(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 21, 2026) – Gwinnett County Government and Gwinnett County Public Schools are partnering to boost kindergarten readiness and close the early learning gap across Gwinnett. Earlier this month, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with Gwinnett County Public Schools to launch an early learning center in Snellville.

Expected to open for the upcoming school year, the Joyful Learning Academy will be located at the Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Road. The early learning center will offer six classrooms for children ages 3 and 4, including support for students with additional learning needs. 

Gwinnett currently faces a shortage of about 3,000 early learning seats for 4-year-old children, a gap that can have lasting effects on academic performance, third grade reading proficiency and future intervention needs. 

In recognition of this early learning gap, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said that the County and Gwinnett County Public Schools are leveraging a history of fruitful collaboration to meet evolving community needs. 

“Gwinnett’s success has always been built on strong partnerships, and our longstanding relationship with Gwinnett County Public Schools is one of the most important examples of that collaboration in action,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “When our institutions work together with a shared commitment to students, families and the future of this community, the entire county benefits.”

Gwinnett County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Al Taylor said the school district is proud to partner with the County to address the early learning gap.

“The opening of the Joyful Learning Academy represents what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for student success,” said Dr. Taylor. “This effort is about more than access. It’s really about giving children a strong start so they can grow, learn and feel confident as they begin their journey in school.”

The six classrooms at the center will provide seats for 42 3-year-old children and 52 4-year-old children. The program is free for students, though parents must provide transportation. 

Families in the Shiloh cluster will be eligible to enter a lottery for placement. More information about entering the lottery will be available on Gwinnett County Public Schools’ website soon.