This study reported a number of differences between kindergarten children perceived by their teachers to be "thriving,""average," or "not as yet thriving." Subjects were 340 4- and 5-year-old children from 59 kindergarten classrooms. Results indicated that the three groups of children differed in a wide range of teacher-rated developmental characteristics such as social skills with children and adults, some temperamental traits, self-confidence, involvement in activities, and frequency of seeking adult help. In addition, subjects were found to differ in language and academic skills assessed on CIRCUS tests, self-control, test taking strategies, seeking adult help as rated by testers, and activity preferences as rated by parents. (Author/JA)