New to the Ann Arbor area is a school that promises to bring a unique learning experience to area preschoolers. Meet Maneesha Mankad and Vivek Jaikamal, owners of Ivybrook Academy. Ivybrook boasts a blend of Reggio-Emilia and Montessori approaches, meaning that students will receive “inspiring indoor and outdoor spaces that stimulate creativity and exploration, and a personalized learning experience that ensures every child receives the support they need to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.”
Mission and philosophy of Ivybrook
Ivybrook is committed to helping students reach their potential through individualized, powerful learning experiences and a unique blend of philosophies.
The Reggio-Emilia approach is based on respect for every child as a learner with immense potential who benefits from collaboration and experiential learning. The Montessori approach is focused on allowing children to build their learning through exploration and discovery. Both philosophies are child-centered and engaging, and a blend of these approaches are foundational to Ivybrook’s mission, which “emphasizes individualized learning, student voice, and discovery-based approaches.”
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Meet the owners: Maneesha and Vivek
Maneesha Mankad and Vivek Jaikamal opened Ann Arbor’s Ivybrook Academy just this summer. Maneesha and Vivek stated that they “share a deep commitment to children and education” and “saw a unique opportunity to impact early learners in the Ann Arbor, Saline, and Ypsilanti areas.”
Maneesha, a high-school educator, “is dedicated to fostering curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning through discovery and collaboration.” And Vivek, “sought an opportunity to transition beyond his corporate career.”
What does Ivybrook offer?
Ivybook has several unique opportunities for preschool students. To begin, Ivybrook offers a half-day program in order to respect children’s attention and development, however, children 3 and up also have a dual session option with both morning and afternoon class.
According to the owners, “this is perfect for families seeking additional learning opportunities without the structure of full-day daycare. Students enrolled in both sessions experience a thoughtfully balanced day filled with discovery, collaboration and creativity. Each session offers new, engaging activities to ensure children stay inspired and excited to learn.”
In both half-day or dual session settings, students experience a purposefully crafted curriculum and project-based learning with experienced educators.
Summer opportunities
Ivybrook also offers six weeks of summer camps during June-July every year. According to Ivybrook, “This is an opportunity for children to explore their interests, discover new skills, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Our lesson plans and activities are tailored to meet the needs of children at each developmental stage, fostering curiosity and confidence in a nurturing environment.”
Interested in Learning More? At Ivybrook Academy, the Door is Open!
Ivybrook invites you to learn more about their unique learning experiences and what they might mean for your family!
As Maneesha and Vivek state, “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. Choosing the right preschool takes time, research and thoughtful questions. We encourage families to visit in person, observe the classrooms and talk to the teachers. 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. If you’d like to see how our approach could be the right fit for your child, we’d love to welcome you to a private tour of Ivybrook Academy.”
Lend some support
As a new addition to the Ann Arbor area, Ivybrook Academy would love help in spreading the word about their role in the community. They encourage you to reach out to book a private tour or attend their open houses planned for early 2026. They also invite the community to follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for fun and informational updates.
To contact Ivybrook, explore their website or call 734-719-8184.
