What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Laurel Springs School for its extreme flexibility and robust accreditation, making it a premier choice for student-athletes, performers, and families living abroad. Sources like Cathy Duffy and The Homeschool Mom emphasize its 'college-prep rigor' and the benefit of having a dedicated counselor for college applications. However, a common trade-off mentioned across Reddit and Trustpilot is the high price point compared to other online programs, with some families feeling they are paying primarily for the 'accredited name' rather than revolutionary curriculum. While the Academy track is lauded for its depth, some users on Niche report that administrative responsiveness can be inconsistent. The program is largely self-paced and reading-intensive, which works well for independent learners but can be a hurdle for students who struggle with screen time or need high levels of teacher interaction.

How It Works

In a typical week, students log into an online portal to access their assignments, which consist of digital text, videos, and interactive modules. For students in grades K-5, a parent acts as a 'Learning Coach' to guide them through the material for several hours a day, while older students work independently on a flexible schedule that fits their extracurricular commitments. There are no set class times, so a student might focus on one subject for an entire day or chip away at several, eventually submitting completed work to an assigned teacher for grading and feedback. Most work is done on the computer, though some science labs or art projects require physical materials that families source themselves or receive in specialized kits.

Switching to This?

Laurel Springs offers rolling enrollment, meaning families can start on the first of any month rather than waiting for a new semester or school year. The school provides specific placement assessments for math and world languages, and academic counselors perform a detailed transcript review for older students to ensure they are on the correct track for graduation. If you are switching from a program with live 'real-time' instruction, be prepared for a transition to more independent reading, as the curriculum requires students to process a high volume of text on their own. Most families find that starting at their current grade level is appropriate, but the school's flexibility allows for easy acceleration if the placement tests indicate the student is ahead of the standard pace.

Curriculum Details

Price

$5000 - $16000

Tuition varies by grade level and program. K-2 starts at ~$5,000; 3-5 at ~$6,500; 6-8 at ~$8,000; and 9-12 at ~$10,000. The Academy (gifted/talented track) costs ~$16,000+. Part-time/individual courses available.

Grades

K - 12

Available As

Digital Synchronous Live Video Internet required

Coverage

All subjects

Subjects

Math Science Reading/Language Arts History/Social Studies

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

15-60 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Advanced

Worldview

Neutral

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

For older students, the parent acts as a facilitator and coach. For K-5 students, a 'Learning Coach' role is required for about 2-3 hours daily to assist with navigation and hands-on projects.

Online School Details

Delivery Format:

Hybrid

Live Class Schedule:

On demand

Class Size:

1-25 students

Live Class Time:

0-10 hours/week

Parent Time Required:

Minimal 1hr

Accreditation:

WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), Cognia (formerly AdvancED) NCAA Approved

Diploma:

Grants high school diploma

Enrollment:

Year round anytime

Teacher Qualifications:

All teachers are state-certified and many hold advanced degrees in their subject areas.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to K12 (Stride), which is often a state-funded public school option, Laurel Springs is a private institution that offers more prestige on transcripts and highly specialized college counseling in exchange for a tuition fee. When weighed against Oak Meadow, Laurel Springs is much more focused on digital, screen-based learning, whereas Oak Meadow provides a more creative, nature-based curriculum that can be completed using physical books. Parents choosing between Laurel Springs and Stanford Online High School often pick Laurel Springs for its asynchronous model, which allows students with demanding athletic or professional schedules to work whenever they want rather than attending live, scheduled seminars. Against Calvert Homeschool, Laurel Springs provides more direct teacher support and professional grading, making it a better choice for parents who want to outsource the role of the educator entirely. Finally, compared to more affordable online programs like Time4Learning, Laurel Springs offers a formal accredited diploma and a much higher level of academic rigor that is specifically designed for college-bound students.

Getting Started