Years in the Making
In 1962, the landmark Perry Preschool Project began in Ypsilanti, Michigan and the trajectory of early education was changed forever. Under the visionary guidance of psychologist David Weikart, and with the extraordinary dedication of Perry Elementary School principal Charles Eugene Beatty, the Perry Preschool Project studied the impact of high-quality early education on 123 black children with risk factors of failing in school. Dr. Weikart went on to establish the HighScope Educational Research Foundation in 1970. The name "HighScope" reflects our organization’s high purposes and far-reaching mission. Our headquarters are located in the historic "Hutchinson House," of S & H Green Stamps, in Ypsilanti. Today, HighScope’s mission is continued under Dr. Alejandra Barraza’s leadership as HighScope’s President.