- An affordable online school can provide a host of advantages that surpass even the best traditional schools. This convenience and freedom attract millions of students globally to the best online high schools.
Statistics reveal that the trend of online education (k12 online schooling) is growing at a speed that’s hard to imagine. By the fall of 2020, 89% of students opted for exclusive distance learning courses through private for-profit institutions. One big reason behind this paradigm shift is the welcoming environment created by online education. And one such popular accredited online school is Laurel Springs School.
This school is situated in Ojai, California. And is serving students for more than 30 years. Since the year 1991, 5000 students have graduated from this online school. Let’s explore more about this school today!
Accreditation & Recognition
Laurel Springs School is a renowned online school, accredited by Cognia and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Accreditation is important, as it assures students and parents that the academic credentials issued by the school are globally acknowledged and accepted by colleges, universities, and employers.
Features and Offerings:
One can find fully online K12 online school programs other than some other options like summer programs and post-graduate programs.
Here’s a detailed overview of its schooling programs:
1. Lower School
For grades Kindergarten to 5, parents can choose the online elementary program offered at Laurel Springs School. Courses offered are English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Health and Wellness. World language options offered in grades K-2 are Spanish, French, and Chinese. For grades 3 to 5 options are Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.
2. Middle School
The diverse curriculum of Middle school (grades 6th to 8th) prepares students for high school online. It offers core courses, world languages, electives, extra-curricular clubs, and micro courses. Core courses include English, Social Studies, Math, Health and physical education, and Science. World languages like Spanish, Fresh, German, Latin, and Chinese are also a part of the course choices.
3. Upper School (High School Online)
Students from grades 9 to 12 can choose from a similar curriculum that consists of core, electives, micro courses, and world languages, etc.
They also have options from more than 200 college prep courses, including electives, Advanced Placement, and honors courses along with dual enrollment options. Upper School courses are at par with the top US high schools. Because they include various options under these headers (with AP, honors) English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science.
World languages can be chosen from an interesting mix of languages such as American Sign Language, Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Chinese.
Other options like Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education are also available.
Elective cover options like 3D Modeling, Act Preparation, Advertising and sales promotions, Agriscience, Animation, Uncovering Human mysteries, along with many more options.
4. The Academy
From grade 6 to 12 selected students can enroll in ‘The Academy’ programs. This gives them an added advantage as they thrive with an enhanced educational experience by selecting advanced courses. These students get the handholding of expert teachers, and they learn better through the mastery learning model.
Similar to the accredited online high schools, their personalized instructions, dual enrollment options, student-centered counseling, are some of the highlights of ‘The Academy’. This helps students to prepare for selective colleges or universities. The teaching methods used in the online classrooms are highly advanced, keeping in mind the learning needs of students enrolling in these rigorous courses.
5. Summer Program
The school offers two types of summer courses (6 weeks and 12 weeks). These are available for all students(including the ones enrolled in otheraccredited online high schools)from grades 3 to 12.
6. Single Courses
For students who wish to supplement their homeschooling or regular school curriculum or fill the knowledge gap, single courses are a good choice. They can choose from a wide range of College pre, AP, Honors, and World Languages courses. This option is available for all students from K to 12 grades. The best part is that a student is free from the compulsion of joining Laurel Springs School as a full-fledged student with this option.
7. Dual Enrollment Program
Students can earn college credits through this option. Laurel Springs School has partnered with esteemed universities similar to the best online k12 schools. And it provides students with this opportunity. This option is open for the students enrolled in Laurel Springs School in grades 11 and 12, The Academy students in grades 9-12, and postgraduate students.
Laurel Springs School Fee Structure
Please check the synopsis below to know about the fee structure of Laurel Springs School.
Tuition for full-year
| Lower | Middle | High School Online |
| $5,200 | $7,300 | $9.900 |
| For Grades 6 to 8 | $11,500 |
| For Grades 9 to 12 | $15,700 |
The fee structure of other options/programs varies from course to course and can be checked from their official website.
School Highlights:
• Flexible Enrollment
Unlike the best schools in the United States, students can enroll at any time during the year in almost all courses (lower, middle, high, and The Academy).
• Transition to College
Laurel Springs School also offers a post-graduate program for students who wish to use their time between high school and college purposefully.
Acceptance to College
Please find below the details of the colleges and universities that have accepted Laurel Springs School graduates. The complete list can be checked on this page.
| Colleges and Universities that Accept Graduates from Laurel Springs School |
| American University |
| Johns Hopkins University |
| United States Military Academy |
| University of Alabama |
| New York University |
| Pace University |
| Northwestern University |
| Pennsylvania State University |
| California State University |
| Columbia UniversityA |
Points to Note Before Applying
The school does not clarify any defined number of online classes conducted by teachers in real time. However, there is personalized support promised through trained teachers to help the students.
Final Thoughts
Laurel Springs School is a credible educational alternative for many students who can manage studies in a virtual learning environment. You can certainly consider this one basis its accreditation and offerings. However, we suggest a one-on-one interaction with the teacher (during a virtual session) before you enroll. This will help you to know if the quality of educator support promised by the school matches your exact requirements.
Connect with the school to know more about its online programs. Website: https://laurelsprings.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I join the high school online program?
Please contact the school directly and follow their enrollment process. Most online accredited high schools have a provision for virtual demo sessions. You can discuss all the features, requirements, and follow the process as per their defined rules. - Why is Laurel Springs School cost-effective in comparison with high schools in America?
Most of the accredited online high schools have a cost-effective design. You need not spend on everyday travel, books, or additional virtual resources if you join a k12 online school. - What is the difference between the teachers in accredited online high schools like Laurel Springs School and other high schools in the US?
Teachers in the best online schools are particularly trained to teach online. On the other hand, regular teachers in traditional schools have expertise with students in a physical classroom.
