An Overview of the Bank Street Curriculum and Its Growing Popularity in Massachusetts

The Bank Street Curriculum, also known as the developmental-interaction approach, stands as one of the most influential models in progressive early childhood education. Developed over a century ago by visionary educator Lucy Sprague Mitchell at Bank Street College of Education in New York City, it emphasizes educating the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually — through active, experiential learning rather than rote memorization or rigid academics.

At its core, the curriculum views children as active constructors of knowledge. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding discovery through play, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences. Social studies often serves as the integrating thread, connecting literacy, math, science, and the arts to children’s interests and the broader community. Key principles include:

• Developmental readiness: Learning follows each child’s unique pace and stage, not arbitrary benchmarks.
• Social-emotional growth: Building empathy, collaboration, and self-confidence is as vital as academics.
• Equity and inclusion: Classrooms celebrate diversity, foster democratic values, and promote social justice.
• Inquiry and joy: Long-term investigations, field trips, blocks, dramatic play, and the arts spark curiosity and lifelong love of learning.

This child-centered philosophy produces confident, creative problem-solvers who thrive in later schooling and life. Unlike more structured models, Bank Street prioritizes meaningful relationships between children, teachers, and families, creating nurturing environments where authentic growth occurs.

In Massachusetts, the Bank Street approach has gained significant traction among forward-thinking families and educators. The state boasts one of the nation’s strongest early education systems, with robust public preschool initiatives, high teacher standards, and a cultural emphasis on holistic development and equity — values that perfectly align with Bank Street’s developmental-interaction framework. Boston and Cambridge, in particular, have long embraced progressive education traditions, making them natural homes for schools that weave Bank Street principles into daily practice.

Parents in Massachusetts increasingly seek alternatives to test-driven programs, especially after the pandemic highlighted the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) and joyful, play-based experiences. Bank Street’s focus on these areas resonates deeply. As a result, more Massachusetts early learning centers and progressive schools are adopting or being inspired by Bank Street methods.

1. Fayerweather Street School (Cambridge) – The Gold Standard for Hands-On Progressive Learning

Founded in 1967, Fayerweather Street School serves PreK–8 students with a deeply progressive ethos that mirrors Bank Street’s developmental-interaction model. The early childhood program (PreK–Grade 2) centers on project-based, thematic units where children explore topics like community, environments, and change through inquiry, collaboration, and real experiences.

Teachers integrate social-emotional health into every lesson, using hands-on materials (blocks, art, dramatic play) and community outings to build problem-solving and empathy skills. Parents rave about the “curiosity and confidence” ignited in young learners, with small classes (student-teacher ratios around 6–8:1) allowing personalized support.

Strengths: Exceptional academic rigor without pressure; seamless social-emotional integration; strong preparation for top middle schools. Ideal for families seeking authentic Bank Street-style experiential learning in the heart of progressive Cambridge.

2. The Croft School (Jamaica Plain, Boston) – Bank Street-Trained Educators and “Wow” Moments

The Croft School offers a student-centered model for infants through Grade 8, with a standout early learning program grounded in innovation, balance, and joy. Multiple lead teachers hold M.S.Ed. degrees from Bank Street College, infusing classrooms with genuine developmental-interaction practices.

PreK and kindergarten classrooms feature inviting learning centers, long blocks of uninterrupted play, and integrated literacy/math through meaningful projects. Parents praise the nurturing yet challenging environment, diverse community, and how children emerge as confident, creative thinkers.

Strengths: Direct Bank Street influence through faculty training; focus on emotional well-being alongside academics; renovated facilities in a vibrant neighborhood.

3. The Advent School (Beacon Hill, Boston) – Reggio-Inspired Progressive Excellence with Social Justice at Its Core

For over 60 years, The Advent School has delivered progressive, Reggio Emilia-inspired education for PreK–Grade 6, aligning closely with Bank Street principles through child-led exploration, co-teaching teams, and whole-child development.

Social justice and diversity are woven throughout, fostering the democratic values central to Bank Street. Small classes and collaborative projects mirror the developmental-interaction approach. Parent reviews consistently praise the nurturing atmosphere, academic depth without stress, and children’s growth in confidence and compassion.

Strengths: Urban location with Beacon Hill charm; emphasis on advocacy and inclusion; seamless blend of progressive and Reggio elements that enhance Bank Street-style inquiry.

4. Atrium School (Watertown) – Warm, Progressive Community with Small-Class Intimacy

Atrium School’s progressive PreK–8 program shines for its child-centered philosophy, small class sizes, and focus on kindness and intellectual curiosity — hallmarks that echo Bank Street’s developmental approach.

Early childhood classrooms emphasize play-based discovery, social-emotional skill-building, and integrated projects that respect each child’s pace and interests. Parents frequently highlight the “warm and wise teachers,” strong leadership, and supportive community.

Strengths: Intimate, family-like setting just outside Boston; excellent balance of academics and emotional growth; high parent satisfaction for inclusivity and joy.

5. Newtowne School (Cambridge) – Cooperative, Reggio-Progressive Model for Hands-On Discovery

Newtowne School operates as a cooperative progressive preschool serving ages 22 months–5 years in the heart of Harvard Square. Its Reggio-inspired, play-based philosophy aligns beautifully with Bank Street’s developmental-interaction tenets.

Families actively participate, strengthening the community focus Bank Street champions. Classrooms buzz with blocks, sensory play, art, and dramatic work, while mixed-age groupings support social-emotional growth.

Strengths: Cooperative model builds deep family involvement; prime Cambridge location; emphasis on honoring childhood through joyful, child-driven learning.

Choosing a Bank Street-Inspired Education in Massachusetts

These five schools represent the best of progressive early learning in the Commonwealth — each adapting Bank Street’s proven developmental-interaction principles to create vibrant, equitable, and joyful environments.

At BankStreet-EarlyLearningCurriculums.com, we believe every child deserves this transformative approach. If you’re exploring early learning options in Massachusetts, we encourage you to visit these schools, connect with admissions teams, and consider how a Bank Street-inspired curriculum can set your child on a path of curiosity, confidence, and compassion.

This review is for informational purposes and based on publicly available school information, parent feedback, and educational research as of 2026. We recommend direct contact with each school for the latest details.