Student Life

Whether it's a table of lively conversation in the library, a quiet place to study in the "Cave," a sunny spot in the main classroom or an outdoor setting for group activities, Laurel provides a great environment for all kinds of learning styles. The colorful main classroom, decorated with student artwork, features a small kitchen area where students can prepare their lunch, a well stocked library of books and videos, and seating "pods," where students interact with others in each grade level.

A former student describes Laurel this way:

"At Laurel, teachers and facilitators treat students like adults. This means that we have the privilege to act like adults, which gives us a little more freedom than the public schoolers. Renee starts each class with roll call, and then proceeds with the phrase “Go to work,” and everyone goes to their classes at Laurel. We can have independent studies, create our own classes, attend a facilitated class, or attend a class with a teacher. Classes consist of students from all grades helping us to learn more about each person throughout the year. Overall, student life at Laurel is relaxed and fun, and Laurel is definitely the place for you if you’re looking for more independence, and are ready for a different way of education than the traditional public school method."