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Laurel Springs School

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Coordinates: 34°26′52″N 119°14′58.5″W / 34.44778°N 119.249583°W / 34.44778; -119.249583
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This article is about Laurel Springs School in California. For the school district in New Jersey, see Laurel Springs School District.

Laurel Springs School
Address
Map
302 El Paseo Road

Ojai
,
CA

USA
Information
TypePrivate, distance learning, college prep
Established1991
FounderMarilyn Mosley Gordanier
Head of schoolAlyssa Tormala
GradesK–12
GenderCo-educational
AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges and Cognia (education)
TuitionAverage full-time: $11,000 per year[1]
ParentSpring Education Group
Websitelaurelsprings.com

Laurel Springs School is a WASC- and Cognia-accredited K–12 online learning and distance learning private school in Ojai, California, United States.[2][3][4] Laurel Springs School offers personalized resources, customizable curricula, individualized teacher services, college advising and other services to families attending public and private school.[5]

History

Laurel Springs School, founded in 1991 by Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, was the first online K–12 school in the United States.[6][7] Mosley Gordanier, an American educator and author, established the school to provide an education model for students whose needs were not met by traditional classroom settings.[6]

Prior to founding Laurel Springs, Mosley Gordanier co-founded Oak Meadow School in 1975, a Waldorf-inspired homeschooling program. In 1986, she introduced one of the first hybrid homeschooling programs for students ages 14–16, combining home study with in-person classes.[6]

In 1994, Laurel Springs developed its first online Advanced Placement course, expanding its curriculum to support college-bound students.[6]

In 1995, the school launched the first official web-based curriculum delivery system in the United States called “Aurora.”[6]

In 2009, Nobel Learning Communities acquired Laurel Springs School.[8]

In 2018, Nobel Learning Communities, including Laurel Springs School, was acquired by Spring Education Group, a network of private schools operating in the United States.[9]

Curriculum

The Laurel Springs School K–12 curriculum is self-paced and mastery-based. The program includes college-preparatory courses, Advanced Placement courses, Honors courses, electives, and world language options.[10]

Coursework is delivered through an online Learning Management System (LMS), in which students can access classes, grades, and teacher feedback. Parents can access via a separate login with permissions tailored to their role.[11]

Counseling support is available for all students. College and athletic advisors at Laurel Springs assist with college applications and admissions, academic planning, the athletic recruiting process, and milestone events such as signing days.[12]

Laurel Springs also offers a program for students who want both self-paced learning and live individual support from teachers.[13]

Student life

Laurel Springs School students may participate in virtual clubs supported by faculty/staff advisors, with options including yearbook, student government, and Model United Nations.[14] The school also offers grade-level video chats, virtual field trips, and regional in-person meetups and field trips. Students have the option to attend an annual year-end event that includes an in-person graduation ceremony, prom, field trips, and more.[11]

Awards

In 2025, Laurel Springs School received an overall grade of A+ from Niche, a school ranking and review platform,[15] and was named by Niche as one of the Best Online High Schools in America.[16]

Private School Review ranks Laurel Springs School among the top schools in California for most AP courses offered, most extracurriculars offered, and highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.[17]

In 2021, Newsweek ranked Laurel Springs School #5 on its list of 50 Best Online High Schools in America.[18]

In 2008, Laurel Springs School received the United States Distance Learning Association’s International Distance Learning Award.[19]

Earlier awards include the President’s Youth Environmental Award (1997) and the United Nations Global 500 Roll of Honour Award (1990).[20]

Student achievements

Eleven Laurel Springs School students and alumni competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, including Tyler Downs (men’s diving),[21] Austin Krajicek (men’s tennis),[21] Ruby Remati (women’s synchronized swimming),[22] and Claire Weinstein (women’s swimming).[23]

Other athletic achievements include: Nick Haness, 2025 Traverse City Horse Shows winner;[24] Gabriella Mikaul, 2025 Patriot League Women’s Tennis Rookie of the Year;[25] Jackson Koivun, 2025 Ben Hogan Award winner;[26] and Logan Zapp, 2019 United States Tennis Association Florida Junior Competitive Player of the Year.[27]

Several students have achieved recognition for academic and artistic accomplishments. In 2025, Everett Elkins graduated at age 15 with 29 college credits.[28] Tei Park was among the top scorers in California on the 2023 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.[29] Cecilia Martin won the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s 2020 Young Musicians Competition.[30] Melinda Sullivan received the non-classical dance award at the Music Center of Los Angeles County’s Spotlight Awards in 2004.[31]

Partnerships

Laurel Springs School partners with various organizations to support athletes, performers, and other families wanting an online education. Partnerships include Junior Tennis Champions Center, a tennis training center and preparatory school;[32] The Fila Easter Bowl, a junior tennis tournament; [33]San Jose Earthquakes Academy, a Major League Soccer team; Coast Music Conservatory, a music school in Los Angeles County;[34] and Novel Education Group, a tutoring and homeschooling service.[35]

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Laurel Springs School reported increased interest from families seeking alternatives to in-person schooling or existing remote learning options.[36][37] The broader shift toward remote education during this period contributed to the normalization of online schooling. Laurel Springs School was identified by Grand View Research as one of the prominent U.S. online private education providers in this context.[38]

Notable alumni

Actors

Athletes

Musicians

Other

References

  1. ^ "Laurel Springs Tuition". laurelsprings.com. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  2. ^ "ACS WASC Commission – Accrediting Commission for Schools". directory.acswasc.org. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  3. ^ "5 Schooling Alternatives for Your Child Actor". www.backstage.com. October 6, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  4. ^ "Cognia". home.cognia.org. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  5. ^ "Laurel Springs School". Resources & Guidance from The Learning Accelerator. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e "The Story of Laurel Springs". January 3, 2024.
  7. ^ Barbour, Michael (October 1, 2021). "The Shift to Distance Learning: Tracing the Roots of 100+ Years of Practice and Opportunity".
  8. ^ "Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. Acquires Leading Private K-12 Online and Distance Learning SchoolLaurel Springs School Accelerates Company's Entry into One of the Fastest-Growing Segments of the Education Market". Benzinga. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  9. ^ InvestCorp (August 1, 2018). "Investcorp Announces Sale of Nobel Learning Communities".
  10. ^ "Why Choose Laurel Springs | Accredited Online Private School". Laurel Springs School. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Online High School: Our Success Story With Laurel Springs School". TriangleSeniorYear.com. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  12. ^ Klemm, Piper (January 9, 2024). "The Laurel Springs Advantage". The Plaid Horse Magazine. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  13. ^ "Laurel Springs School Gifted & Talented Academy - Institute for Educational Advancement". educationaladvancement.org. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  14. ^ Medeiros, Madison (October 17, 2022). "Are Online Schools the Answer to Prevent Bullying?". SheKnows. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  15. ^ "Laurel Springs School". Niche.com. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  16. ^ "2025 Best Online High Schools in America". Niche. Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  17. ^ "Laurel Springs School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025) - Ojai, CA". Private School Review. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  18. ^ Givens, Aine; Member, Stacker News Newsweek Is A. Trust Project (February 25, 2021). "50 Best Online High Schools in America". Newsweek. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  19. ^ "USDLA Awards Marilyn Mosley Gordanier and Laurel Springs School". Best Online High Schools. October 6, 2010. Archived from the original on April 12, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  20. ^ "Marilyn Mosley Gordanier". Captain Planet Foundation. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  21. ^ a b c d "2024 Paris Olympics: Where every Olympian from the United States went to high school". MaxPreps.com. July 29, 2024.
  22. ^ a b Kemp, Cait. "Bringing the Bay State to Paris: These 16 Olympic athletes hail from Massachusetts". The Gardner News. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  23. ^ a b Alicia, Trinity (July 25, 2024). "Meet America's High Schoolers Vying for Olympic Gold". Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  24. ^ Schumann, Posted by Debbie; Daily, Horses (June 7, 2025). "Nick Haness' Victory Ride With A New Horse - Styled, Delivers A Top Finish". HorsesDaily. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  25. ^ "Patriot League Announces 2025 Women's Tennis Postseason Accolades (5.2.25)". patriotleague.org. May 2, 2025. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  26. ^ Staff, Fort Worth Inc (May 21, 2024). "Auburn Freshman Wins Ben Hogan Award". Fort Worth Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  27. ^ Barnhart, Amy (January 28, 2021). "Albert Carrington Balink Award Recipient: Logan Zapp". USTA Florida. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  28. ^ "The Commercial Appeal Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts". subscribe.commercialappeal.com. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  29. ^ Cortez, Jennifer. "Rancho Mirage student among 10 from Riverside County named National Merit semifinalists". The Desert Sun. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  30. ^ BOURNEA, CHRIS. "Bexley violinist wins 2020 Young Musicians Competition". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  31. ^ "Students under the spotlight". Simivalleyacorn.com. April 30, 2004.
  32. ^ "Home". Junior Tennis Champions Center. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  33. ^ "Partners". Easter Bowl. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  34. ^ "Theater/Arts: MB's Coast Music to launch full-time private school for grades 6-12". Daily Breeze. April 17, 2025. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  35. ^ "Landing Page:Webinar". Novel Education. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  36. ^ "Long ignored, private online schools see golden opportunity in pandemic". WHYY. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  37. ^ "High school students launch online AP U.S. history review sessions". The Seattle Times. April 26, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  38. ^ "U.S. Online Private Tutoring Market | Industry Report, 2030". www.grandviewresearch.com. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  39. ^ a b c d e f g h "Ojai 'School to the Stars' uses Web to teach athletes, actors". www.vcstar.com. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  40. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Laurel Springs School Bestows Two Merit Scholarships at Young Artist Awards". PRWeb. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  41. ^ Orenstein, Peggy (March 23, 2011). "The Good Girl, Miranda Cosgrove". The New York Times. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  42. ^ "'Mad Men's' Kiernan Shipka has her act together". chicagotribune.com. April 7, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  43. ^ "Ceres' Cade Cowell garners national attention". www.cerescourier.com. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  44. ^ "Megumi Field". www.teamusa.com. August 7, 2024.
  45. ^ Winowiecki, Emma (February 9, 2018). "Instead of escaping the cold and snow, these Michiganders are heading to Pyeongchang". www.michiganradio.org. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  46. ^ "Steele Johnson - Men's Swimming". Purdue Sports. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  47. ^ "Alexa Noel - Women's Tennis 2020-21". Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics - Official Athletics Website.
  48. ^ "Noah Rubin wins national tennis title". Long Island Herald. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  49. ^ a b "Homeschoolers Graduate from Laurel Springs School and Head to Prestigious Colleges and Universities". PRWeb. Archived from the original on June 28, 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  50. ^ "Amelia Rose Earhart to speak at the Laurel Springs School 2022 commencement". PR Newswire. Laurel Springs School. May 23, 2022. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  51. ^ Weiner, Natalie. "Kendall & Kylie Didn't Need the High School Experience, so LaMelo Ball Shouldn't Either". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  52. ^ "Kylie Jenner Gets $30K Watch and Cartier Bracelet for Graduation: Was One of Them from Tyga?". People. July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  53. ^ "15-year-old Flynn McGarry next big thing says NY Times cover story". IrishCentral.com. March 31, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2019.

34°26′52″N 119°14′58.5″W / 34.44778°N 119.249583°W / 34.44778; -119.249583

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