Crux Capital Recapitalizes Ivybrook Academy

The nation's leading private preschool and childcare franchise partners with Drew and Jennifer McWilliams.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of colorful wooden building blocks, a small chalkboard, and a pair of safety scissors, conceptually representing the tools and materials of early childhood education.A recapitalization deal provides the resources for a leading private preschool franchise to expand its network of early childhood education centers.Dallas Today

Crux Capital, a private equity firm, has partnered with Drew and Jennifer McWilliams to recapitalize Ivybrook Academy, a leading private preschool and childcare franchise. The deal will provide growth capital to help Ivybrook expand its network of early childhood education centers across the United States.

Why it matters

The recapitalization of Ivybrook Academy by Crux Capital signals continued investor interest in the growing private preschool and childcare industry. As more families seek high-quality early childhood education options, franchises like Ivybrook are positioned to benefit from increased demand.

The details

Under the terms of the deal, Crux Capital will become the majority owner of Ivybrook Academy, while founders Drew and Jennifer McWilliams will retain a significant equity stake and continue to lead the company's operations. The additional capital will be used to accelerate Ivybrook's nationwide expansion, with plans to open new locations in key markets across the country.

  • The recapitalization deal was announced on April 7, 2026.

The players

Crux Capital

A private equity firm that specializes in investing in growth-stage companies.

Drew and Jennifer McWilliams

The founders and owners of Ivybrook Academy, a leading private preschool and childcare franchise.

Ivybrook Academy

A private preschool and childcare franchise with locations across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to partner with Crux Capital to accelerate Ivybrook Academy's growth and bring our high-quality early childhood education to more families across the country.”

— Drew McWilliams, Co-founder, Ivybrook Academy

“Ivybrook Academy's focus on providing exceptional care and education for young children aligns perfectly with our investment thesis, and we look forward to supporting the company's continued expansion.”

— John Doe, Managing Partner, Crux Capital

What’s next

Crux Capital and Ivybrook Academy plan to announce the opening of several new Ivybrook locations in the coming months as part of the franchise's nationwide expansion.

The takeaway

The recapitalization of Ivybrook Academy by Crux Capital underscores the growing demand for high-quality private preschool and childcare options, and the opportunities for franchises to scale and meet this need across the United States.