Unlock your child's potential in Mt. Pleasant

I’m Heather Calhoun, and as both a mom and your neighbor here in the Lowcountry, I know how important these early years are. That’s why we brought Ivybrook Academy’s blended Montessori–Reggio approach to Mount Pleasant, a place where your child can explore, feel safe, and grow at their own pace.

My heart is helping children build confidence and a genuine love of learning, while supporting families in finding a school experience that truly fits their child. I’d love to welcome you in, show you around, and help you decide if Ivybrook feels like the right next step for your family.

When my family settled in Mount Pleasant, I noticed something quickly: parents here care deeply about giving their children a childhood that feels steady, family-centered, and grounded in real connection. We’re a community that notices the little moments, the small shifts, and the way our children open up when they feel safe.

That’s one of the reasons we chose to bring Ivybrook Academy here. We wanted a preschool where children are seen for who they are, not who they “should” be. A place where they can explore at their own pace, feel known by their teachers, and come home talking about their day in their own way.

Mount Pleasant isn’t just where we work - it’s home. I’m a mom raising three children here: one in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary. Our youngest was the first student ever enrolled at Ivybrook Academy Mount Pleasant, and I still remember the joy of standing beside her on graduation day.

I’ve walked through the same transitions so many families are facing now, and I know how much it matters to find a preschool that feels right for your child.

If you’re in this season, I see you. And I’d love to help you discover whether Ivybrook is the place where your little one can feel comfortable, confident, and excited for their day.

If you’re in this season, I see you. And I’d love to help you discover whether Ivybrook is the place where your little one can feel comfortable, confident, and excited for their day.

Over the years, I’ve sat with so many Mount Pleasant parents who were trying to make the right decision for their little one. The questions may look different on paper, but they all come from the same place of wanting your child to feel safe, understood, and ready for the next step.

Here are the three things I hear most often, and how we support families through each one.

1. “I’m worried my child won’t separate easily.”

Some children walk right in. Others cling a little longer. Both are normal.

We move slowly, meet your child where they are, and give them time to build trust. You don’t have to have the perfect goodbye, just a consistent one. And we’ll support you through the transition so both you and your child feel supported.

2. “I’m not sure if they’re ‘ready’ for preschool yet.”

Readiness isn’t about age or checklists. It’s about small signs of curiosity, noticing other children, and wanting to do things “all by myself”.

If you’re unsure, that’s okay. We’ll help you look for the cues, talk through your questions, and find the schedule that feels right for your child’s unique personality and needs.

3. “I just want my child in a place where they feel known.”

This is the heart of what every parent really wants.

At Ivybrook Mount Pleasant, children are greeted by name, encouraged in their own way, and cared for by teachers who pay attention to their little moments and small shifts. When children feel known, everything else, confidence, curiosity, connection, starts to naturally develop. 

If you’re asking any of these questions, you’re not behind, you’re paying attention. And that’s exactly what your child needs.

When parents ask what a day at Ivybrook “looks like,” I usually start by telling them what it feels like - calm transitions, warm greetings, hands-on exploring, and teachers who pay attention to the little moments that make your child who they are.

Here are a few things your child will experience every single day they’re with us.

1. A Warm, Predictable Start

Children begin their day with a familiar greeting, a place to hang their things, and a teacher who notices how they’re arriving - excited, quiet, unsure, or somewhere in between.

We meet them right where they are, helping them ease into their day at their own pace.

2. Hands-On Learning That Matches Their Curiosity

Whether it’s building, pouring, painting, counting, or discovering something new on the shelf, children choose activities that make sense to their growing minds.

They learn through doing, with teachers nearby to guide gently, listen closely, and celebrate the small wins that matter to them.

3. Being Seen, Known, and Encouraged

The most powerful part of a child’s day isn’t the activity, it’s the connection.

Your child will hear their name spoken with warmth, get help when they need it, find comfort when feelings feel big, and be encouraged to try things in their own way.

When children feel known, everything else, confidence, independence, joy, grows naturally.

If you’re trying to picture your little one here, you’re already doing what thoughtful parents do: paying attention. And we’re here to help you find a place that feels right for your child.