Early Childhood

Athletics

Movement and play are the foundation of learning

Little bodies are built to move. In Highland's Early Childhood program, children from Pre-K 2/3 through Pre-K 4/5 run, climb, stretch, and explore every single day. At Highland, movement isn't a break from learning, it's part of how young children learn best. With room to be active and adults who cheer every attempt, our youngest students build the strength, coordination, and confidence that carry into everything else.

Recess and outdoor play every day

Free play is serious work. Every day, our students head outside for recess and outdoor play, where they chase, jump, dig, and invent games with friends. As they climb and run, they practice sharing, taking turns, and thinking of others. Active play builds bodies and friendships at the same time.

Physical education with a specialist

Movement gets even more fun with a guide. Twice a week, children work with our dedicated PE specialists who lead games and activities designed for growing bodies. They learn to follow directions, try new skills, work together, and celebrate what their bodies can do. Every child moves at their own pace, and every effort counts.

We partner with Clifton Institute

The whole world is a classroom. Through outdoor education in partnership with the Clifton Institute, children step outside to observe nature up close, discover grubs for the first time, and wonder aloud about what they find. Fresh air and curiosity go hand in hand.

Growing strong, inside and out

Big movement and small movement both matter. Here's how children build physical development at Highland:

Daily recess and outdoor play that build gross motor strength and coordination.
PE twice a week with a specialist who makes movement joyful.
Outdoor education with the Clifton Institute that turns nature into discovery.
Fine motor practice through sorting, cutting, coloring, and building in the classroom.

See our programs for yourself

Movement and play at Highland aren't about winning or keeping score. They're about helping children trust their bodies, take healthy risks, and discover what's possible. That early physical confidence becomes the courage to try. That same courage shapes the whole Highland journey. It starts here, with a run across the playground and a first climb to the top.