Ivybrook Academy North Raleigh

When parents think about kindergarten readiness, they often think about letters, numbers, and early literacy skills. While those skills certainly matter, research consistently shows that social-emotional development is equally predictive of long-term academic success.

At Ivybrook Academy, social-emotional learning is not a separate subject on the schedule. It's in everything we do. Group projects, collaborative play, and guided conflict resolution all give children daily practice in empathy, self-regulation, and communication.

By the time our students leave Ivybrook, they are academically and emotionally prepared for what comes next.

Sometimes you just need a hug from your friend!

✨Family Spotlight: The Lewis Family✨

"As someone who never went to any sort of daycare myself, I had a lot of reservations about putting my daughter in one. As a mom I would always wonder: Will she like it there? Will the teachers be good to her? Will she make friends? Will she handle us being separated from me well? Will I handle being separated from her well?

I won’t lie to you, there was a transition period where we both had to learn how not to be together all of the time, and the staff was integral to that happening. Going to Ivybrook has turned out to be the best experience for her. She’s always excited to see her teachers in the mornings, is socializing with other kids well, and is always surprising me with things I didn’t know she knew. Teachers and staff know everyone’s name, and they’re always willing to go the extra mile if you need it.

After looking for childcare options for quite some time I stumbled onto Ivybrook by accident, and I can say with 100% honesty it is one of my best accidents to date."

This summer, your child can discover their inner artist!

A week of summer camp at Ivybrook can look like:

🎨 Painting to the rhythm of music and letting the beat guide the brush
🧲 Using magnets to create art
🌻 Learning to paint like Van Gogh and Monet

It is expressive, imaginative, and rooted in the belief that every child has an artist inside them.

Summer is almost here – register your child for a summer of creativity!

Up until this point, you've been your child’s only teacher.

You've guided their first steps, cheered for their first words, and patiently answered their endless questions. Sharing that role for the very first time is a significant moment for both you and your child.

Our classrooms are designed to be a natural extension of the warmth and security of home, giving children the space to explore the world with independence and confidence while giving parents the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child is truly seen.

☀️ Calling all our younger campers! Summer Camp spots for our 2s & 3s at Ivybrook Academy are filling quickly! These early childhood weeks are always a favorite, and availability is becoming limited. Be sure to grab your preferred weeks soon before they’re gone! We can’t wait for a summer full of playful learning, messy art, music, water play, and sweet memories with your little ones! 🌈🫧🎨

Meet Ms. Kathleen Dreifus! For 8 years, Kathleen has poured her heart into Ivybrook.

From holding every role within our school to leading one campus through incredible growth and helping open the doors to another, her impact reaches far beyond the classroom walls. She is the kind of leader who shows up with passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in children, families, and educators every single day.

Ivybrook isn’t just where she works; it is a part of who she is. Her love for this community shines through in every relationship she builds, every challenge she takes on, and every success she helps create. for our families and our students! ✨

The summer slide is real, and it starts earlier than most parents expect.

Research shows that children can lose up to two months of learning over the summer without continued engagement.

We keep young minds active and curious all summer long through hands-on projects, themed weekly sessions, and the same blended Montessori and Reggio Emilia approach that families trust during the school year.

Learning doesn't have to stop when the school year does!

We are so proud of our amazing Class B teacher, Ms. Emily, for graduating this weekend with her masters! Her students and co-teacher, Ms. Nicole, helped to celebrate by decorating her cap. Please help us in congratulating her big accomplishment ❤️