Our Program
Educational Excellence
The Ivy School is considered a high-quality play-based preschool due to several key factors:
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An intentional and dynamic environment
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Educators who engage with children in play to challenge, question, inspire critical thinking and follow the interests of children.
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Extensions of activities to push play further and engage children on a deeper level.
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Documentation that reflects understanding of experiences; to reflect the learning that is happening back to children and families.
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Share learning experiences with families to help further understanding of play based learning.
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5-Star QRIS Rating: Recognized for maintaining the highest state standards for early childhood education and care.
Our Educators
At the heart of our program is a commitment to nurturing every child’s unique potential, allowing their natural curiosity to lead the way.
Our educators use a play-based curriculum, resourcing children’s passions and interests, with a distinct focus on the individual learning needs of each child. We provide comfort, create interest, and offer challenges for each learner, stimulating and assessing their growth through the creative process of hands-on experiences! All of our educators have extensive training, experience and education in the field of Early Childhood Education. We work hard to provide our staff with ongoing training to meet the individual needs of their students and families.
Play-Based Learning
Guided by student interests, our emergent curriculum uses play as the foundation for exploration. We offer intentional activities in STEAM, music, and the arts to foster cognitive, social-emotional, and motor skill development.
Inclusive Community
We are dedicated to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and safe.
Nourishing Meals
We believe in fueling young minds with healthy, freshly prepared meals provided daily.
Kindergarten Readiness
Our program provides a robust foundation for future academic success, carefully developing skills to ensure a confident transition to elementary school.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer both half-day and full-day programming to best accommodate your family’s needs.
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Extended Exploration
As part of our commitment to experiential learning, all families receive a complimentary TCMSO Museum Membership with their tuition, encouraging discovery beyond the classroom.
Our Journey
The Evolution of The Ivy School
2014 | The preschool program is founded under the name The Learning Loft. It begins operations directly inside the Kid Time Children’s Museum in Downtown Medford.
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2020–2021 | Rebranding and resilience, the program underwent a significant transformation. It was officially renamed The Ivy School and moved into the historic Carnegie Library. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, the school expanded to six classrooms and broadened its scope to support K-5th grade distance learning.
2022 | The Ivy School formally moves under the umbrella of the Oregon Center for Creative Learning (OCCL), alongside the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon.
2023 | The school sees massive growth, expanding to 11 classrooms across eight different locations throughout the Rogue Valley.
2024–2025 | With the acquisition of the Dutch Bros’ headquarters in Grants Pass and active capital campaigns, the preschool services are positioned to expand further into Josephine County and grow their existing Medford footprint.
FUTURE | Continuing to prepare children for success through play.
The Foundation for Lifelong Success
The Ivy School transforms lives through inclusive, creative learning. By fostering emotional growth and agency, we empower families and help children thrive from the very start.
Support & Resources
Free language assistance, auxiliary aids, and/or accommodations are available upon request. Please contact: preschoolenrollment@tcmso.org.
WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
I can’t tell you what a great feeling it is to drop him off somewhere he is not only safe but appreciated and loved. The communication is great and they are willing to help him with skills he still needs improvement on. He has grown a lot in the last year socially with their help.
-Allison
WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
My five-year-old has transitioned well to the longer school day and has wonderful teacher and assistants. It’s preparing him well for kindergarten!
-Dona
WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
My daughter has a hard time with change, so I was worried about her starting kindergarten next year. I am now confident in her ability to adjust to kindergarten and be more prepared to learn now that she has been part of The Ivy School.
-Bethany
WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
We love all the staff at the Ivy school and I recommend them to all my friends with young children. Being in this program has helped immensely.
-Amy