About Us
Who we are
The Ivy School Approach
At The Ivy School, we offer a nurturing preschool environment grounded in the Reggio Emilia approach—an educational philosophy that honors children as curious, capable, and full of potential.
Our classrooms extend seamlessly into nature, where we are deeply committed to bringing children outside to connect, explore, and play in the natural world. Learning emerges through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships both indoors and outdoors, as children experience real cycles of growth, weather, and seasons firsthand.
With a strong focus on community, collaboration, and child-led discovery, we support children in becoming confident, compassionate, and engaged learners.
We’re proud to offer a nurturing, small-group preschool experience with a 5:1 student–teacher ratio.
Our Facility Number is: 376630380
Meet The Ivy Team
Viviana - Founder & Director
With thirteen years of dedicated experience in early childhood education, I bring a unique perspective shaped by a deep respect for children’s natural capacity to learn through play, a strong commitment to Reggio Emilia values, and a passion for nature-based, outdoor learning.
Throughout my teaching journey, I had the privilege of working at a remarkable progressive school in La Jolla, where I developed and led a fully outdoor pre-K classroom. This innovative environment has been one of the most rewarding adventures of my career, allowing me to witness firsthand how children thrive when learning is rooted in nature and play.
I’m excited to bring the knowledge I’ve gained and my passion for early childhood education to this new community. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, deeply inspired by the natural world, and grounded in the belief that children learn best through meaningful play experiences.
Dariana - Lead Teacher
For over 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside children, supporting their growth through meaningful relationships and play. After earning my BA in Child Development from PLNU in 2017, I found my passion in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I believe teaching to be a lifelong journey, and since then, I have continued to grow as an educator through workshops, peer collaboration and the wisdom of intentional, incredible mentors, including our beloved director, Vivi, whose guidance has deeply shaped my teaching philosophy.
Creating a nurturing, holistic environment where children feel seen, capable, and inspired is at the heart of everything I do. I value nature, rich outdoor experiences, hands-on exploration, and uninterrupted play as essential foundations for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
As I prepare to welcome my own daughter into the world, I am filled with gratitude for all the environments that strive to preserve the magic of childhood. Becoming a mother is deepening my appreciation for the trust families place in me and enriching the compassion and care I bring into the classroom. I look forward to blending my experience as a teacher with my journey through motherhood as I continue to nurture children with deep reverence and joy!
Perla - Administrator & Teacher Assistant
Hi, I’m Teacher Pepi. I am a mother of two young girls and serve as the administrator and teacher assistant at The Ivy. I earned my degree in Graphic Design and New Media Arts and spent several years working in live music production, branding, and website design for a variety of businesses. While creativity has always been a central part of my career, motherhood inspired a new passion for early childhood and the importance of preserving the wonder of childhood.
My approach to education is rooted in creating environments where children feel capable, connected, and free to explore. I believe in fostering independence, kindness, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for nature through play-based experiences that honor each child’s unique way of learning.
Through designing The Ivy’s branding identity, I became even more connected to the vision and values of this community. I feel grateful to be part of a place that honors childhood, and each day I enjoy learning alongside the children, supporting their growth, and continuing to grow as both an educator and a mother.
The Reggio Emilia approach is rooted in a profound belief that children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled, but capable researchers, natural scientists, and creative thinkers who construct their own understanding of the world.
Our Mission
At Ivy School, we honor children as capable researchers and natural learners. We create thoughtfully designed environments where children’s curiosity flourishes.
We embrace the outdoors as an essential learning space where children connect to real cycles of growth, seasons, and the living world.
Our commitment is to nurture confident, connected learners who see themselves as valued contributors to their community.
Our Five Core Values
1. The Image of the Child
At The Ivy School, we see every child as strong, capable, and full of potential. Children don’t need to be “fixed” or molded—they need to be understood, respected, and supported as they make sense of their world. This belief shapes everything we do, from how we design our spaces to how we respond when a child is experiencing big emotions.
2. Emergent Curriculum
Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all curriculum, we follow the children’s authentic interests and questions. When they become fascinated with how water moves, it becomes our science lab. When they explore fairness in play, it becomes our social studies conversation. Learning is most meaningful when it grows from genuine curiosity.
3. The Environment as the Third Teacher
Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are intentionally designed to spark investigation and wonder. Natural materials, flexible setups, and visible documentation show children that their ideas matter and their thinking has value. The environment isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an active participant in the learning process.
4. Documentation and Reflection
We observe and document children’s learning through photographs, transcripts, and work samples—not for display, but to truly understand how children think. These reflections guide our teaching and help children see themselves as thoughtful, capable learners.
5. Community and Collaboration
Learning is deeply relational. Children learn with and from one another, teachers learn alongside children, and families are essential partners in the journey. We’re not just a school—we’re a community of learners, each contributing our own stories, perspectives, and strengths.
