HighScope-EarlyLearningCurriculums.com is proud to spotlight the leading early childhood programs across the Garden State that fully embrace the HighScope approach. If you’re searching for exceptional preschool options in New Jersey, these schools stand out for their commitment to active, child-centered learning that delivers proven, lifelong benefits.
Overview of the HighScope Curriculum and Its Popularity in New Jersey
The HighScope Curriculum is a research-backed, active-learning framework for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (birth through age 5). It was developed from the groundbreaking Perry Preschool Study in the 1960s and is founded on the principle that children learn best through hands-on, participatory experiences with people, materials, events, and ideas.
At its core is the Plan-Do-Review cycle: children plan their activities, carry them out during work time, and reflect on what they learned. This builds independence, decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, persistence, and cooperation.
Learning is organized around eight content areas with 58 Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs) that align perfectly with national standards (including Head Start and Common Core) as well as New Jersey’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. These areas include:
- Approaches to Learning
- Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development and Health
- Language, Literacy, and Communication
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Social Studies
- Creative Arts
Teachers act as intentional partners—scaffolding play in interest areas (blocks, house, art, sand/water, etc.) while supporting every child’s unique pace and interests. Longitudinal studies show HighScope graduates achieve higher educational attainment, better employment, and reduced involvement in the justice system.
Why is HighScope so popular in New Jersey?
New Jersey has long prioritized high-quality, equitable early childhood education through initiatives like expanded public preschool, the Abbott districts, and Grow NJ Kids (the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System). HighScope aligns seamlessly with NJ Preschool Standards, NAEYC guidelines, and Grow NJ Kids domains. Many public school districts and licensed centers use it because it meets rigorous state requirements while delivering measurable results in school readiness and social-emotional growth. Its evidence-based nature helps programs earn 3–5 stars, giving parents confidence and helping centers stand out.
Top 5 HighScope Curriculum Schools in New Jersey (2026)
1. Keansburg Early Learning Center (Keansburg, NJ)
Location: 142 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg (Monmouth County)
Ages: Pre-K (primarily 3–5 years)
Enrollment: Approximately 161 students
This dedicated public preschool fully integrates the HighScope Preschool Curriculum as its core framework. Classrooms emphasize active learning across all eight content areas and 58 KDIs, with scaffolding strategies that extend children’s thinking while promoting independence and positive adult-child interactions.
Why it ranks #1: As a state-funded program, it delivers free, high-quality full-day preschool with small ratios and inclusive practices. Parents praise the caring staff and visible growth in confidence and skills.
Standout feature: Strong focus on curiosity, decision-making, and problem-solving—preparing children exceptionally well for kindergarten in the Keansburg School District.
2. It Takes A Village Infant Toddler Preschool Center (Jersey City, NJ)
Location: 496 Ocean Ave, Jersey City (Hudson County)
Ages: 6 weeks–5 years (with dedicated Free PreK for 3–4 year-olds)
Hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, Monday–Friday
This center offers a free PreK program for Jersey City residents and proudly implements HighScope across infant, toddler, and preschool rooms. Activities stem directly from the KDIs, with children actively planning and reviewing their day. Teachers receive ongoing HighScope training.
Why it ranks top: Earned Grow NJ Kids stars with excellent Program Quality Assessment scores. Low ratios and highly experienced staff create a seamless kindergarten transition.
Parent highlights: Families appreciate the child-centered care, parent partnerships, and focus on building confident, critical thinkers.
3. St. Francis Preschool (Long Beach Island, NJ)
Location: Beach Haven / Long Beach Island area (Ocean County)
Ages: 13 months–5 years
Hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, Monday–Friday
A 4-star Grow NJ Kids program that fully embraces HighScope Preschool and Toddler Curricula. Classrooms are organized into interest areas, and the daily routine features the signature Plan-Do-Review sequence, small/large group times, and outside play.
Why it ranks top: Highly qualified staff (Director with Master’s in Early Childhood), indoor gymnasium, family events, and “Let’s Move” certification for healthy lifestyles.
Parent testimonials: Families rave about the nurturing environment and excellent school-readiness preparation.
4. Franklin Township Public Schools Preschool (Somerset, NJ)
Location: Classrooms across seven elementary schools + community partnerships (Somerset County)
Ages: Pre-K (3–5 years)
Program: Free, full-day, inclusive
This large public preschool system uses HighScope to promote active participatory learning. Daily schedules include Plan-Do-Review structured play, gross motor time, and specials. Inclusive classrooms integrate special education and dual-language learners.
Why it ranks top: Free access across multiple convenient sites, small class sizes, and explicit focus on independence, curiosity, cooperation, and problem-solving—aligning perfectly with NJ standards.
5. Future Generation Early Learning Center (Bloomfield, NJ)
Location: 261 Broad St, Bloomfield (Essex County)
Ages: Infants through school-age (strong preschool focus)
A nationally accredited center that proudly implements HighScope. Children engage in hands-on experiences following the Plan-Do-Review routine in a consistent, engaging environment.
Why it ranks top: Strong home-school partnership and continuity of care. Parents describe it as a “home away from home” with dedicated staff that keeps children active and developmentally supported.
Choosing a HighScope School in New Jersey: Your Next Step
These five programs exemplify why families across New Jersey trust HighScope: it doesn’t just prepare children for school—it equips them with lifelong skills for success. Whether you prefer a free public district program or a highly rated private center with Grow NJ Kids stars, HighScope delivers consistent, research-proven excellence.
At HighScope-EarlyLearningCurriculums.com, we provide resources, training insights, and tools to help parents and educators implement this transformative curriculum. Visit each school’s website or contact them directly for tours—many offer open houses and virtual info sessions.
Your child’s early years are the foundation of their future. Choose HighScope for active learning that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to explore more HighScope options or resources? Contact us or browse our curriculum guides today!
This article is for informational purposes and reflects data available as of March 2026. Always verify current enrollment, ratings, and details directly with each program.
