Why a Strong Preschool Foundation Shapes a Lifelong Love of Learning
The first years of your child’s education are more than just preparation for kindergarten — they are the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. The attitudes, skills, and confidence built in preschool can influence a child’s academic journey for years to come.
At Ivybrook Academy, we believe that when children start with the right foundation, they learn facts, but they also learn how to think, how to explore, and how to embrace challenges with curiosity. Our blended Montessori and Reggio Emilia approach is designed to spark joy in learning while building the resilience and adaptability they’ll need in the future.
The Science of Early Learning
According to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child, the early years are a period of rapid brain development, when experiences have an outsized impact on how children learn and grow. Positive, engaging early experiences help build strong neural connections that support skills like problem-solving, emotional regulation, and communication.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) also emphasizes that high-quality preschool programs help children develop the habits of mind that set them up for future success — persistence, focus, and the ability to work collaboratively.
What a Strong Preschool Foundation Looks Like
At Ivybrook, we go beyond teaching letters and numbers. Our classrooms are spaces where children:
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Ask big questions and search for answers through exploration
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Work collaboratively to solve problems and share discoveries
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Express themselves creatively through art, storytelling, and dramatic play
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Build confidence by making choices in their learning path
This isn’t accidental — it’s the intentional result of a curriculum that blends Montessori’s independence with Reggio Emilia’s creativity and collaboration.
Learn more about our curriculum →
The Lasting Impact of Early Education
Research has shown that children who experience high-quality early education enter kindergarten more prepared academically, socially, and emotionally. These advantages often extend into later schooling, where confident learners are more likely to participate in class, tackle challenges, and develop a positive self-image as students.
Our alumni often arrive in kindergarten ready not just to keep up — but to lead. Many are recognized for their curiosity, their ability to work independently, and their comfort speaking up in group settings.
Building Resilience for the Future
A strong preschool foundation doesn’t just prepare children for the next grade level — it helps them adapt to change. Whether they attend public or private school later on, children who have learned to think critically and approach challenges with creativity are better equipped to thrive in any environment.
By cultivating problem-solving skills, empathy, and self-confidence early on, we’re preparing our students for a future that requires more than memorization — it requires adaptability and a love for learning that never fades.
Partnering with Families for Success
Parents are essential partners in this process. Our half-day model leaves afternoons or mornings open for families to extend learning at home — reading together, exploring nature, or simply talking about the day’s discoveries.
When school and home work together, children experience learning as an ongoing, joyful part of life — not just something that happens in a classroom.