The Ivybrook Way – Mooresville, NC

The Ivybrook Way – Mooresville, NC

Ivybrook Academy’s award-winning half-day Preschool is providing a top-quality educational experience for little learners in Mooresville, North Carolina, and the greater Charlotte area.

The unsurpassed team of educators at Ivybrook Academy pride themselves on offering a top-quality education that values and nurtures children’s natural curiosity. The impact of early childhood education on cognitive development is well-documented, which is why Ivybrook Academy uses a multifaceted approach to learning that allows children to succeed on their own terms.

Our innovative hybrid curriculum combines Montessori and Reggio Emilia concepts with Multiple Intelligence Research. This progressive approach to early childhood education means children experience a flexible curriculum; customized for each child’s interests and needs. Discover how the “Ivybrook Way” establishes the foundation for a child’s future success.

Three Methods Form our Progressive Approach

Montessori

The 100-year-old Montessori method of early childhood education allows children to develop a lifelong love of learning by taking an active role in their education. Developed by Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori, this progressive teaching approach is based on the principle that children have different preferences and develop at their own pace. The Montessori method gives children freedom to explore their surroundings and embraces the idea that children gain knowledge through everyday discovery.

This method is praised by families and educators alike; due to the nature of the thoughtful curriculum. Rather than sitting at desks, listening to a teacher’s instruction, children direct their education and choose their tasks. Students choose hands-on projects within the boundaries of a thoughtfully prepared classroom.

They can choose to work alone or in groups, and they receive individualized guidance from teachers while they work. Children take whatever time they need to complete their work and meet their individual goals.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach is similar to Montessori in that it empowers children to succeed on their own terms in student-led classrooms, encouraging interaction with peers.

It is a collaborative approach among the students, their families, and teachers. This progressive educational method respects children’s individual voices and the unique ways they express themselves.

Founded by Loris Malaguzzi, the Reggio Emilia approach is based on the theory that children communicate in many ways, like writing, art, or singing.

Children share their discoveries and ideas with one another through painting, sculpting, music, storytelling, theater, and many other forms of expression. By embracing this approach in our schools, we are empowering children to raise their voices and use their talents with confidence.

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

“Multiple Intelligences” is based on the research done by Harvard University professor Howard Gardner, who believed that education is not “one size fits all.” His published research, “Theory of Multiple Intelligences,” found that students have different kinds of minds, so they learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways. For example, some children thrive more at linguistic skills, like reading and writing. Others prefer math and science.

By customizing the curriculum, it exemplifies our commitment to the learning experience of each child. Ivybrook Academy’s mindful approach to education helps children, parents, and educators identify each child’s strengths. Our flexible approach to learning respects each student’s individuality.

At Our Core is a Philosophy of Respect and Collaboration

Ivybrook Academy believes in building a strong partnership between families and our educators. It’s our duty to collaborate with parents and understand their unique preferences and interests to cultivate a learning experience that works best for each child.

Children must feel comfortable in their environment in order to ask questions and find answers. Their ideas must be honored and respected.

Our approach provides a flexible learning environment with opportunities to explore, create, problem-solve, and learn to work well with others.

It’s Ivybrook Academy’s mission to provide an innovative approach to early childhood education. We value students’ individual voices, and we cultivate compassionate citizens who find joy in learning.