Inspiring Conversations with Alexis Zellars of West Ivy Prep Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Zellars.

Hi Alexis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started working in early childhood education in 2010 shortly after having my first daughter. What began as a way to provide for my family quickly turned into me finding my purpose and calling in life. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in the field substitute teacher, infant teacher, toddler teacher, preschool teacher, assistant director, and center director. Each role taught me something different, but one thing stayed the same: I was passionate about creating nurturing, safe, and enriching environments where early learners can grow and thrive.

In 2016, I found myself working in the underwriting department of a prominent insurance company. At the beginning of my journey with the company I felt happy with the opportunity, I had a decent salary, great benefits, and I saw potential to grow in the company. After a year or so I started to feel unfulfilled, and like something was missing. I knew I wasn’t living in alignment with my purpose. Around that time, my family and I moved to a new neighborhood. While searching for care for my second daughter, I realized there was a deep need for high-quality, loving, and intentional childcare in our area. That’s when the vision for my own program was born.

Everything seemed to align! I stepped out on faith, cashed out my savings, and opened my in-home preschool in 2018. At the time, it was called Bright Minds Big Hearts. After the recent passing of my grandfather, McElroy West, a respected entrepreneur in the Atlanta area, I wanted to honor his legacy. As I prayed and reflected, God gave me the name West Ivy Prep Academy. “West” to carry on my grandfather’s legacy, and “Ivy,” which means God’s gift in Hebrew. The name feels like a perfect reflection of the heart and purpose behind what I do.

At West Ivy Prep, our mission is to provide a superior early learning experience that cultivates and encourages the development of early leaders. Our core values: relationships, community, love, excellence, and leadership are imbedded into everything we do. I don’t just care for children; I nurture them, guide them, and help shape their sense of identity and purpose. I believe that strong roots build confident futures.

Running my program has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. It hasn’t always been easy, but the joy I get from watching my scholars grow, learn, and blossom reminds me daily that I’m walking in my purpose. West Ivy Prep is more than a school it’s a village, a vision, and a legacy in motion.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be lying if I said this journey has been all rainbows and sunshine. While I had years of experience in early childhood education, running a small business was completely new territory. Learning how to operate as both an educator and an entrepreneur came with a steep learning curve. I quickly had to realize that I was the business. I became the teacher, the accountant, the nurse, the janitor, the director, the curriculum coordinator, the cook, you name it. I’m literally a one-woman show, wearing every hat in my business to ensure things run smoothly and my scholars are cared for with excellence.

One of the biggest challenges in this industry is the unpredictability of enrollment. Enrollment can fluctuate seasonally, and that can impact everything from daily operations to budgeting.

2023 was one of my hardest years in business. We were still feeling the effects of the pandemic, I was trying to find my footing in the ever-changing world of social media and digital marketing, and I was also battling deep personal grief. It was a heavy year.

However, even in the struggle there was growth. In 2024, I bounced back. As an entrepreneur, I’ve adopted the mindset that we don’t panic, we pivot. I rebranded and restructured my business as West Ivy Prep Academy, I graduated from school, and I grew stronger both personally and professionally.

There have definitely been highs and lows, but I’ve learned to navigate the tough seasons with faith, strategy, and flexibility.

Every challenge has taught me something valuable, and I carry those lessons with me as I continue to build and lead with purpose.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about West Ivy Prep Academy ?
West Ivy Prep Academy is a small in-home preschool serving children from infancy through pre-kindergarten. What makes my program special isn’t just what I do, but how I do it. I believe in creating intentional, enriching experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and nurture the whole child.

My approach is rooted in play-based, skill-focused learning designed to prepare scholars for kindergarten and beyond. I blend hands-on exploration, strong academics, and social-emotional growth in a warm, family-like environment. Due to having a small student-to-teacher ratio, every child receives individualized attention and the consistency they need to thrive. One of the greatest advantages of my program is continuity of care. Many of my students are with me from infancy all the way through pre-k, building lasting relationships and benefiting from a trusted, familiar learning environment every step of the way.

I’m also proud to offer a well-rounded experience that includes nutrition and wellness. Our scholars enjoy home-cooked meals that follow USDA MyPlate and CACFP guidelines, and we introduce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to help support healthy habits early on.

Another thing that truly sets my program apart is my commitment to excellence and the results I see in my scholars. Many students who complete my program go on to test into gifted programs, exceed grade-level expectations in reading and math, and begin their elementary school journey confident, capable, and excited to learn.

Parents consistently share how grateful they are for the love, structure, and growth their children experience at West Ivy Prep. I don’t just offer a childcare program; I’m a partner in your child’s foundational years.

I’m most proud that West Ivy Prep is more than just a school it’s a safe, nurturing space where children are seen, loved, and challenged to be their best. It’s my mission to provide a superior early learning experience that cultivates and encourages the development of early leaders. That’s what I wake up every day to do, and it’s my greatest joy.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I don’t really believe in luck. What I’ve seen in my life and business is the fulfillment of God’s promise in real time. Every setback has carried a lesson, and every win has been a blessing. Even in the moments that felt like losses, something greater was being worked out behind the scenes. I’ve learned to trust the process, lean on faith, and stay obedient to the vision. So no, I don’t credit luck I credit God, grace, growth, and his timing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westivyprep.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westivyprep?igsh=cWo4ZmFmZjExdHJ2&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16K1V8dhR8/?mibextid=wwXIfr