Contrary to what you might believe, being an online student doesn’t mean you have to compromise meaningful connections and friendships, or an awesome social life. In fact, online learning environments often foster even greater motivation for interaction and relationship-building! If you’re navigating the world of online learning and looking for creative ways to build community, you’re in the right place. 

Read on to learn about some tips on how to cultivate a thriving social life at Laurel Springs! 

Be Open, and Step Outside Your Virtual Classroom
First things first: to build community, you must be willing to show up authentically and openly. Having a spirit of curiosity in classes by asking questions and engaging with your teachers and classmates not only helps you learn more, but also encourages connections. Your engagement shows others that you’re interested and present, and qualities like those are magnets for healthy relationships.

Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in opportunities that allow live interaction with others – like group discussions, study sessions, hangouts, meet-ups, class assemblies, or in-person and online school events. You can also side-chat fellow students if you discover that you have a shared interest!

At Laurel Springs, we offer both virtual and in-person events. Here’s a glimpse at what’s coming up for the 2026-27 school year. 

• Field Trips to Portland, OR, Birmingham, AL, Milwaukee, WI, New Orleans, LA, Great Smoky Mountains, TN
• Travel Learning Trips to Peru and Iceland
• Year-End Celebration (Read more about 2026’s YEC at the latest blog!)
• Back to School Meet Ups
• In-Person Competitions and Clubs like Model UN, Future City, Math Competitions, Chamber Orchestra

Events like Coffeehouses are an opportunity for students to showcase their performing arts talents, while Maker Faire is a platform for inventive minds to display their creations. Art and Photography exhibits celebrate the work of Laurel Springs students, and for those intrigued by computer science, Hour of Code offers a basic introduction to coding! Events like these give students a chance to engage with peers, showcase their abilities, learn new skills, and dive deeper into their passions.

Explore Laurel Spring School’s Clubs and Activities
Clubs are one of the best ways to get involved at your online school. At Laurel Springs, we offer more than 90 virtual clubs where students can explore and discover their passions and interests. From Student Leadership and Creative Computing Clubs to High School Debate and Equestrian Clubs, these activities are led by faculty and staff who share the students’ interest, providing an enjoyable experience for students to connect and make new friends. 

Several K-5 grade clubs include: 

• Comic Book Club
• Lego Club
• Animal and Pet Club
• STEM Innovators Club

Several 6-12 grade clubs include: 

• Book Club
• Laurel Wreaths Honor Society
• KPop Hangout
• Chess Club
• AI Club
• Environmental Club

View the full list of clubs available for students in grades K-12 here! 

Get Involved with Student Ambassadors and Student Government
Student Ambassador Programs are perfect for those wanting to invest further in their school’s online community. Ambassadors help welcome new students, host virtual and in-person events, and share their experiences with prospective families and students. Student Government also serves as a wonderful outlet for those driven in the leadership department. Experience gained in activities like these are invaluable and always stand out on college applications!

Join Our Private Network, LSS Connect
LSS Connect is Laurel Springs’ private online social network for parents and students. Meet and connect with peers from all over the world that share your interests or live in your area! This platform is the ultimate way to stay informed on what’s happening at Laurel Springs, and it’s another unique opportunity to invest in the LSS community.

At the end of the day, jumping into the social scene as an online student is about much more than joining a few clubs – it’s about embracing every chance to connect, learn, and grow. Think of it as your own social adventure! Whether it’s exploring all things neuroscience in the Neural Network club, making your voice known in Student Government, or celebrating with classmates at your Year-End Celebration, each experience adds a splash of color to your life. Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself fully in whatever events, clubs, or environments you choose; because, no matter what, doing so ALWAYS results in discovering something new!

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