Lawrence Academy traces its origins to 1968, when it was founded as Bertie Academy. The school's beginnings were made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Nola Lawrence Hewlett, who purchased and donated a parcel of land—including the original Merry Hill High School building—to the Board of Trustees of the Bertie Educational Foundation. This land provided the foundation for creating an educational alternative in rural northeastern Bertie County. In 1974, the institution was officially renamed Lawrence Academy in honor of Mrs. Hewlett.
In 1990, the original brick structure of Merry Hill High School was demolished and replaced with the school's current prefabricated metal and steel buildings, which sit on a 21-acre cleared campus, surrounded by an additional 24 acres of woodland. Located in one of the smallest settled communities in Bertie County, Lawrence Academy of Merry Hill has steadily grown into a full-service, coeducational day school serving students from Junior Kindergarten (JK) through 12th grade.
From its earliest days, Lawrence Academy has reflected the vision of parents seeking a school committed to academic excellence, a safe and nurturing environment, and a distinct educational philosophy apart from the local public school system. That founding mission continues to guide the school today.
Lawrence Academy serves students from eight counties across northeastern North Carolina, providing a rigorous academic program rooted in strong community values.
Currently, Lawrence Academy has:
- Approximately 320 students enrolled
- A graduating class of 19 seniors
- 33 full-time and 8 part-time faculty and staff members
Lawrence Academy remains dedicated to offering an exceptional education that prepares students for success in college, career, and citizenship—while remaining true to its community-centered foundation and tradition of educational excellence.