Laurel Springs School is an accredited online private school founded in 1991. It offers a self-paced curriculum for students with unique schedules, allowing them to learn from anywhere.
Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is Laurel Springs School?
Laurel Springs School is a fully accredited online private school. Founded in 1991 in Ojai, California, it was the first online K-12 school in the U.S. Known as the "School of the Stars," it has famous alumni like actors and Olympic athletes. Laurel Springs serves students in all 50 states and over 100 countries. The school offers a self-paced, mastery-based curriculum accessible 24/7. This makes it great for students with non-traditional schedules. Unlike homeschooling, students are enrolled in an accredited school and get help from certified teachers.
Who laurel springs serves
Laurel Springs is designed for students who need flexibility. For instance, competitive athletes training over 30 hours a week can fit their coursework around practice. Performing artists can keep up with their education while on tour or filming. In fact, 11 students and alumni are headed to the 2024 Paris Olympics! The school has many graduates who are major league athletes and working actors. But it also helps any family looking for accredited education with more control over their schedules.
Pricing and program options
Laurel Springs has different enrollment levels. Full-time high school costs about $7,000 a semester or $13,000 a year. For K-8, the Basic Curriculum packages range from $1,700 to $2,100 per semester, depending on the grade. You can also take individual courses to supplement other education. They offer a 10% discount for siblings and military families, plus $300 referral credits. Additional fees apply for high school seminars ($700) and senior matriculation services ($350).
What parents should know
Reviews mention that Laurel Springs has good academic quality and flexibility. However, it requires a lot of self-motivation. The asynchronous format means no live classes. Students work through materials on their own, but teachers are available via email for support. This setup works well for independent learners but might be tough for those needing daily structure. Some parents say the curriculum can feel outdated and that there are occasional material errors. The high student-to-teacher ratio means how quickly teachers respond can vary.
The bottom line
Laurel Springs is a solid option for earning an accredited diploma, especially for students with busy lives. With over 30 years of experience and dual accreditation, its transcripts are respected by colleges. For self-motivated students—like athletes and performers—the flexibility is a big plus. Families should think about whether their student can do well in this kind of learning environment before making the investment in tuition.
