This won’t surprise you: Online learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry.

This will: Yet, most online schools and learning communities don’t have an in-house Counseling Department.

Say what?!

We believe a dedicated, in-house Counseling Department is crucial to a student’s academic and individual success! Our full-time K-8, College and Academy Counselors are integral components of each family’s journey at Laurel Springs. Because of them, our elementary students, accelerated learners, college-bound athletes, performing artists and other full-time students have the personalized support and unique resources they need to reach their highest potential.

As National School Counseling Week unfolds, join us in celebrating what hugely differentiates us in the online learning landscape: our all-star Counseling Services. Here are a few of the unique ways they support our students and families this time of year.

Tailored Support from Elementary School to Graduation

Every 6th grader wants to feel confident entering middle school; and each rising 9th grader hopes to enter freshman year calm, cool and collected. Our Counselors play a pivotal role in easing the transition at these important stages.

On top of the continuous support elementary students receive through monthly counseling lessons and individual and group meetings, our Counselors host a webinar for those transitioning to middle school – offering helpful information from middle school teachers and tips for success in upcoming courses.

All 8th graders transitioning to their freshman year are invited to participate in multiple webinars – addressing a range of topics, including course options and GPA/transcript information, athletic guidance for college-bound student-athletes, and even high school social opportunities.  These targeted support efforts ensure students feel confident taking their next step in their education.

College Preparation, Application, and Admission Support

When it comes to preparing our high school students for college, our Counselors know how, when, and where to show up. With a staggering 3,163 applications to 628 unique colleges this year (and counting!) and an impressive portfolio of early acceptances from prestigious institutions like Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford, their dedication and expertise shine through.

Throughout the school year, our Counselors guide students as they navigate standardized exams, apply to college and write their essays, seek financial aid and scholarship resources, and experience the range of emotions felt throughout the college admissions process. Support also looks like writing letters of recommendation (including 297 so far this 23-24 school year) and participating in relationship-building with admissions representatives at students’ first-choice institutions. Their contributions don’t stop there in this realm, but we believe these specific touch-points are worth a little extra celebration as we exit the heat of the college application season for many.

Summer Program Advisory

‘Summer School’ isn’t for everyone; but a ‘Summer Experience’? That’s something we can all get on board with! With so many new, interactive and live offerings included in the 2024 Summer Program at Laurel Springs, Counselors are working closely with families to help define what their child’s summer experience could look like. Maybe a 4-week course makes sense for their child who wants to get ahead in the math department, or perhaps the College Athletics Bootcamp suits their student seeking additional guidance in the NCAA eligibility and recruitment process. Week-long opportunities, 6-week intensive offerings, and so much more are available; and our Counselors are committed to helping students discover the program that suits them best!

Hear It From Our Families First

“Our counselor has been the light in the night,” shares one Laurel Springs parent. “The virtual experience was hard for my son – maintaining good grades but falling behind at times last year. Our counselor inspired and pushed him to give the best of himself, she was so motivating and kind. Also, it helps a lot that she speaks Spanish well – she knows our culture and she is open-minded to handle different situations, helping us to balance his life between family, tennis, and school.”

A student also chimes in with praise for the personalized support our Counseling Department provides: “I am so thankful for my counselor. She has helped me greatly throughout my time at Laurel Springs. She always gives me course recommendations that are specific to my needs. I know that I can go to her when I need assistance or advice, she is incredibly helpful when it comes to managing my course schedule, and she has been so encouraging and kind whenever we meet.”

Our Counselors are so much more than a support system for our students and families. They create a nurturing environment for each student who enrolls at Laurel Springs. No matter their age, interests, learning style or academic ambitions – every K-12 child at LSS is met with the support and guidance they need to holistically thrive; and that is a rarity in the online learning landscape, folks! We are beyond grateful for their role in each students’ experience here.

Do you need guidance, support, or inspiration?

One of the best ways to celebrate National School Counseling Week is by taking a moment to consider how you’re utilizing our incredible Counseling resources at Laurel Springs! Whether you are a student or family member reading today, we sincerely encourage you to further develop a relationship with your Counselor if you haven’t yet. They’re not only here to academically guide you, they’re also here to motivate, cheerlead, advocate, and serve as a sounding board!

We Love You, Laurel Springs Counselors!

In closing, we just want our Counselors to know how much their dedication, empathy and support means to the entire Laurel Springs community. Thank you for being our guiding stars in the online learning universe! Laurel Springs would sincerely not be the premier online private school experience that it is without you.

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