Little Ivies Prep, LLC

Great school… the owner is very hands on with everything…

My children have attended Little Ivies since they were each around 3 months old. As my son heads off to kindergarten this fall and we tearfully say goodbye to Little Ivies, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on our years there and share a review.

We have had an amazing experience at Little Ivies. We've loved the facility, the people, the program, and the owner/director. The space is so charming and absolutely perfect for children 0-5, and is kept immaculately clean. The care for the younger children is incredible - the babies are so loved by the director and entire staff, not only their main teacher. They do fantastic activities, have the cutest little gym (it may look small, but the 0-2yos who use it universally adore it!), go for neighborhood walks, and spend time in the facility's charming private backyard (so perfect with Covid). As the children get a little older, they continue to have warm, loving caregivers, and also start learning more formally. Given the small class sizes, the teachers have been able to go well beyond the traditional daycare or preschool curriculum, while still incorporating loads of music, movement, arts, and play throughout the day. Now at 5, my almost-kindergartener has amazing relationships, reads very well, and has loads of incredible memories of a lifetime-to-date at Little Ivies. Every teacher has been phenomenal -- hiring amazing people is one of the director's many talents -- and we are so grateful for each and every one of them. We recommend the program wholeheartedly.

I was set up on a tour with the owner Rianna Barksdale.
I expressed concern that during SCHEDULED tour the classroom was pitch black due to nap time and I could not see inside, having no way to evaluate if my child would be comfortable. When I asked about what the classroom looked like and to reschedule the tour I was met with extreme defensiveness of the facilities.
I was literaly told "way to wait until the last minute mom!" when I expressed the need for a start date. Rather than having compassion for my situation of being strapped for childcare.
While we never experienced the facility as parents, It was very clear that common concerns would be met with hostility and defensiveness should we need to discuss any challenges. I was called the following week by Ms Barksdale to cancel my rescheduled tour as there was no room for us...no offer of waitlist...nothing. I guess wanting to see a classroom in the light of day was too much to ask. This was all a VERY bad sign regarding communication of staff.