Exploring Life & Business with Vik Swamy of Ivybrook Academy Solon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vik Swamy.

Vik, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up around entrepreneurship, as my family has been in the manufacturing business for many years. That experience gave me a strong foundation in how to build and operate a business, along with an appreciation for discipline, systems, and long-term thinking.

When the time came to carve out my own path, I found myself not wanting to go the traditional corporate route. I wanted more control over the direction of my life and the ability to build something of my own, but also something more purpose-driven where I could make a real impact.

As I explored different paths, including business ownership opportunities, I was intentional about finding something aligned with both my values and the kind of impact I wanted to have. Around that same time, I was also thinking about my own three daughters and the type of educational environment I wanted for them, which made the decision much more personal. I was not just thinking about a business opportunity, but about the kind of environment I would trust with my own children every single day. I kept coming back to early childhood education because it is such a critical stage in development and an opportunity to shape confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

That search ultimately led me to Ivybrook Academy, a progressive early childhood school grounded in approaches like Reggio Emilia and Montessori, with a strong emphasis on relationships, individualized learning, and community.

What drew me to Ivybrook was the opportunity to do fulfilling work while making a difference in the community, and to create something that I would genuinely want for my own children.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a completely smooth road, but that is part of building something meaningful.

One of the biggest challenges early on was finding the right location. We were very intentional about choosing a space that truly fit the vision for the school and would serve families well, which meant being patient and passing on options that did not feel like the right long-term fit.

There is also a significant level of commitment and risk that comes with opening a school like this. It requires a long-term mindset and a strong belief in what you are creating, especially in the early stages before everything is fully up and running. Like any construction project, there were also unexpected hurdles along the way, but those moments ultimately reinforced the importance of staying flexible and focused on the end goal.

Another important part of the journey has been assembling the right team. Finding strong leaders who align with the vision and values of the school is critical, and not always easy. I feel very fortunate to have found incredible directors who share that commitment and are helping bring the school to life in the right way.

We are also in a community with very high expectations around education, which has pushed us to be even more thoughtful and intentional in everything we are building.

At the end of the day, those challenges have made the process more purposeful. They have forced us to be deliberate in our decisions and stay grounded in why we started this in the first place, which is to build something impactful for families and the community. With construction underway and an anticipated opening this summer, it is exciting to see the vision begin to come to life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Ivybrook Academy is a progressive early childhood school designed around the idea that every child is unique. Our program blends elements of the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches with other research-based practices to support not only academic growth, but also social, emotional, and creative development.

What sets us apart is how individualized and relationship-driven the experience is. We are very intentional about not being a traditional daycare model, but instead a true early childhood education experience. We believe each child learns differently, and our teachers take the time to understand each child’s interests, strengths, and learning style. That allows us to meet each child where they are, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. In practice, that means no two children have the exact same experience, even within the same classroom.

We are equally intentional about creating an environment where educators can do their best work. We believe that great schools are built by great educators, and creating an environment where teachers feel supported and empowered is essential. When educators thrive, children thrive.

Partnership with families is another core part of what we do. We prioritize communication, trust, and connection so parents feel confident and engaged in their child’s experience.

What I am most proud of is that we are creating something that is both high-quality and deeply personal—a place where children are truly known, families feel a sense of belonging, and our team is aligned around making a meaningful impact that extends well beyond the classroom and into how children see themselves and the world around them.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would not describe myself as someone who takes risks casually, but I do believe that taking thoughtful, calculated risks is necessary if you want to build something of your own or create a life on your own terms.

Earlier in my career, I chose a more traditional and stable path, which gave me a strong foundation. Over time, I realized that if I wanted to do something more meaningful and have a greater impact, I would need to become more comfortable with uncertainty.

Opening a school like this is certainly a significant risk. It requires a substantial investment of time, capital, and energy, often well before you see results. But for me, it was not about taking a blind leap. It was about having a clear vision, doing the work to understand the opportunity, and having conviction in both the model and the impact it could have.

I believe the most worthwhile opportunities come with some level of uncertainty. If something feels completely safe, it is often because the upside is limited.

At the same time, I think it is important to approach risk with discipline. That includes thoughtful decision-making, surrounding yourself with the right people, and building a strong team. In my experience, having the right people in place is one of the most effective ways to mitigate risk.

Ultimately, this journey has reinforced that certain risks are necessary if you want to build something you truly believe in and create the kind of life you want for yourself and your family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ivybrookacademy.com/solon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivybrookacademysolon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivybrookacademy.solon
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vik-swamy/