As we approach the midpoint of the school year, it’s not uncommon to reflect on the past semester with your child – Are you happy at school? Are you fulfilled and excited by your classes and teachers? And perhaps the most crucial: Do you feel like your school environment supports the balance between your academic pursuits and personal passions?

Taking the time to sit down with your child and genuinely listen to their responses to these questions can be very eye-opening – helping you better understand if their current educational setting aligns with their personal needs and aspirations. For many students, the traditional brick-and-mortar school environment presents challenges that can hinder their enthusiasm for learning. From rigid schedules and limited course offerings to a lack of personalization and tailored support – these factors can leave them feeling stuck, unmotivated, and even misunderstood. If these concerns sound familiar, then it might be time to consider an option that’s more flexible, personalized, and supportive – like Laurel Springs School.

Imagine an educational experience characterized by:

• Flexibility: Where students can enroll anytime, including mid-year. With 24/7 access to coursework from anywhere in the world, they never miss a beat in pursuing their passions.
• Personalization: A diverse college-prep curriculum, including AP, Honors, and NCAA-approved courses, tailored to each student’s unique interests and strengths.
• Support: An incredible counseling department that assists students from admission through graduation, with specialized athletic advisors for student-athletes and college counselors for High School students.

You don’t have to wait for a new school year to bring an opportunity like this to life for your child! Transferring mid-year to Laurel Springs could be exactly what they need to change their trajectory and thrive.

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Understanding the Challenges of Traditional School

Whether your child is climbing the ranks within the UTR rating system as a competitive tennis athlete or is simultaneously a student at a top-tier ballet academy, traditional brick-and-mortar schools can make it very difficult for them to balance their rigorous training schedules, tournaments or performances, and academic ambitions. These schools often lack the flexibility needed to accommodate early morning practices, extensive travel, or intensive daily routines required for elite development. As a result, students can find themselves constantly juggling priorities – leading to unnecessary stress and a potential compromise in either their academic performance or dedication to their passion.

Does it have to be this way?

What Makes Laurel Springs Unique

At Laurel Springs, we sincerely recognize these challenges and how important it is to have an education that breaks down barriers. Founder of Laurel Springs, Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, speaks to this in our Virtual Open House events: “Something that makes us incredibly different is the way we value and love every unique child. We sincerely work to understand their interests, talents, and goals; then, we help shape academic paths for them that are in alignment with these things.”

In addition to personalization, our rolling admissions model invites students to enroll at any time of year – including mid-year. This flexibility extends to customizable calendars with up to 10 blackout dates per semester for personal commitments, vacations, performances, or competitions; and coursework that’s available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. It’s a win-win for students: enroll when you are ready, progress through courses on your own time, and don’t skip a beat academically even as you pursue your outside talent.

Beyond flexibility and personalization is a premiere support system made up of highly-qualified and experienced counselors wholeheartedly dedicated to student success. Whether you are an accelerated learner at The Academy at Laurel Springs or a college-bound athlete with Division I universities on your radar, Laurel Springs counselors work one-on-one with students and their families to provide expert guidance in academic advising, college and career planning, and even NCAA eligibility.

“At Laurel Springs, we have dedicated Academic and Athletic Advisors who understand the commitment it takes for student athletes to reach their athletic goals,” says Marcie Peoples, Laurel Springs’ Associate Dean of Student Success. “We collaborate closely with families, offering tailored athletic guidance and support throughout the recruiting process. Our focus includes understanding amateurism and celebrating our students’ milestones, like signing days.”

A Global Community of Engaged Learners

But does an online school still offer opportunities to socialize, connect, and establish friendships that last a lifetime?

YES! What would school be without this?

We wouldn’t want your child to transfer schools if they weren’t offered these opportunities. Fortunately, Laurel Springs is so much more than academic flexibility, personalization, rigor, and support. It’s also a thriving global community where students from around the world connect, share, and grow together. With over 30 clubs ranging from academic interests and cultural exploration to hobbies and sports, students have ample options to connect with like-minded peers. Virtual events and in-person meet-ups also foster a sense of belonging and allow students to form lasting friendships; and a private social platform, LSS Connect, allows students to find fellow LSS peers their age, with their passions, and in their part of the world. It also invites parents to connect with one another and learn more about Laurel Springs’ social offerings.

Whether it’s sharing a recent piece in Creative Writing, Poetry, and Photography Club, keeping in touch with peers via LSS Connect, or participating in a travel-learning trip to Costa Rica, there’s an opportunity for every student to find community at Laurel Springs.

Rigorous College-Prep Curriculum

One other concern families face when transferring from a brick-and-mortar school to an online environment is, “Will my child still be challenged?” And this is an appropriate concern. There are absolutely online learning environments where flexibility often equates to “getting by” or “doing the bare minimum”. At Laurel Springs, however, this is far from reality.

In addition to our robust selection of courses for Elementary, Middle, and High School students, we also have an extensive AP and Honors course catalog. Further, The Academy at Laurel Springs is an advanced college-prep environment for driven learners with live weekly workshops, elite partnerships with top-tier institutions like Harvard, and expanded AP and Honors options. And finally, over 160 NCAA-approved courses ensure student-athletes are eligible to play when it comes time to sign with a university. These rich offerings are complemented by dual enrollment opportunities, Summer School programming, and a strong Gap Year Program.

Transferring Mid-Year to Online School at Laurel Springs

We know that the thought of transferring mid-year to an online school seems daunting. After all, it is a big change, and decisions around your child’s education are significant. However, we are here to remind you that it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. The entire teaching staff and faculty is here to make it a seamless transition; and as you do so, remember that you’re not only providing your child with a more adaptable and personalized learning experience, but you’re also opening doors to new opportunities and possibilities that align better with their individual needs and aspirations. At Laurel Springs, you’re joining a global community that values and supports each individual’s unique journey, promising that every step forward is a step towards fulfillment and success.

To learn more about Laurel Springs and determine whether or not this is the right school for your child, the first step is to visit our website. Next, and to grasp a more in-depth understanding of our mission, values, and programming, attend a Virtual Open House! And, when thinking about potential enrollment dates, consider our upcoming cohort enrollment dates of December 11, January 8 and 16, February 5 and 20 – strategic start dates for students that feature grade-level meet-and-greets for early social connection, and tailored onboarding from faculty and staff. Regardless of when you decide to join our community, you will be welcomed with open arms!

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