A Reggio Emilia + Montessori + Half Day Preschool Where Your
Child Will Thrive
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Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill

875 Dave Gibson Blvd

Fort Mill, SC 29708

(803) 991-0644
store front image
Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill
(803) 991-0644

875 Dave Gibson Blvd

Fort Mill, SC 29708

  • 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

Still Life Representation

Lea 3 years 2 months

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Fort Mill Campus

Private Half-Day Preschool in Fort Mill, SC

Every Child Needs Room to Grow

Vibrant futures begin with strong roots, and at Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill, we help children discover the world around them and grow into compassionate citizens. Our Fort Mill Preschool lays a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning with our innovative approach to early childhood education. Our private, half-day Preschool in Fort Mill, SC is a step above the others, and offers a customized approach to learning that celebrates each child’s uniqueness.

Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill believes that the world around us offers endless learning possibilities. That’s why we tap into children’s natural curiosity and encourage them to explore, ask questions, and discuss their findings. With indoor and outdoor classrooms, there’s no limit to what they can discover.

Our Fort Mill Preschool offers the following programs:

 

All of the above programs are half-day classes, and we offer both morning and afternoon sessions for some of our programs. The half-day model is the best fit for children of these ages, as it provides adequate time for learning while allowing the important time to spend at home with family. It’s also a great introduction to school and will prepare them for full-day sessions in the future.

We’d love to have you join our community of learning and development. Contact us online or call (803) 991-0644 today to learn more about our summer camp and half-day Preschool in Fort Mill, SC!

Redefining the Fort Mill Preschool Classroom Experience

Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill offers students the opportunity to explore the world around them – both inside and outside the classroom. Weather permitting, we frequently take our learning outdoors and make nature our classroom. Children can learn so much just from observing how the world works, which is why we don’t confine our curriculum solely to the classroom. Children have a natural curiosity about the world and their physical environment offers a rich resource for exploration and inquiry.

Our Curriculum

Our Fort Mill Preschool draws upon three innovative educational philosophies: Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

  • Reggio Emilia – This approach allows students to learn at their own pace and invites teachers and families to participate in a collaborative effort. Peer interaction is one of the foundations of this innovative method.
  • Montessori – This is another highly respected technique and is similar to Reggio Emilia in that it allows children to take the lead in their education. This curriculum consists of hands-on activities and encourages children to work individually as well as with others.
  • This theory posits that, since every child’s mind is different, each will learn, remember, and perform differently. For this reason, the curriculum should be adapted to meet a child’s specific needs.

At Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill, we believe that combining aspects of all three of these approaches allows us to provide the most comprehensive early childhood experience.

When Should You Start Preschool for Your Child?

Choosing the right time to enroll your child in preschool can be a challenging decision for parents. At Ivybrook Academy, we believe that the best time to start depends on your family's needs and your child's developmental stage.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to start at Ivybrook Academy:

  • Family Needs: Consider your family's needs, such as work schedules, transportation, and finances. If you need to work or have other obligations that require child care, you may need to enroll your child in preschool earlier than if you have more flexible arrangements.
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  • Child's Age: The age of your child is another important factor to consider when choosing when to start preschool. At Ivybrook Academy, we accept children as young as six weeks old for our infant program, but the majority of our students are between the ages of two and five.
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  • Developmental Stage: Your child's developmental stage is also a critical factor to consider. If your child is struggling with separation anxiety or adapting to new environments, you may want to wait until they are emotionally ready to handle preschool. However, if your child is eager to explore, interact with others, and learn new skills, it may be a beneficial experience for them.
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  • Personal Goals: Consider your personal goals for your child's education and socialization. If you want your child to develop social and emotional skills early, preschool may be a great option for them.

The best age to start preschool for your child at Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill depends on your family's needs and your child's developmental stage. Our toddler program accepts children as young as one year old, and our preschool program is designed for children between the ages of two and five. 

We also provide private kindergarten for children older than five years old. We recommend considering your child's readiness for socialization, your family's needs, and your personal goals for your child when deciding when to start preschool.

What is Preschool?


Preschool is an essential stage in a child's educational journey, providing a structured and nurturing environment for their early development. It serves as a crucial bridge between home and elementary school, preparing children both academically and socially for the challenges and expectations of formal education. 

Preschool programs typically cater to children between the ages of three and five, although the specific age range may vary.  Preschool is a special time when kids grow and learn a lot. They start learning important skills that will help them in school later on. They learn things like how to read and count, how to talk and communicate well, and even some basic science and problem-solving. Preschool is a fun place where they do activities that make them excited about learning and wanting to know more about everything around them.

Benefits of Private Preschool 

Private preschool, as the name suggests, is a preschool that operates independently of the public education system and is privately funded. Here are some benefits of private preschool:

  1. Smaller class sizes provide individualized attention and personalized instruction, enhancing the learning experience for each child.
  2. Private preschools prioritize high-quality education with specialized curricula, enriched environments, and experienced teachers dedicated to early childhood education.
  3. Specialized programs cater to specific interests or developmental needs, offering unique learning experiences tailored to a child's interests and learning style.
  4. Private preschools focus on fostering early development in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains, preparing children for future academic success.
  5. Enhanced resources and facilities, such as well-equipped classrooms and outdoor play areas, support hands-on learning experiences and create a stimulating environment for children.
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  7. Private preschool like Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill offers numerous advantages that can greatly benefit your child's early education. From smaller class sizes and high-quality instruction to specialized programs and a focus on holistic development, private preschools provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive. By enrolling your child in a private preschool, you are giving them a strong foundation for future academic success and a love for learning. 
  8.  
  9. Don't wait to give your child the best start in their educational journey! Call (803) 991-0644 now to secure their place and set them on the path to lifelong learning and success.

Discover the exceptional benefits of private preschool for your child's early education journey. Contact our Fort Mill preschool today by calling (803) 991-0644or contact us online to schedule a tour and learn more.   

Schedule Your Visit!

We offer private tours of our Fort Mill Preschool campus, reach out to us today to schedule yours. This is a great opportunity to see what we are about, see how we impact our students’ lives daily, and ask any questions you may have. The whole team at our preschool in Fort Mill, SC looks forward to meeting you and your family!

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  • Now Touring for the

    ’25-’26 School Year

    Our campus tours are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of our school and your child’s specific program so you can feel confident that our Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill is the best choice for your family. Please contact the administrative team at Fort Mill at (803) 991-0644 for details regarding scheduling your private tour or reach out via our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Growing Toward

Their Brightest Future

The Ivybrook curriculum grows with your child. Each of our programs optimize children’s time away from their families by providing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities customized to each child’s needs. Explore your child’s age group in more detail, or read an overview of our program offerings!

Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill Campus

Our School Leadership

At Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill, we apply an innovative approach to early childhood education and create vibrant communities filled with compassionate citizens. Our Fort Mill campus leadership welcomes new families with open arms and is excited to collaborate with you on enriching your child’s development.

  • Bowen family Bowen Family Owners
  • Coryn Team Image Coryn Santiago Assistant Principal
  • Carol Team Image Carol Carrier Assistant Principal

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Tending to

The Joy In Learning

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Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill

875 Dave Gibson Blvd

Fort Mill, SC 29708

(803) 991-0644