Ivybrook Academy provides a safe, nurturing space for children to thrive through its individualized curriculum, integrated philosophies, and innovative teaching methods.

Choosing the right preschool is one of the most important decisions families face. With so many options in Frisco and surrounding areas, parents and caregivers may wonder which early childhood education program is the best fit. For families seeking a private preschool with a smaller classroom setting and a curriculum personalized to each child, Ivybrook Academy provides a supportive environment where students grow at their own pace.

The Roots and Philosophies of Ivybrook Academy

Jennifer McWilliams was inspired to create a new approach to early childhood education through her experiences as a first-grade teacher. She saw that many children didn’t receive the individualized attention they deserved and that classrooms often left little room for joy and curiosity. Her vision was to honor each child’s strengths, capabilities, and learning styles. The classroom would be a place where children could explore their creativity and develop a love for learning.

To create a distinct preschool model, Jennifer combined the best principles from Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Reggio Emilia emphasizes creativity, collaboration, project-based exploration, and the idea that children’s interests can help guide learning. Montessori focuses on independence, purposeful materials, and respect for each child’s individual development. Ivybrook teachers bring those elements together through an intentional curriculum designed around the whole child.

Academic Programs: Growing With Children and Meeting Their Needs

Ivybrook Academy’s programs are curated to progress with children as they develop through early childhood stages, balancing academic rigor with creative exploration. The curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, creative arts, science, nature, and social-emotional learning.

The Toddler Program offers children ages 18 months to 2 years old a space to build foundational skills through purposeful play, guided interactions, and hands-on activities. The Two-Year-Old Program supports the rapid growth that happens at this stage by focusing on language development, emotional growth and independence. The Three-Year-Old Program builds skills in social awareness, creative expression and physical development through outdoor play and collaborative projects. 

In the Four-and-Five-Year-Old Programs, early literacy, mathematical reasoning and critical thinking skills help prepare children for the next steps in their educational journey. In Private Kindergarten, the curriculum integrates activities and lessons that foster scientific exploration, social studies, writing, and communication skills.

An Intentional Space to Learn

Ivybrook Academy’s half-day model is designed for children ages 18 months to 6 years old. Within that framework, teachers can adjust lessons, materials, and support to help each student grow at their own pace, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Teachers pay attention to how each child learns, where they are developmentally, and what piques their interest. For example, if several children become especially interested in insects they see outside, a teacher might build on that curiosity through books, counting activities, art projects, observation, or conversations about habitats and the natural world. That curiosity becomes an entry point for developing skills across multiple areas of learning.

Parents, Teachers and Community: Creating a Bridge for Children

At Ivybrook Academy, teachers strive to understand each child as an individual. These teacher-student relationships help children build confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning. Lead educators hold degrees in education-related fields and undergo continuous professional development.

Communication with families is integral to Ivybrook Academy’s approach. Teachers share observations, developmental progress, and what children are exploring in the classroom so parents better understand their child’s learning. That ongoing connection helps families and teachers support the child together rather than treating home and school as two separate experiences.

Each Ivybrook Academy school is deeply connected to the community it serves. That can include local partnerships, family events, community activities, and opportunities for children to learn about the people and places around them. 

The Environment Also Teaches

Ivybrook Academy shares the philosophy that the environment acts as a “third teacher,” meaning surroundings directly impact learning outcomes. Each classroom is meticulously designed to welcome children and encourage their creativity and exploration. 

Bright colors and distracting decor can create an overstimulating environment for students. At Ivybrook Academy, classrooms are filled with natural light, inviting colors, soothing designs, and developmentally appropriate materials, creating a calm environment. 

A Preschool Experience Centered on the Child

For Frisco families seeking a private preschool that balances structure, creativity, and individualized attention, Ivybrook Academy offers a whole-child approach. Its half-day model, thoughtfully designed classrooms, and blended educational philosophies create an environment where children can build confidence while developing early academic and social-emotional skills.

Through its programs, Ivybrook Academy gives children room to grow at each stage of early childhood while keeping parents connected to the learning process. Families interested in learning more about enrollment, program options, or the classroom experience can contact Ivybrook Academy Frisco or schedule a tour.

For more information: https://www.ivybrookacademy.com/frisco

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Cover photo courtesy of Ivybrook Academy

This post is a sponsored collaboration with Ivybrook Academy