Highland Preschool

At Highland Pre-School, we believe every child deserves a foundation built on a love of learning and a nurturing environment where they can thrive. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality early childhood education, embracing a philosophy that recognizes the unique needs and developmental stages of each child. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by our five-star rating on Maine's Quality Rating and Improvement System: Rising Stars for ME, a testament to the dedicated teachers who fuel our passion for early childhood development.

Play-Based Learning That Ignites a Love for Exploration

Our play-based learning approach is carefully designed to foster the holistic growth of each child. We recognize that play is the natural language of young children, and through it, they learn, explore, and develop essential social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Our classrooms are brimming with a wealth of age-appropriate materials that encourage imaginative play, creativity, and problem-solving.

Dramatic play, music, movement, games, craft activities, art, and stories weave together to create a vibrant tapestry of learning experiences. Whether building a fort in our dramatic play center, crafting masterpieces in the art studio, or losing themselves in the world of a good book, each child's journey is unique and tailored to their individual interests and abilities. Our goal is to spark a curiosity for the world around them and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Inviting Classrooms Designed to Foster Exploration

Nestled within a historic building, formerly the McKinley School, our classrooms provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery. The original tin walls and ceilings, combined with oversized schoolhouse windows, create a bright and cheerful ambiance. Upon stepping inside, you'll be greeted by spacious, well-organized classrooms designed to captivate young minds. We believe that it's within these nurturing spaces that children feel safe, supported, and empowered to learn and grow.

A Magical Outdoor Playground

Beyond the walls of our classrooms lies a 1.5-acre fenced-in playground, often described as "magical" by those who experience it. A large grassy field provides ample space for running, playing, and simply enjoying the fresh air. A wooded area, complete with a treehouse, a marimba, and a sandbox, invites imaginative adventures and quiet moments of reflection. An additional play area features classic playground equipment, encouraging physical activity and coordination.

Daily outdoor time is an integral part of our curriculum, regardless of the season. We believe that connecting with nature fosters a sense of wonder, encourages physical development, and promotes overall well-being.

Traditional and Montessori Options for Every Child

At Highland Pre-School, we are proud to offer two distinct classroom options to meet the diverse needs of our students: a Traditional Preschool Classroom and a Montessori Classroom.

Traditional Preschool Classroom

Our traditional program, offered in our downstairs classroom, features two distinct groups: a 3-4 year old class and a 4-5 year old class. This program provides a solid foundation in pre-literacy, pre-math, social skills, and artistic expression through a play-based curriculum.

Libra Montessori Classroom

In our upstairs classroom, we offer the Libra Montessori program, a multi-age environment for children aged 3-6. This individualized approach allows children to learn at their own pace, following their natural curiosity and leadings. Montessori materials and techniques foster independence, problem-solving, and a deep love for learning.

Hear What Our Happy Families Have to Say

We are consistently heartened by the positive experiences of our families. Time and time again, parents share their gratitude for our dedicated teachers, our nurturing environment, and the profound impact Highland Pre-School has had on their children's development.

The words of our families resonate deeply with our mission. We strive to create a preschool journey filled with joy, discovery, and a love for lifelong learning.