The educational approach of High/Scope® is a set of guiding principles and practices used by adults as they work with and care for children. These principles are intended as an "open framework" that teams of adults are free to adapt to the special needs and conditions of their group, their setting, and their community. "Active learning" - the belief that children learn best through active experiences with people, materials, events and ideas, rather than through direct teaching or sequenced exercises - is a central tenet of the High/Scope® approach for all ages levels.

High/Scope® believes that children learn best by pursuing their personal interests and goals, and children in High/Scope® settings are encouraged to make choices about materials and activities throughout the day. As they pursue their choices and plans, children explore, ask and answer questions, solve problems, and interact with classmates and adults.

High/Scope® teachers and caregivers are trained to participate as partners in children's activities rather than relate to children primarily as managers or supervisors. High/Scope® training emphasizes positive interaction strategies: sharing control with children, focusing on children's strengths, forming authentic relationships with children, supporting children's play ideas, and adopting a problem-solving approach to social conflict.