Highfields is an independent, co-educational, non-denominational school. It was established in 1945 and is unique on the North Shore of Sydney in its provision of early childhood education for children aged 3 to 8, in Preschool to Year 2. The School offers its students a warm, nurturing environment. They enjoy small class sizes, meaningful and stimulating programs that encourage enquiry, curiosity and critical thinking; learning experiences that respectfully and powerfully meet their needs as individuals and as a group; and support and encouragement to embrace challenges, and feel good about themselves as learners. A tradition of nurturing individual academic excellence across key learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and Its Environment, Personal Development, Health, Physical Education and Creative Arts, is something of which Highfields staff are proud. A solid foundation in the 'basics' sits comfortably alongside a desire to provide opportunities for in-depth study that stimulate inquiry and investigation. Beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, everyday experiences are dedicated to nurturing the self confidence, social awareness and sense of belonging that are so important for the balanced development of each child. Highfielders enjoy a beautiful learning environment including new hall, learning resource centre, music room, computer laboratory, an award winning playground, well-resourced classrooms and the latest technology. In addition to specialist sport, music and library lessons, opportunities also exist for students to pursue a variety of interests including dance, speech and drama, tennis, choir, music tuition for recorder, violin and piano, and French language classes. Our staff value a close partnership with parents in the support of each individual, and parents are active and supportive within the vibrant school community. On completion of their early childhood education at Highfields, our Year 2 students are well prepared both academically and personally..