preschool teacher

educator

teacher

substitute teacher

lead teacher

Ivybrook Academy

What is the best part of working at the company?
One of the standout aspects of Ivybrook is the supportive team environment. Leadership is approachable, collaborative, and genuinely invested in both student success and teacher growth. There is open communication, encouragement to share ideas, and a strong sense that everyone is working toward the same goal. The smaller class sizes also allow educators to be present, responsive, and intentional with each student.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Ivybrook Academy is a structured preschool with a unique, intentional curriculum that’s individualized for each student using data-driven decisions. This approach may feel different from traditional early childhood programs, but there is strong support and guidance to help educators succeed.

Ivybrook also offers ongoing professional development, which makes it a great place for teachers who want to grow, challenge themselves, and feel valued. It’s a supportive environment for educators who are motivated, collaborative, and passionate about providing meaningful learning experiences for young children.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Ivybrook prioritizes social-emotional development just as much as academics, creating a calm, respectful, and nurturing atmosphere. Families are engaged and supportive, which makes partnership and communication feel natural and meaningful.

This is a great place for educators who value creativity, collaboration, and building strong relationships with children and families. If you are looking for a supportive environment where you can grow professionally and make a meaningful impact, Ivybrook Academy is a wonderful place to be.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day includes welcoming students, supporting a smooth transition into the classroom, and facilitating individualized, hands-on learning experiences based on each child’s goals. Much of the day is spent observing, guiding small groups, and documenting learning.

Days are packed from start to finish. There's no dedicated time for planning, which means a lot of the preparation happens on our own time. Teachers are expected to choose weekly objectives and collaborative topics, typically in science, history, or art. This adds to the pressure and leaves little room for flexibility or creativity.

What I Believe I Learned:
I’ve learned how to adapt quickly and stay composed under stress. I've become more self-reliant, learned to manage classrooms without consistent support, and developed strong problem-solving skills. Unfortunately, I’ve learned more about what I don’t want in a workplace than what I do.

Management:
Admin tries their best and genuinely cares, which is appreciated, but the director is largely hands-off and doesn't engage with staff meaningfully. There’s no encouragement, no bonuses, no benefits like 401(k) or insurance, and no effort to offer professional development or growth opportunities.

Workplace Culture:
The culture lacks support and appreciation. Teachers often feel unheard, unvalued, and overwhelmed. While the PTA does their best to step in and provide what we need—whether it’s supplies or small gestures of kindness—the leadership does little to recognize or uplift staff. It’s not a motivating environment.

The Hardest Part of the Job:
Feeling ignored and unsupported by leadership while juggling intense responsibilities and student behaviors with no structure in place for help is incredibly hard. The emotional and physical toll is real, and the pay doesn’t come close to reflecting what is expected from us.

The Most Enjoyable Part of the Job:
The students bring joy, curiosity, and humor to the day, and working with a few passionate coworkers makes it bearable. When kids have a breakthrough or show growth, it reminds you why you chose teaching, even if the environment doesn’t always support you in doing your best work.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Working here is truly a positive and meaningful experience. One of the biggest reasons is how genuinely supportive and compassionate the leadership team is. The administration is always approachable, readily available when help is needed, and willing to step in to offer support during both everyday challenges and more difficult moments.

What stands out most is that management understands employees are people first. They recognize that real life happens and that family matters. When personal situations come up, they are accommodating, understanding, and encourage you to take care of what is important at home without making you feel guilty for it.

It is rare to find a workplace where you feel valued not only for the work you do, but also cared for as a person. There is a sincere sense that your well-being matters, and that kind of support creates a positive environment where employees can feel respected, appreciated, and motivated to do their best each day.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
You never know what could happen day to day working with children so have to be prepared for anything they may bring but you are always supported through it. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It feels like a family. From the co-workers to the admin everyone is looking out for one another and ready to jump in and help someone out. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Working hands on with the children and helping them grow and blossom not only in academics but social emotional. We are alotted time to plan. Outside of direct care with the children we maintain a clean classroom and prepare activities for the following day.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The best part of working at Ivybrook is the sense of family. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the leadership is amazing and very supportive. It’s a place that has taught me so much and helped me grow. I truly love the kids and enjoy building relationships with their parents. Watching the children learn and grow every day makes the job so rewarding, and it really feels like a community rather than just a workplace.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
One of the most stressful parts at first was learning the curriculum because it can be challenging. However, we have someone who provides us with the tools and guidance we need, and the leadership team is very involved and supportive. With that help, it becomes much easier to learn and grow!

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment and culture are very positive, welcoming, and respectful of all backgrounds and cultures. Everyone works together with kindness and professionalism, which helps create a strong sense of community.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day involves preparing the classroom, guiding the children through different learning activities, and supporting their social and academic development. We follow the curriculum while also encouraging creativity, independence, and exploration. Throughout the day we work closely as a team and communicate with families to make sure each child feels supported and cared for.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Here’s a polished version of your response:
The best part of working with this company is the meaningful relationships you build. whether with administrators, coworkers, or the students and their families. Those connections create a supportive and rewarding environment that makes the work truly fulfilling.


What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Here’s a clear and professional way to phrase that:
The most stressful part of the job can be managing challenging student behaviors. However, the administration is very supportive and responsive, which makes a big difference. 


What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Ivybrook of Huntersville has a great culture and a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued. The team is supportive, collaborative, and easy to work with, making it an enjoyable place to be every day.


What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day starts with warmly greeting the kids and helping them feel comfortable and excited for the day ahead. From there, I prepare and guide meaningful lessons that encourage students to explore and engage with different materials.

Throughout the day, children take part in activities like music, art, and hands-on learning, allowing them to express creativity and build new skills. Outdoor play is also an important part of the routine, giving them time to stay active, explore, and socialize in a fun and supportive environment.

I was so glad to find a school that matched my philosophies about children and how they learn.  95% of the time I got the support I wanted when I was a teacher (for over 2 years).  
These owners and administrators love children and want to see everyone learn and grow, even their teachers.  We have salaries, lighter summer hours, planning time, a teacher training WEEK each year, and insurance.
You do have to ask for certain supplies, but as long as I asked a week or more in advance, I either got it or was given a good substitute; they do an art supply order 3 times a year. You are assigned a classroom at the beginning and stay there all school year long.  You are never having other classroom's children coming to your room.
Other than the one school I worked at that had a box curriculum, this school has been the easiest to lesson plan for.  There are times of day when the children have the equivalent of "Specials" and you get planning time then.  You and your co-teacher split the load, including the weekly newsletters. Your plans are individualized, which is harder than a class-wide plan, but you aren't boxed in to certain activities and are only responsible for crafting plans for math OR literacy, not both.  They science/social studies activities are already planned.
The half-day schedule is amazing for my patience, because you get a fresh start each afternoon!  New children who are fresh and ready to learn and no nap-time or lunch struggles.

Working at Ivybrook Academy offers a rewarding and enriching experience for educators passionate about early childhood education. Here’s a detailed look at the various aspects of working at Ivybrook:

Here are 5 things that come to mind. 

	1.	Innovative Curriculum:
Ivybrook Academy’s unique blend of Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches provides educators with a dynamic and engaging curriculum. This allows for creativity and flexibility in lesson planning and classroom management.
	2.	Professional Development:
The academy places a strong emphasis on continuous professional development. Regular training sessions and workshops help teachers stay updated with the latest educational practices and methodologies.
	3.	Collaborative Environment:
The work culture at Ivybrook is collaborative, fostering a sense of community among staff. Teachers and administrators work closely together, sharing ideas and supporting each other to enhance the overall learning experience for students.
	4.	Supportive Administration:
The administrative team at Ivybrook is approachable and supportive. They provide the necessary resources and guidance, ensuring that teachers can focus on their primary role of educating and nurturing children.
	5.	State-of-the-Art Facilities:
The academy boasts modern, well-equipped classrooms and facilities, creating a conducive learning environment. This includes access to various teaching aids and technology that enhance the educational experience.


The school that I had been working at was deeply unsupportive of their teachers and staff, creating chaos all the time. The day I came in to interview at Ivybrook, I was very surprised at how welcoming they were and how quiet, calm and organized the school appeared to be. 
After accepting the position, I've learned that it is indeed a place to grow for both the children and the educators. I have never used my degree as much as I have while working here. The expectations of an educator are indeed high, and are designed as such in order to give an intensive, immersive and developmental experience for the children, the parents and the staff alike. If you are looking for a position where you can grow to become a better teacher, this is for you. If you're looking for something that is easy and are not open to soft critique or a growth-mindset, it might be the best fit. 
I was in need of a place where I could also bring my child, and they were able to work with me independently in order to ensure that not only would my student have a safe place to learn and grow, but also that my work opportunities and compensation were valued, understood and met.  
I would absolutely recommend this location and position to anyone who is looking for a part-time environment where you can have an amazing relationship with children as well as an opportunity for increased personal and professional growth. 

As both a parent and an employee at Ivybrook Academy in Estero, FL, I can confidently say that this school is truly special. The environment is warm, welcoming, and nurturing, making it the perfect place for my child to grow and thrive. The individualized attention the teachers give each student is unmatched, and I’ve seen my child blossom in both confidence and academic ability.

Ivybrook’s Montessori-inspired curriculum allows children to explore and learn at their own pace, which fosters a love for learning that is evident in my child’s enthusiasm every day. I appreciate how the school emphasizes emotional growth, social skills, and academic excellence in equal measure. The small class sizes and focus on individualized learning make it clear that every child’s needs are met.

As an employee, I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing team of educators who are not only dedicated to their students but also supportive of one another. The collaborative atmosphere makes working at Ivybrook a joy, and I feel valued and appreciated in my role. The management team truly cares about both the children and the staff, which makes it a fantastic place to work.

Overall, Ivybrook Academy is a wonderful community for both families and staff. I’m incredibly grateful for the positive impact it has had on my child’s life, and I’m proud to be part of such a special school.

What is the best part of working at the company?
This has been the best work experience! Everyone is so kind and helpful. I enjoy coming to work everyday and seeing all the community engagement and all the educators working together. The teachers and administrators are so friendly and truly makes it a positive work environment. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The curriculm  can be intensive to follow but with the help of director of curriculum she has made it so much easier! 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment is positive and fun to be around. They are eager to help you grow with your professional development. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
you start off the day with a morning meeting with all the educators and admins. This allows teachers to do a check in on how they are doing, and it also gives important information about the day. We then go into our classroom and wait for the kids to arrive. We have morning circle time and then go into small groups. After small groups it is snack and gross motor activities, then finish up with fun collaborative learning actives. At the end of the day we say our goodbyes and have some planning time before we leave.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Preschool teacher 82 salaries reported	$18.20 per hour
Educator 24 salaries reported	$18.53 per hour
Teacher 6 salaries reported	$18.80 per hour
Substitute teacher 7 salaries reported	$15.21 per hour
Lead teacher 5 salaries reported	$19.40 per hour

Working at Ivybrook Academy: Company Overview and Reviews

Ivybrook Academy

Ivybrook Academy Ratings

Popular jobs at Ivybrook Academy

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected