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Ivybrook Academy Lubbock Ivybrook Academy Lubbock
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Our Story

A History of Expanding Possibilities & Changing Futures

The concept for Ivybrook Academy was developed in 2005 by a first-grade teacher who recognized the absence of multidimensional learning opportunities for her students. Jennifer McWilliams knew they deserved better and was motivated to take action. She took her passion for shaping and teaching young minds and set out to create the optimal learning environment that recognized the strengths and needs of each child.

The first Ivybrook Academy opened in Weddington, North Carolina, in August 2007 with nearly full enrollment on day one. Since then, our flagship campus has continually been voted the #1 Preschool in the Charlotte area. Shortly thereafter, seeing the students flourishing, Jennifer’s husband, Drew, realized that this concept can and should be brought to communities throughout the country. He left his real estate career to focus on bringing Ivybrook to new communities, and under the leadership of Jennifer and Drew, Ivybrook Academy opened its second campus in Fort Mill, SC, in 2011. Once again, the Preschool was a success and became a beloved part of the community.

Seeing how valuable the Ivybrook experience was for young children in these two communities, Jennifer and Drew knew they needed to bring their innovative Preschool to children across greater North Carolina and throughout the country. They meticulously developed a company growth plan that allowed them to expand the Ivybrook brand and provide students throughout the country with this invaluable opportunity. Today, Ivybrook Academy has over 20 campuses and is continuing to expand into new communities throughout the United States.

Our Approach Cultivating Their Unique Potential
  • Observe & Customize

    Craft educational plans and opportunities based on each child's individual learning style

  • Explore & Discover

    Utilize the physical environment as a rich resource for exploration, inquiry, and thought

  • Respect & Collaborate

    Model and encourage respect and collaboration in every aspect of daily life

  • Honor & Document

    Value children's voices and showcase their importance through documentation

Discover The Ivybrook Way
Family Testimonials

Enriching Your Child’s Foundation

  • "Ivybrook has been an incredible experience for my son and my family. My son has severe food allergies and we were at a total loss trying to find a place that was safe for him. Rachel and the staff at Ivybrook welcomed us with open arms and made us feel so comfortable and confident that his environment would be a safe place for him. It takes a village and the Ivybrook family is certainly part of mine!
    Our son comes home everyday, ready to go back the next day!
    We love Ivybrook and are thankful to be part of the community. There isn’t a better place for your kids."     - Allison Childress
  • "Being an educator at Ivybrook Academy is fulfilling while allowing me to continue my long-time work in the field of Early Childhood in a way that aligns with my own educational philosophy and values. The owners are passionate and invested in advocating and fostering the development of positive relationships between educators, children and families, while also providing a safe and engaging atmosphere for children to openly and naturally learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them. It is exciting to be part of such a passionate team of educators. I look forward to my journey with Ivybrook Academy, as it continues to grow as a reputable preschool in the Lubbock community." - Cindy Bruington
  • "My 2.5 year old has been attending Ivybrook since it opened. Signing her up for this school was hands down the best decision we made all of last year. She has enjoyed it immensely and learned SO many things. She adores her teachers and is thrilled each morning to go to school. As parents, we appreciate so much how her teachers treat all the children with such respect and love. They have a real curiosity for who the children are as individuals. The small class sizes and Montessori-inspired curriculum definitely help in that regard as well. The communication between teachers, administration and parents is excellent. This school is a real gem!" - Lauren Salter-Mee
  • "Our experience has been excellent. We currently have 2 children enrolled. Rachel listens to parents and is very solution oriented to help your family have the best experience with Ivybrook. My children can be very shy but have been able to open up in a very short period of time in the school. Both of them enjoy going to school, and like their teachers." - Christina
  • "My 5 year old and almost-4 year old have been at Ivybrook for about a month now and they are so happy! I was anxious about starting them in a new program, but it literally took my kids one day to become very comfortable with the sweet teachers there. They do really fun activities. They come home with art almost every day and it’s really nice! Sometimes they discuss physics while they fly paper airplanes. It’s honestly really amazing what they can get kids to learn! But more importantly, they seem relaxed there and so happy. I could tell that the teachers took the time to read about the kids and how to comfort them because they each bonded very quickly with their teachers. They usually have a hard time transitioning to new routines and new programs for the summer, but this program practices social emotional-learning and I really believe that made all the difference because each of my kids are so different from each other and neither can wait to get back to school the next day. I love it and would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a high quality daycare." - Suzanne A
  • "Shay has excelled so much since attending Ivybrook not only does she absolutely love going to school and looks forward to it every day. She is incredible at math now, recognizing letters, sounding them out, they absolutely embrace her creative energy. (everyday she has a backpack full of amazing art projects) She loves her friends, and her teachers. She knows how to handle her big emotions, and if mommy ever seems stressed, she’s quick to offer different breathing techniques. It’s so cute and I have so much to learn from her. She knows how to share better than ever before and even tries to implement the timer system at home. Since summer started she’s asked multiple times if she can go back to school which just speaks to how much she thoroughly enjoyed her experience at Ivybrook!" - Berkley Burgess
  • "Working at IvyBrook has been an incredible experience for me. I feel supported, loved and well taken care of. I absolutely adore all the children I get to work with. This job is fulfilling and gratifying beyond measure. I feel truly lucky I get to work at a school with such wonderful values. IvyBrook truly supports children in their growing and learning.
    "     - Hannah Mayahi
  • "We LOVE Ivybrook Academy!! Our little guy started going as soon as he turned 18 months, shortly after Ivybrook opened here in Lubbock. His teachers are SO good with him. The extra time and effort they put into not just our son, but every child is truly remarkable! He loves going to school, and doesn’t want to leave when it’s time to go. This school is everything and more that we could have hoped for, for our son!
    We truly love our Ivybrook family!
    "     - Reagan Bell

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Cary Full building

An Award-Winning Endeavor

Jennifer and Drew’s hard work and dedication have helped bring our Preschool into over 50 communities throughout the country and we are continuing to grow. Along the way, Ivybrook received some awards. Ivybrook Academy is recognized as a leader in early childhood learning.