Haywood Haven began in 2017 when founder Melanie Williams started homeschooling her children and soon welcomed other students who needed a highly individualized, curiosity-driven approach. At that time, the program was not faith-based—it focused on deep learning, honoring each child’s strengths, and building confidence through meaningful work.
In 2020, Williams formally launched the program in her home, serving students from 4th through 11th grade. As enrollment grew, Haywood Haven was hosted by Dellwood Baptist Church from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, it became an independent ministry under the new nonprofit Learning Havens, Inc. , and relocated to its current home at Providence Church on Old Clyde Road. Today, the program is guided by four pillars—Faith, Mastery, Community, and a Holistic Paradigm.
What Makes Haywood Haven Different
Haywood Haven partners closely with families to provide Christ-centered, mastery-based education in small groups, nurturing the whole child—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Although the program has always offered classes through high school, Haywood Haven intentionally capped on-campus instruction at 6th grade this year. This pause allows time to collaborate with families, visit other innovative programs, and design a distinct middle and high school model centered on character development, life skills, entrepreneurship, and helping students discern God’s purpose.
Anyone interested in contributing ideas is invited to an interest meeting in January (date TBA). Families can follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, or by subscribing to the newsletter at www.haywoodhaven.org.
A Customizable, Family-Centered Education Model
Haywood Haven’s model is intentionally flexible. Classes are offered à la carte, allowing parents to choose exactly what their child needs—whether that is full academic support, select core classes, enrichment options, or a lighter schedule. Because every family has different goals, Haywood Haven empowers them to build an educational plan that fits their child’s strengths, pace, and purpose.
All families enrolled at Haywood Haven are registered as homeschoolers with the state of North Carolina, giving parents full authority over their child’s education while providing the support and community of a structured program.
A Blended Model That Involves and Honors Families
Students attend classes either two or three days a week:
- Two-day students: complete two days of guided home learning
- Three-day students: complete one day of guided home learning
Haywood Haven provides all materials and instructions needed for at-home lessons.
This hybrid model reflects the program’s belief that children do not need five full days and seven hours of classroom instruction to flourish. Instead, it preserves time for:
- Life experiences
- Family involvement and discipleship
- Working alongside parents in family businesses
- Pursuing personal interests and God-given talents
Students take core classes—including math, language arts, science, and history—along with art, STEAM Lab, Book Quest literature circles, and PE. Younger students learn through play and exploration; older students engage in discussions, real-world projects, faith formation, and leadership development.
A School Community That Feels Like Family
Haywood Haven offers what many traditional schools cannot: individualized instruction, intentionally small classes, biblical integration across subjects, multi-age collaboration, and a strong partnership with parents. Williams describes it as a “joyful, purpose-driven environment where children thrive and families feel supported.”
Enrollment and Opportunities
Families begin the process by completing an inquiry form on the website. Williams personally follows up with each family, and those who are a good fit are invited to tour the campus and attend an informational meeting. Students accepted for enrollment complete a placement assessment to determine mastery and readiness.
Haywood Haven welcomes Christ-centered educators who value discipleship, creativity, and mastery-based learning. Job applications are available on the Haywood Haven website. Volunteers—including parents, grandparents, and community members—are also encouraged to share their gifts and skills.
Looking Ahead
In the next five years, Haywood Haven hopes to expand class offerings, launch toddler and preschool programs, build a permanent playground and outdoor learning lab, and eventually move into a larger permanent facility that serves as a family-focused community hub. Long term, Learning Havens Inc. aims to help other communities establish their own small, faith-based Havens across Western North Carolina.
Recent successes include several 15- and 16-year-old students enrolling full-time at the community college in electrical, welding, automotive, and associate degree programs—graduating by age 18 with a high school diploma, college degree, and multiple trade certifications.
Parents frequently share their gratitude:
“Our experience has been nothing short of amazing. The program adapts to each child’s needs, and the community is wonderful. My child has grown academically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
“My children have thrived academically, socially, and emotionally. The teachers truly care and individualize learning without stress or urgency. My kids now love learning.”