research, most notably the Perry Preschool Project study, which demonstrated significant long-term positive outcomes for participants into adulthood.
The HighScope approach is built on five key principles:
- Active Learning Children learn best by doing and through direct, hands-on experiences with materials, people, events, and ideas. Teachers provide a rich environment and support children’s natural curiosity and exploration.
- Supportive Learning Environment Classrooms are organized into clearly labeled “interest areas” (e.g., house area, block area, art area) with diverse, open-ended materials that children can access and return independently, promoting autonomy and organization.
- Consistent Daily Routine A predictable yet flexible daily schedule helps children feel secure and anticipate what comes next. The routine balances child-initiated activities with small- and large-group times, mealtimes, and outdoor play.
- Adult-Child Interaction Adults act as partners and facilitators, not just instructors. They engage in collaborative conversations, scaffold children’s learning by gently extending their thinking, use encouragement rather than praise, and help children learn to resolve conflicts.
- Assessment and Planning Teachers use ongoing observation and anecdotal notes to assess children’s progress across 58 “Key Developmental Indicators” (KDIs) in eight content areas. These observations inform future planning tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests.
The Plan-Do-Review Process is the most important segment of the daily routine and is a hallmark of the HighScope curriculum:
- Plan Children, with adult support, decide what they want to do during “work time” (play time). This step develops executive function skills and intentionality.
- Do Children carry out their plans in the various interest areas of the classroom, exploring materials and interacting with peers and adults. They are free to change their plans and follow their interests.
- Review Children gather with an adult and peers to reflect on their actions, share what they did and learned, and build memory and language skills.
The curriculum addresses eight integrated Content Areas, ensuring a holistic approach to development:
- Approaches to Learning
- Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development and Health
- Language, Literacy, and Communication
- Mathematics
- Creative Arts
- Science and Technology
- Social Studies
To learn more about HighScope, click here.