Ivybrook Academy Franchise
Ivybrook Academy blends proven educational philosophies—Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and customized assessment—to create a unique, individualized curriculum. Our half-day model emphasizes academic rigor, creative exploration, and social-emotional growth in a nurturing environment.
$250,000
$50,000
50
2015
Weddington, NC
Drew McWilliams
About Ivybrook Academy
Ivybrook Academy blends proven educational philosophies—Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and customized assessment—to create a unique, individualized curriculum. Our half-day model emphasizes academic rigor, creative exploration, and social-emotional growth in a nurturing environment. Our half-day model is research-backed to align with young children’s developmental needs. Shorter, focused learning periods allow children to engage deeply without feeling overwhelmed, giving them time to process and apply their learning at home. Ivybrook Academy offers programs for children from toddler age (approximately 18 months) to kindergarten. Each program is tailored to meet the developmental milestones of that specific age group. Ivybrook Academy is a private preschool focused on academic, social, and emotional development through an innovative curriculum. Unlike daycares, our half-day schedule emphasizes high-quality learning experiences rather than extended childcare.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
50
10
$933,598
* in 2025
Franchise Fees
$50,000
7.0%
Gross Revenues
2.0%
Gross Revenues
Why Choose Ivybrook Academy?
Our curriculum integrates elements of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and individualized assessments to foster critical thinking, creativity, and independence. Lessons are designed to adapt to each child’s unique strengths and developmental needs. Our curriculum encompasses early literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, creative arts, and social-emotional learning. Enrichment activities like music, movement, and cultural exploration are also a key part of the program. Our curriculum aligns with national standards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Council for the Teaching of English, and more, ensuring a comprehensive, high-quality education. We use ongoing, individualized assessments to track each child’s development. These assessments inform our teaching strategies and ensure that every child’s learning path is tailored to their needs. We believe that the environment is a “third teacher.” Our classrooms feature calming colors, natural materials, and intentional designs to reduce overstimulation and promote focus, curiosity, and creativity. At Ivybrook Academy, we believe that early childhood is a time for exploration, self-discovery, and celebrating individuality. Following the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, we encourage children to express themselves—even through their clothing choices. This fosters independence, confidence, and a strong sense of identity, all of which are key to nurturing lifelong learners.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$700,000 - $1,200,000
$1,500,000
$250,000
Training & Support
You do not need to be an educator to own an Ivybrook Academy. Franchisees receive comprehensive training and support designed to prepare them for both opening and operating their school.
Support begins well before opening and includes site selection and campus development guidance, pre-opening planning, staff hiring, operations, curriculum implementation, marketing and community launch strategy. Franchisees receive training designed to help them understand the Ivybrook model and confidently lead their team and school.
After opening, support continues through Ivybrook’s corporate team, including operational guidance, curriculum and educational resources, marketing support, brand standards and access to experienced franchise support professionals. Owners also become part of a growing network of Ivybrook franchisees who can share experiences and best practices. The goal is simple: franchisees are in business for themselves, but they are not building their Ivybrook Academy alone.
History
Ivybrook Academy was founded in 2007 by Drew and Jennifer McWilliams with the opening of the first campus in Weddington, North Carolina. Their vision was to create something different from traditional full-day childcare: a high-quality, half-day preschool experience built around the individual child and influenced by Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational philosophies.
What began with a single school has grown into a nationally recognized franchise system with locations across the United States. Today, Ivybrook continues to expand into new communities while maintaining the educational philosophy and family-centered culture on which the brand was built. The company has been recognized among the Top 500 franchise companies worldwide for five consecutive years, and its continued growth is being driven by franchise owners who want to combine business ownership with a meaningful impact in their communities.
Ideal Candidate
Ivybrook Academy owners come from many different professional backgrounds, and prior preschool or education experience is not required. Our strongest franchisees tend to be people who enjoy leading teams, building relationships and becoming involved in their local communities.
We look for owners who are passionate about creating something meaningful, but who also understand that an Ivybrook Academy is a business that requires leadership, organization and execution. Candidates may be experienced business owners, executives, educators, entrepreneurs, couples with complementary skills, or professionals looking for a rewarding next chapter.
Most importantly, successful owners believe in the importance of early childhood education, enjoy working with people and families, and are committed to following a proven system while building a strong local presence. Ivybrook provides the curriculum, systems, training and ongoing support. Our franchisees provide the leadership and connection to their communities.