Ivybrook Academy Roanoke

As we begin our first day of Winter Break, we’re looking back on some recent moments from our outdoor classroom ❄️🤍

Our students have enjoyed exploring snow and ice—touching, observing, experimenting, and learning through hands-on play in nature. These experiences are a meaningful part of how children make sense of the world around them.

We wish all of our Ivybrook families a safe, restful, and joyful Winter Break, and we look forward to welcoming our students back in the new year!

Our winter celebrations have been a wonderful opportunity for meaningful, hands-on learning! ❄️ During this season, our students have been exploring snowflakes on our light tables, observing patterns, symmetry, and design while discovering that no two snowflakes are ever the same.

These conversations naturally led to a deeper connection: just like snowflakes, each of our students is unique, special, and valued for who they are. Through exploration, curiosity, and celebration, we continue to nurture both academic growth and a strong sense of self. 💙

We love seeing learning come to life in moments like these!

At Ivybrook Academy, we believe in nurturing not only curious learners, but compassionate hearts. Throughout the year, our students participate in service projects that help them practice empathy, kindness, and community connection.

Recently, each class created their own special cards to deliver to the nursing facility near our school. 💛

Pictured here are the “Sending You Hugs!” cards from one of our classrooms, lovingly crafted to bring a smile to someone’s day. We’re so proud of our students for sharing warmth with our neighbors! 🤗✨

We see children as curious, capable individuals with unique strengths and interests, which is why our blended curriculum integrates elements of the Montessori approach to build independence and confidence. The Ivybrook curriculum adapts to each child’s specific developmental needs, allowing them to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.

🎨✨ Our Pre-K artists began with simple, intentional shapes—circles, lines, and curves—and then filled in and around them with bold color to create their own abstract pieces inspired by Raindrops #4 by Bruce Gray. It’s amazing to see how basic shapes can transform into vibrant works of art through creativity and exploration! 🌈🖍️

There’s so much learning in every leap! 🪵💛 Our intentionally crafted outdoor classroom gives children the space to strengthen balance, coordination, and confidence through natural gross motor play.

Our Pre-K scientists explored how ice transforms into liquid water! ❄️➡️💧 With the changing season and our recent wintry weather, it's been the perfect time to observe how temperature affects the world around us.

As part of our Discovery Program, students explore famous works and mimic the techniques of the masters. By introducing students to artists like Picasso and Monet, we turn the atelier into a realm of exploration!

Colder weather can’t stop our outdoor fun! Our little explorers are bundled up and busy building, balancing, and imagining together at Ivybrook. ❄️💚

❄️ Happy Snow Day, Ivybrook! We hope your morning is filled with warm hugs, cocoa, and a little Olaf-inspired magic out in the snow. ⛄️💙

Our Pre-K students have been busy building, designing, and problem-solving during our recent Construction study! 🧱✨
From towering block structures to intricate Lincoln Log creations and magnetic masterpieces, our learners explored balance, stability, spatial awareness, and collaboration, all while bringing their imaginative ideas to life.

At Ivybrook, construction work is more than play… it’s hands-on learning that strengthens early math concepts, engineering thinking, and confident creativity. We’re so proud of these little architects!

Pajama Day smiles!

Our Threes class had the coziest morning during our recent Spirit Week in their favorite PJs. 💚