Laurel Springs School is a WASC and Cognia-accredited K-12 online private school offering self-paced, mastery-based education with 233+ courses, known for serving student-athletes, performers, and homeschoolers seeking flexibility.
What is Laurel Springs School?
Laurel Springs School is a fully accredited online private school founded in 1991 in Ojai, California—notably the first online K-12 school in the United States. Often called the "School of the Stars" due to its notable alumni including actors and Olympic athletes, Laurel Springs serves students across all 50 states and over 100 countries. The school offers a self-paced, mastery-based curriculum with 24/7 accessibility, making it particularly suitable for students with non-traditional schedules. Unlike homeschooling, students are enrolled in an accredited institution and work with certified teachers.
Key Takeaways
- Dual WASC and Cognia accreditation with NCAA course approval
- Tuition ranges from $6,000-$16,200/year depending on grade and program
- 233+ courses including 47 Honors and AP options
- Self-paced learning with 24/7 access and certified teacher support
- K-8 Basic packages available from $1,700/semester
Who Laurel Springs Serves
Laurel Springs specifically designs its program for students whose lives don't fit traditional school schedules. Competitive athletes training 30+ hours weekly can complete coursework around practice schedules. Performing artists on tour or shooting schedules maintain education without location restrictions. The school has sent 11 students and alumni to the 2024 Paris Olympics and counts major league athletes and working actors among its graduates. Beyond high-profile cases, the flexibility serves any family wanting accredited education with schedule control.
Pricing and Program Options
Laurel Springs offers various enrollment levels. Full-time high school runs approximately $7,000/semester or $13,000/year. K-8 Basic Curriculum packages provide core instruction for $1,700-$2,100/semester depending on grade level. Individual courses allow supplementing other education. The school offers 10% discounts 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 highlight Laurel Springs' academic quality and flexibility but also note the program requires significant self-motivation. The asynchronous format means no live classes—students work through materials independently with teacher support available via email. This suits independent learners but may challenge students needing daily structure or real-time instruction. Some reviewers mention curriculum feeling dated and occasional material errors. The high student-to-faculty ratio means teacher responsiveness varies.
The Bottom Line
Laurel Springs provides a legitimate path to an accredited diploma for students whose lives don't accommodate traditional school schedules. The 30+ year track record and dual accreditation mean transcripts carry weight with colleges. For self-motivated students—particularly athletes and performers—the flexibility is genuinely valuable. Families should honestly assess whether their student can thrive in an asynchronous environment before committing to the significant tuition investment.
