Picture this: It’s Tuesday afternoon, and instead of staring at a screen alone, your ninth-grader is in a live virtual class with just twelve other students, actively discussing Shakespeare with a teacher who knows exactly where students struggle with comprehension—and exactly how to help them break through.

This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s already happening at The Academy at Laurel Springs, where we’re pioneering a fundamental shift in how online education works. The future of learning isn’t about choosing between human connection and digital flexibility anymore. It’s about having both.

The Pandemic Didn’t Create the Learning Crisis. It Revealed It.

The pandemic didn’t create the learning crisis—it revealed it. Suddenly, parents everywhere saw what many of us in online education have known for years: when students fall through the cracks, it’s rarely about the subjects themselves. It’s about personal connection to learning. It’s about being truly seen and supported as individuals.

Now, as families navigate the aftermath (learning gaps, social anxiety, executive functioning challenges, and students who’ve simply lost their confidence), we’re seeing a new demand emerge. Parents are looking for academic catch-up, yes, but they want something deeper: programs that can rebuild their child’s entire relationship with learning.

Beyond the “Sit and Get” Model

The reality is clear: the students who need online education most (those who need more flexible learning environments, who learn differently, who need customized pacing) are also the ones who need more human support, not less.

That’s why the future of online learning looks radically different. It’s personal, it’s connected, and it’s built around each student’s unique needs. That’s where our high-touch Academy program comes in.

What “High-Touch” Actually Means

At Laurel Springs, we’ve been pioneering this approach for years through our Academy program—a model that represents the best of online educational approaches. Students don’t just access content; they access people. Real teachers. Real classmates. Real relationships. Real support.

Academy students get the best of both worlds: they can learn at their own pace through our flexible online courses, plus they have the option to join live Workshop classes each week in over 60 subjects. These small-group sessions are where the magic happens—students ask questions, work through challenging problems together, and actually get to know their classmates. Their teachers are available by appointment throughout the week to support them as they work independently in their courses. They have an assigned, highly specialized Academy Counselor starting at grade 6 who works directly with them on their college and career plans. And they have access to a variety of extra clubs, activities, competitions, and leadership experiences that enrich their learning beyond their academics.

As one Academy parent puts it: “The biggest benefit I’ve seen from The Academy at Laurel Springs is that they’re helping both of my kids be happy and productive citizens in and out of school. Laurel Springs is teaching my kids how to teach themselves, how to learn, and giving them the space to be good citizens.”

Why This Approach Works

The magic happens when you combine the best of both worlds: the flexibility that allows a student to learn at 2 PM or 10 PM instead of 8 AM with the human connection that helps them push through when algebra feels impossible.

When students receive this kind of personalized attention and genuine support, families often see meaningful changes—not just in grades, but in their child’s entire approach to learning. Just look at our Academy graduates: 90% are college-bound, with a whopping 47% earning admission to highly selective universities with acceptance rates below 25%. But the numbers only tell part of the story.

These students also develop crucial 21st-century skills:

Higher engagement rates than traditional online students, better long-term retention of material, improved self-advocacy skills, and stronger confidence in their ability to learn.

But perhaps most importantly, they rediscover that learning can be joyful again.

The Ripple Effects

When students succeed in truly personalized environments, the impact extends far beyond grades. Families report less homework stress, fewer evening battles, and students who actually volunteer information about their school day—imagine that.

One parent shared: “My children started at Laurel Springs last semester. Although I was very hesitant, I took the chance and enrolled them. Now, we are back this year for the 2024/2025 school year with absolutely wonderful teachers!”

These students also develop crucial 21st-century skills: self-direction, digital literacy, and the ability to advocate for their own needs. Skills that will serve them well in college and beyond. As one student put it: “College is easy because of the asynchronous style of Laurel Springs.”

What This Means for Your Family

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like what my child needs,” you’re probably right. The future of learning is here, and it’s not about choosing between online and offline anymore. It’s about choosing programs that see your child as a whole person and can adapt to their unique learning style and support their personal passions and goals.

Whether your student is struggling to catch up, looking to get ahead, or simply needs an environment where they can thrive as themselves, high-touch online education works especially well in online environments: true personalization at scale.

Ready to See the Future in Action?

The best way to understand how transformative this approach can be is to experience it yourself. Join us for a Virtual Open House where you can see our teachers in action, meet our students and families, and discover what learning looks like when it’s built around your child’s unique needs.

Your child’s educational journey doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. In fact, it shouldn’t.

Laurel Springs School has been a pioneer in online education for over 30 years, serving students worldwide with flexible, personalized learning experiences. Our Academy and upcoming Foundations programs represent the next generation of online education: high-touch, highly personal, and designed for real student success.