Laurel Springs School — College Preparatory Distance Learning

Founder/President/Principal: Founder Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, President Rex Bird

School Type: Private, Accredited Distance Learning

Founded: 1991

Ages/Grades: K–12, emphasis on grades 9–12 preparing students for college and life

School Size: 3,000 students, in all 50 states and in 43 countries

Tuition: Pricing varies, check website at http://www.laurelsprings.com/pricing.asp

Financial Aid: Scholarship applications available

Departments:

English, History/Social Sciences, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Health, Physical Education and Electives

Curriculum:

Project-Based K–8, Text-Based 4–12, Web-Based (Online) 5–12. High School students select from College Prep, Honors, UC-approved, NCAA approved and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Full and dual enrollment for college-bound students

Support Services: College Preparation Programs and Academic Planning, Parent and Student Support, newsletters, full administrative staff including Admissions Department, Records Department, IT support, Customer Service, Education Department, Assessment and Testing

Mission Statement: Our mission is to create innovative educational programs that elicit young people's innate love of learning and pride in their achievements and abilities. Our philosophy encompasses the belief that children benefit most from an educational process that respects an individual approach to learning.

School History: Laurel Springs School was co-founded in 1991 by Marilyn Mosley Gordanier and a dedicated group of educators with an expressed mission to honor each child's unique style of learning, support students to achieve their academic goals, and foster their personal interests and talents. In 1994, Laurel Springs earned the distinction of becoming one of the first schools in the United States to successfully develop an online curriculum. On NBC Television's Today show, in 1996, Bryant Gumbel dubbed Laurel Springs “the wave of the future.” Laurel Springs currently serves more than 3,000 students in all 50 states and in 43 countries. A high percentage of Laurel Springs graduates enjoy acceptance to their college of choice. Since 1991, Laurel Springs School has successfully graduated more than 4,000 students. The school continues to actualize its mission of honoring each student's unique style of learning by providing a personalized approach to education that nurtures students' academic and personal goals. High college acceptance rates and successful career choices by its students attest to Laurel Springs ' ongoing commitment to prepare students for college and for life. In 1998, college prep courses were articulated for the University of California a-g listing, ensuring that Laurel Springs graduates are eligible to apply to the UC schools. In 2000, Laurel Springs became the first distance learning program to be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and become an approved member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). In 2006, the school gained membership in the prestigious National Honor Society. Laurel Springs has won numerous awards for its innovative and heartfelt commitment to educating youth. They include: the United Nations Global 500 Award, a nomination for the Nobel Earth Prize, the North American Environmental Education Award and the United States Distance Learning Association Leadership Award.

Testimonials:

“ Laurel Springs continues to be a fantastic schooling program for me. Not only has it given me the flexibility I have needed to pursue a pro tennis career, but I am getting a great education and am on track to graduate meeting all of my college entrance requirements.”
—Alexa Glatch

“I spent two years at LSS and received more from the program than I had hoped. In addition to broad creative coursework, I was able to have time to learn two instruments, two languages, and to take an active part in my community. I completed my final three years of high school in two. But most importantly, I was able to learn about the things I like and who I want to be.”
—Dominique Young

“I want to thank you for everything you have done for me and for putting up such a great school program. It has given me the best opportunity to develop as a student and as a person. I received a letter from the University of Pennsylvania stating that I have been accepted to the Wharton Business School . My whole family is thrilled and we want to thank you for participating in this life transition. You can now take pride in putting yet another Laurel Springs student into an Ivy League education! Thanks again for everything.”
—Maria Anisimova

Notes/School Information:

Annual prom and formal graduation ceremony, diploma and transferable credits, National Honor Society, online interactive Gradebook, Family Center, flexibility, student assessment programs and customization services