The intent of the foundation is to create successful models of innovation, which can be replicated locally and nationally. The foundation supplements district funding to provide an educational program with small classes, instructional assistants to supplement teaching in many in many classrooms, and a quality preschool. Every attempt is made to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of the child by bringing services to the school or linking with community-based services.

The school works actively to keep parents engaged in their child's progress through conferences, home visits, parenting classes, and appropriate support services. A strong assessment process is in place, which includes Seattle Public Schools testing programs, High/Scope evaluation tools. A key component of the program is a model preschool and kindergarten, based on the well-researched High/Scope Preschool Educational Approach. In first grade through eighth grade the curriculum framework focuses all student learning--from math and science to English and social studies--on a complex, meaningful, overarching purpose that contributes to the world at large.

High/Scope provides a consistent educational framework for all students in the school, builds on skills and abilities of the students, and serves as the basis for the whole school reform undertaken by The New School Foundation. Strengthening community support of public schools is a primary focus of the Foundation's work.