Local Spotlight: Hazelwood Prep Builds a Home for Homeschoolers in Lawrenceville

Where Personal Growth and Community Meet

In the heart of Lawrenceville, Georgia, one local homeschool program is rewriting the script for what education can look like. Hazelwood Prep, led by founder Andrea Hermitt with co-founder Mere Jones, has spent the past seven years creating a warm, inclusive, and academically rich environment for middle and high school students.

 

An Alternative Approach to Learning

Hazelwood Prep stands out among educational programs designed for homeschoolers. While many local programs require a Statement of Faith, Hazelwood Prep remains welcoming to families of all backgrounds. “We strive to love kids where they are and let them figure themselves out,” Andrea says. It’s a philosophy that prioritizes individuality and inclusion, free from unnecessary boundaries.

The program operates as a hybrid school—students complete part of their education at home and attend classes in person. This model creates a flexible structure while still offering the benefit of peer collaboration and face-to-face guidance. Hazelwood Prep also offers guidance counseling for homeschool families across the country.

 

Rooted in Classical Learning, Blossoming in the Arts

Hazelwood Prep follows a classical model of education, cycling through four eras of world history: ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern. But history at Hazelwood Prep isn’t just read in textbooks. It’s experienced. Students learn through storytelling, gameplay, and integrated writing assignments that develop critical thinking and research skills.

Beyond academics, Hazelwood Prep is making waves in fine arts. With a particular focus on theater, the school has staged over 10 productions, many of them Shakespearean, at the Lawrenceville Arts Center. What started as an outdoor rehearsal during the pandemic blossomed into a defining feature of the program. “It just so happened that we attract all the young, budding actors,” Andrea shares.

 

Why Hazelwood Prep Began

Andrea Hermitt’s journey into education began with her own children. As a parent witnessing her children’s joy fade in traditional school environments, she knew a change was needed. Encouraged by other homeschool families, she stepped into teaching, eventually partnering with another parent to launch Hazelwood Prep.

“Watching their personalities slip away in kindergarten and first grade was difficult,” Andrea explains. That personal experience now drives her mission: helping other families find educational spaces where their children can thrive.

 

History as a Story, Not a Subject

Andrea’s approach to teaching history is unique. Rather than relying on rote memorization, Hazelwood students explore history as a dynamic narrative. They cover not only world events but integrate government education through creative means like Dungeons & Dragons gameplay. History at Hazelwood Prep includes the full global context—Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas—woven together instead of separated into silos.

 

Community Matters

In a landscape full of emerging microschools and academic startups, Hazelwood Prep stays grounded. In fact, Hazelwood Prep has been named one of Gwinnett County’s Best of the Best Black-Owned Businesses for 2025. The school hasn’t rushed into expansions, instead choosing to adapt as the community’s needs shift. Andrea emphasizes, “We’re taking the time to lean into the fine arts.”

One area of continued growth is the need for group activities. With many microschools focused solely on academics, Hazelwood Prep fills a vital role by offering community events and creative collaboration—things you just can’t replicate in a living room.

 

A Welcoming Space for Every Learner

Hazelwood Prep’s true strength lies in its openness. It’s rare to find a homeschool community that embraces every child, regardless of religion, gender identity, or personal journey. Here, children are seen as individuals, encouraged to explore their strengths and supported without judgment.

This welcoming environment, paired with a commitment to civic education and creative expression, makes Hazelwood Prep a standout choice for families seeking a non-traditional but deeply enriching education.

To learn more about Hazelwood Prep, visit hazelwoodprep.org.

Address: Hazelwood Prep 100 Mill Street, Suites A & B, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046

Phone: (404)401-6188

Email: admin@hazelwoodprep.org