The Ivybrook Way – Julington Creek, FL

Ivybrook Julington Creek

Helping Families Learn and Discover Together in Julington Creek

Ivybrook Academy’s dedicated team of educators is proud to provide a strong foundation of lifelong learning for children in St. John’s County, Florida, the first Ivybrook Academy location in the state of Florida. There is a growing need for pre-schools that value and nurture children’s natural curiosity. Expert research shows how important early childhood education is because the cognitive development in a child’s early years is crucial to their learning abilities as they grow.

Ivybrook Julington CreekIvybrook Academy believes our customized educational approach is important to support children’s diverse learning styles. We want to see children succeed on their own terms, honoring and valuing each child’s own voice. That’s why we find it essential to provide a hybrid curriculum through an award-winning half-day Preschool. Our curriculum includes Collaborative Learning, Montessori-tailored Individualized Learning Groups, Reggio Emilia-inspired project work, and our Discovery Program.

Discover how the “Ivybrook Way” establishes the foundation for a child’s future success.

Ivybrook Curriculum

Montessori

This 100-year-old approach to learning is a highly respected technique among families and educators alike; because it encourages a child’s lifelong love of learning. This method allows children to take the lead directing their education and choosing their tasks.

Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori developed the system by recognizing that children have innate preferences, and it’s vital to allow children to learn at their own pace. This curriculum allows children the opportunity to exercise their curiosity and sense of discovery.

Students choose hands-on projects in the creatively prepared classroom environment rather than a teacher taking the lead. Students may work alone or with friends, all the while receiving guidance from teachers. Children work at their own pace, taking whatever time they need to complete their work and meet their individual goals.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach is similar to Montessori. It enables children’s progress on their own terms; in student-led classrooms. It is a more collaborative learning style, inviting students, their families, and teachers to be a part of a child’s education. Peer interaction is the pillar of this progressive teaching method. It’s about respecting children’s individual voices and celebrating their unique expression.

Reggio Emilia founder, Loris Malaguzzi, believed that there are “a hundred languages” children use to communicate, like writing, art or singing, and a child should convey that expression in any number of ways. Children are encouraged to express their discoveries and ideas with their community through various means, like painting, sculpting, music, storytelling, and theater, to name a few. It is believed that by empowering children to have a voice and express it freely, they confidently discover their talents.

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Researched by Harvard University professor, Dr. Howard Gardner, the basis of this educational approach is that there is not a single type of intelligence that simply focuses on cognitive abilities. The foundation of this method is that intelligence comes in many different forms in every human being. This progressive educational approach is relatively new, having just been published in 1983.

Gardner believes everyone’s mind is different; therefore, everyone will learn, remember, perform, and comprehend uniquely. Adapting a curriculum to cater to a child’s best ability to learn will allow them to thrive. It crushes the “one size fits all” mentality of education because it shows how different children excel at different subjects and skills.

These three progressive educational theories are put into action through Ivybrook Academy’s balanced curriculum, further exemplifying our commitment to customizing the learning experience for each child. We understand how critical early education is for a young child’s future growth. We believe, with the inclusion of parents, teachers, and the community, a child will thrive when their individual learning style is identified, encouraged, and respected.

At Our Core is a Philosophy of Respect and Collaboration

These interrelated components provide children with the tools necessary to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. Our learning community believes in a strong partnership between families and committed educators. This allows children the opportunity to embrace the world around them, gaining insight and exploration relating to social interaction with both peers and adults. We provide classroom settings that allow students to explore, create, solve problems, and work with others collaboratively. We embrace a child’s natural curiosity and cultivate that through careful listening and support. We value students’ individual voices, and we cultivate compassionate citizens who find joy in learning.