An Overview of the Bank Street Curriculum and Its Growing Appeal in Pennsylvania

The Bank Street Curriculum, formally known as the developmental-interaction approach, traces its roots to 1916 when visionary educator Lucy Sprague Mitchell founded the Bureau of Educational Experiments (later Bank Street College of Education) in New York City. Mitchell and her colleagues sought to revolutionize early childhood education by moving away from rote learning toward experience-based, child-centered practices grounded in developmental psychology and progressive education principles inspired by John Dewey.

At its core, the Bank Street approach views children as active learners who thrive through hands-on exploration, play, and meaningful interactions with materials, ideas, people, and their environment. It educates the whole child—integrating social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development—rather than focusing narrowly on academics.

Key elements include:

• Emergent and integrated curriculum often centered on social studies themes drawn from children’s interests and real-world experiences.
• Teacher as facilitator and observer, who scaffolds learning based on individual developmental stages rather than a rigid script.
• Play-based discovery, collaboration, and community-building to foster curiosity, empathy, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.
• Emphasis on diversity, equity, and social justice, helping children make sense of the world while building confidence and resilience.

This philosophy has endured because it aligns with decades of child development research showing that young learners build deeper understanding and stronger social-emotional skills when education feels relevant, supportive, and joyful. Today, it is recognized as a gold standard in progressive early education, influencing programs nationwide and preparing children not just for school but for thoughtful, engaged lives.

In Pennsylvania, the Bank Street approach resonates strongly—even if few programs brand themselves exclusively as “Bank Street schools.” Its principles dovetail perfectly with the state’s Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, Keystone STARS quality rating system, and initiatives like PHLpreK and Pre-K Counts. These frameworks prioritize play, whole-child growth, and equity—hallmarks of Bank Street—helping programs earn high STAR ratings and prepare children for kindergarten success.

Bank Street-trained educators also bring the philosophy into Pennsylvania classrooms, and the approach’s flexibility makes it ideal for diverse settings, from urban centers to nature-based programs. Parents and educators in Pennsylvania increasingly seek it out for its proven ability to nurture confident, curious learners in an era focused on holistic development and school readiness.

While exact replicas of the original Bank Street School for Children remain rare outside New York, several outstanding Pennsylvania early learning programs fully embody its developmental-interaction spirit. Below is a comprehensive review of the top 5 such schools, selected for their alignment with Bank Street principles, high quality ratings, parent feedback, and innovative implementation of child-centered, experiential learning.

1. Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning

Multiple Central PA Locations, including Hershey and Harrisburg areas

Catherine Hershey Schools stand out as a shining example of Bank Street-inspired education made accessible. These high-quality, tuition-free or low-cost programs (for qualifying families) serve infants through pre-K with a play-based, project-driven curriculum that mirrors the developmental-interaction approach.

Teachers observe children closely, build on their interests through hands-on projects, and integrate social-emotional learning, literacy, math, science, and the arts in meaningful, interdisciplinary ways—exactly as Bank Street envisions.

Key Bank Street alignment: Whole-child focus, emergent curriculum, and strong family partnerships.

Facilities feature inviting, child-scaled spaces that encourage exploration and collaboration. Parents rave about the nurturing environment and kindergarten readiness; many note their children’s growing confidence and love of learning. As a Keystone STARS participant with exceptional ratings, these schools exemplify how Bank Street principles scale beautifully across communities.

Ideal for: Families seeking authentic progressive education without the private-school price tag.

2. Carriage House Children’s Center

Pittsburgh

Nestled in Pittsburgh, Carriage House has earned NAEYC accreditation and a Keystone STARS 4 rating—the highest level—for its child-led, play-based program serving infants through pre-K. The center’s philosophy emphasizes social-emotional development, respectful interactions, and learning through real-life experiences—core to the Bank Street model.

Teachers act as guides, documenting children’s progress and co-constructing curriculum around group interests, such as community studies or nature explorations.

Key Bank Street alignment: Strong emphasis on emotional intelligence, perspective-taking, and active engagement with the world.

The program’s inclusive, democratic classroom meetings and focus on human differences create the collaborative community Bank Street champions. Parents highlight the warm, responsive staff and how children develop empathy and problem-solving skills.

A top choice for: Pittsburgh families wanting progressive, high-quality care in a home-like setting.

3. The School in Rose Valley

Media, PA – Delaware County, near Philadelphia

One of Pennsylvania’s most established progressive schools, The School in Rose Valley (serving pre-K through grade 8, with a robust early childhood program) has embodied experiential, child-centered education for decades. Its emergent curriculum draws directly from children’s questions and experiences, integrating hands-on projects, outdoor play, and interdisciplinary studies in the Bank Street tradition.

Key Bank Street alignment: Deep respect for developmental stages, teacher observation, and learning through doing.

The school’s Quaker roots complement Bank Street’s social justice focus, fostering collaboration and ethical thinking. Reviews consistently praise the joyful atmosphere, small class sizes, and how graduates enter elementary school with strong critical-thinking and social skills.

A standout for: Families seeking a full progressive journey from the early years onward.

4. Schuylkill Center Nature Preschool

Philadelphia

This innovative nature-based program at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education serves preschoolers in a stunning outdoor setting while remaining firmly rooted in developmental principles. Children spend most of their day exploring woods, gardens, and streams, following their curiosity through play and investigation—perfectly aligning with Bank Street’s experiential, world-connected approach.

Key Bank Street alignment: Child-led emergent curriculum, whole-child growth (physical, social-emotional, and cognitive), and building wonder and resilience through real-world interaction.

Teachers facilitate rather than direct, documenting growth and connecting experiences to broader concepts. Parents love the emphasis on stewardship, creativity, and emotional regulation; many describe it as transformative for shy or active learners.

A unique urban gem for: Families wanting Bank Street’s discovery ethos infused with environmental education.

5. Germantown Friends School Early Childhood Center

Philadelphia

Part of the renowned Germantown Friends School, a progressive Quaker institution, this early childhood program for ages 3–5 delivers a child-centered, play-based experience that closely mirrors Bank Street’s developmental-interaction model. Teachers craft responsive curriculum around children’s ideas, emphasizing social studies, arts, and community while honoring individual pacing and emotional growth.

Key Bank Street alignment: Focus on the whole child, collaborative learning, and real-world connections in a diverse, inclusive environment.

The program’s emphasis on reflection, creativity, and social responsibility prepares children exceptionally well for the school’s elementary continuation. High parent satisfaction centers on the nurturing teachers and how children develop confidence and a love of learning.

Perfect for: Philadelphia families desiring progressive values in a well-established independent school setting.

Choosing a Bank Street-Inspired Education in Pennsylvania: Final Thoughts

Pennsylvania families seeking the Bank Street Curriculum’s benefits have excellent options among these progressive, high-quality programs. Each one prioritizes joyful, meaningful learning that builds confident, compassionate learners—precisely what makes the developmental-interaction approach so enduring and effective.

When visiting, look for hallmarks like rich documentation of children’s work, flexible daily rhythms, strong teacher-child relationships, and opportunities for child-initiated projects. Many align with Keystone STARS and NAEYC standards, ensuring accountability alongside innovation.

At BankStreet-EarlyLearningCurriculums.com, we believe every child deserves this kind of transformative start. Whether you’re exploring adoption of Bank Street principles or seeking the perfect program, these Pennsylvania standouts prove the approach thrives here.

Contact any of the schools above for tours, and reach out to us for resources on implementing the Bank Street Curriculum in your own early learning setting. Your child’s journey of wonder and growth begins with the right foundation—choose Bank Street-inspired excellence in Pennsylvania today!