A method and apparatus are disclosed for streaming an XML document/content in a structured manner that allows the receiver to decode prioritized portions of an XML document. Document models, such as XML Schemas, are utilized in converting XML documents into prioritized portions that are transmitted according to a predefined scheme. Thus, the present invention allows the XML receiver to begin processing the most important XML portions of an XML stream first as well as in mid-transmission and allowing a user to end the transmission before lower priority XML portions are received.