FAQs

We’re more than a preschool in Summerville, we’re a half-day learning community built around your child’s joy, growth, and curiosity.

When you walk through our doors, you’ll feel it: the hum of happy conversation, sunlight spilling across the art tables, and warm greetings from teachers who know your child’s name (and their favorite storybook). Our blended Montessori–Reggio approach means every morning or afternoon is purposeful, playful, and full of discovery.

Here, your child gets a foundation for lifelong learning, and you get peace of mind knowing each day is part of a bigger, thoughtful plan.

“Within the first week, my daughter was coming home singing new songs and telling me about her ‘fun art project’. She’s excited to go every morning — and that’s priceless.” — Summerville parent

Half-day preschool is right-sized for a young child’s developmental rhythm.

Research, and the lived experience of many parents, shows young children thrive when their day balances rich learning with unstructured family or rest time. In Summerville, that might mean afternoons exploring Gahagan Park and Saul Alexander Park Playground, visiting grandparents, or enjoying a slow walk outside exploring in nature.

If you’ve ever picked up a tired, cranky preschooler after a long day, you’ll understand why we design our schedule to keep energy high, curiosity engaged, and joy intact.

We welcome children ages 18 months through 6 years.

From toddlers just finding their words to kindergarten-bound explorers eager to read their first sentence, every stage has its own classroom environment designed for social, emotional, and academic growth.

Your child will always be in a space made for their age, energy, and abilities.

Our Summerville campus follows a blended Montessori–Reggio Emilia approach.

Mornings and afternoons are intentionally planned: hands-on exploration, small group projects, outdoor play in our shaded playground, and creative arts. You’ll see real-life skills woven in like setting the snack table, watering plants, or measuring ingredients during a cooking activity.

Your child learns independence, collaboration, and critical thinking in ways that feel like play.

Yes. We meet or exceed state and national early childhood benchmarks while leaving room for curiosity-led projects.

That might mean following a science thread sparked by a caterpillar on the playground or creating a mural after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Your child leaves prepared for the next step, and confident enough to take it.

We use daily observations, portfolios, and development check-ins.

You’ll hear stories at pickup (“She counted to 20 today!”) and see growth in quarterly updates and parent-teacher conferences. You’re never left wondering how your child is doing, you’ll see their progress in real time.

“I always feel in the loop. The teachers share the little wins that mean so much!” — Summerville parent

In Summerville, the best time to enroll is late winter or early spring for the upcoming school year.

Our classes, especially for 3-year-olds and pre-K, often fill months in advance. Early enrollment means you choose your preferred class time and ensure a smooth transition for your child.

Yes we do and your desired class is full we will keep you updated along the way on any changes.

We do encourage you to tour early and add your child’s name to our interest list so you’re first in line when a spot opens.

Placement is based on age, developmental readiness, and social fit.

We use keypad entry, fenced outdoor areas, and teacher-supervised transitions.

All staff are CPR/First Aid certified, and we conduct regular safety drills. You can focus on your day knowing your child is safe, seen, and cared for.

Yes. For the safety of children with allergies, our snack menu is curated to avoid nuts, and all families are asked to do the same with lunches or treats.

Morning students receive a healthy snack.

Afternoon enrichment students bring lunch from home and eat together picnic-style before starting activities, because mealtime is part of learning too.

Families are part of our Mount Pleasant community.

From our Fall Festival to guest reading days, class celebrations, and volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to join in.

Your child sees you as part of their learning world, building security, pride, and connection.

“I’ve read to the class, joined in on Career Day, and even helped with one of the fun festivals they put on throughout the year.” — Summerville parent

Tours are available year-round, but spring and summer slots fill quickly. Visiting in person is the best way to see if our rhythm, environment, and philosophy fit your family’s vision.

Please fill out the form here https://www.ivybrookacademy.com/summerville/contact/ and our principal will follow up with you promptly.

You can also call our Summerville campus at (854) 300-4500.