Curriculum

Our school offers exceptional course and curriculum options for the college-bound student.

Student-teacher interaction makes our courses dramatically different from other online high school models. We incorporate the personal touch into our educational offerings, so that students participate in a consistent dialogue with their teachers about coursework. At Laurel Springs, our teachers grade each assignment individually and provide specific feedback and insights into how students can improve their work.

Our mastery-based learning model allows teachers to make corrections and suggestions to students during the lessons and to ask for revisions, so that students may improve their understanding of subject matter.

Our courses are constantly being audited, updated, improved and aligned to the newest and highest educational standards. Our approach to education is dynamic, including:

• Innovative learning activities
• Multiple authentic assessment opportunities
• Diagnostic, standards-based proficiency testing

College Prep Courses

Laurel Springs offers online and textbook-based curriculum options. Our online high school courses combine the dynamic interactivity of the web with on- and off-line assignments. Our textbook-based courses feature materials carefully chosen for their academic quality, visual appeal and suitability for a wide range of learning styles. College prep courses have been carefully designed so that successful completion prepares students for college level courses at the most demanding colleges and universities. Our approach is mastery-based and asynchronous, meaning that students have the opportunity to move faster, or continue to work on assignments and lessons until they are completely proficient in the material.

Honors Courses

Our school offers a wide range of Honors courses in the subject areas of English, social studies, math and science. Available in online or textbook-based formats, our Honors courses meet the needs of college-bound students seeking a challenging academic curriculum in a distance learning environment. The Honors program takes college prep courses to the next level by focusing on critical thinking, research and writing skills, and creative application of ideas. For Honors prerequisites, browse our catalog.

Advanced Placement Courses

Our school provides a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, enabling students to take college-level courses and exams, and earn college credit or placement while still in high school. Due to their AP exam scores, many Laurel Springs graduates are able to place out of entry level courses when they get to college.

“I have had a great experience with my AP courses at Laurel Springs. All of my teachers were knowledgeable and accessible. They allowed me to work at my own pace, but were always quick to respond to anything I may have needed. The coursework was reasonably challenging, but my stress level was usually low.”

- Laurel Springs Student

“The AP U.S. History course helped me discover what path I want to take in life. I realized that film history is critical to the study of history, and so I have decided that I want to become a moving image archivist.”

- Laurel Springs Student

Using advanced curricula, teacher support, and hands-on learning opportunities, each student fulfills challenging college entrance requirements while pursuing personal interests and individual goals. Advanced Placement programs emphasize vocabulary development, critical thinking, problem solving, expository writing, and research. Successful completion of AP exams allows students to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

National Honor Society

Laurel Springs School is proud to have been the first private online high school to establish a chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Membership in the NHS is based on academic achievement and service within the community, as well as personal character and leadership. The Laurel Springs Chapter of the National Honor Society provides a unique forum in which the student leaders of our school can participate in service learning projects. For our NHS school project, first-year members address global environmental concerns. This program gives members the opportunity to explore and exemplify what it means to be global citizens and stewards of the planet through specific environmental activities. Members complete service hours and are given high school credit upon completion of their course work.

“The NHS community service program focused my energies and provided me with a more organized perspective for my community service. The environmental course broadens my perspective on human progress, which should use resources from the environment in a sustainable manner.”

- Laurel Springs Student

“I think focusing on the values of NHS – scholarship, leadership, service and citizenship – are important to everyone in the school and can frame all of our other projects. This year, my NHS community service is being a mentor in the new Link Crew Mentor Program, which is a peer mentoring program that matches high school and 8th grade students. My role is to offer advice, help them with goal setting, and be a friend.”

- Laurel Springs Student

Since its inception in 1929, the National Honor Society has recognized outstanding high school students whose accomplishments go beyond excellent academic performance and include exceptional leadership, service and character qualities. Laurel Springs School places a high value on this organization, and our school calendar includes a special National Honor Society induction ceremony that takes place once a year in Southern California. We take great pride in the accomplishments of our students who have achieved this premier distinction.

NCAA Approved Courses

Most college athletic programs are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an organization with rules and regulations on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid. The NCAA has three membership divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Colleges and universities are members of a division according to the size and scope of their athletic programs. Many Laurel Springs courses are NCAA Division I and II approved.

Be aware that not all online high schools have NCAA approved courses, due to the level of teacher involvement that is required by the NCAA. If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or Division II athletics, you should be taking NCAA approved courses throughout high school. There are a number of special procedures to follow to ensure you have the proper documentation and requirements for NCAA. Laurel Springs has a variety of resources to educate students about NCAA procedures. Be sure to tell your admissions coordinator if you need to be NCAA eligible.

University of California a-g Approved Courses

Since 1998, Laurel Springs School has offered University of California a-g approved courses.  The University of California and Board of Regents have a set of rigorous criteria by which they evaluate courses for approval.  Students who successfully complete UC a-g approved courses have the advantage of submitting transcripts for college admission that show an impressive track record of academic excellence. Please tell your admissions coordinator if you need to adhere to UC standards.