Written by Sarah Clancy, Humanities and SEL Curriculum Manager at Laurel Springs School
My spouse and I are watching The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. The name derives from the main character’s work from the back of his Navigator. Another character drives him around while he makes phone calls or reads briefs. The car plays a major role in the story, often connecting the main character to important people or times in his life and serving as the thinking spot for major “aha” moments.
Though we might dream of a chauffeured life because of its luxurious efficiency (I’d get so much more done if someone could drive me around!), the reality is that for most of us with a full-time job, that kind of backseat work just can’t happen. What I learned recently in a conversation with two Laurel Springs mothers, Marla Barczewski and Manon Verkoeijen-Collignon, is that students and families at Laurel Springs can have that kind of flexible work-life schedule that allows them to pursue interests and travel while learning in a rigorous and independent environment.
Flexible Schedules
Laurel Springs’ students can, in fact, do their “job” of attending private school from virtually anywhere: the backseat being the most limiting because of the seatbelt! Whether at the soccer complex, on the site of a cycling road race, in the car, or from an Airbnb, the flexibility of Laurel Springs keeps these two families returning to our virtual hallways.
When asked about flexibility, the mother of an alumni, Marla Barczewski, says, “Online school is great because we travel a lot for soccer. We can just take school with us. He can work in the car if he needs to and if he goes to a tournament all weekend, I can let him sleep in on a Monday. There’s no falling behind because he can work at his own pace. It’s made a huge difference being able to keep up on work and not be reprimanded for missing days when my son needs to stay home and rest.”
Though sports were not the main reason Manon Verkoeijen-Collignon enrolled her children at Laurel Springs, the family has grown accustomed to their lifestyle revolving their life instead of making plans around school. Manon says, “Everybody is able to do their own things when they like to do them – their sports, their fitness, work, doctor’s appointments. For example, I love the fact that I can go into a doctor’s office in the morning and don’t have to cram them in after-school hours, which I always used to do when they went to in-person school.”
Mastery-Based Academics
Academics were the main draw for Manon’s family to Laurel Springs. The schools in her area are not up to par with her standards, and regarding the transition from in-person school to virtual, she says, “From day one, everything went as smooth as can be for us. It was not difficult at all to adjust. Everything was very self-explanatory. But, I will say, it’s not easy material. The curriculum is not easy – especially compared to others I’ve seen. It’s challenging and some kids may find it really hard, particularly if they’re coming from a public school environment.”
Marla agreed, adding that her older son is thriving in college, and she credits Laurel Springs for setting him up to self-advocate: “Having to go to office hours, asking teachers to reopen assignments for retakes, and having those face-to-face interactions prepared him for college. Despite having ADHD, he’s more organized, able to keep all his classes straight, and can talk to his professors without feeling shy or intimidated. I think that all came from Laurel Springs and him having to navigate all of that on his own.” Both moms see the mastery-based learning that Laurel Springs provides as phenomenal, noting that it’s not commonly found.
Navigating Family Life
Both Marla and Manon agree that online school gives their families more control over their kids’ education and allows them to set schedules in alignment with what the kids have going on. “Online school was a catalyst for all of these other amazing things that we were able to do because we had the flexibility and time,” says Marla. “As kids get older, it definitely leaves more room for you to do your own thing. I certainly started working more and having more room for myself.”
Parents at Laurel Springs tend to see the more hands-on approach to their children’s education as a good thing. Manon adds, “With the increased flexibility comes more responsibility to provide social interactions and adult interaction for your kids. It’s more work, but it’s worth it. I think it’s great.” Her family benefits from more time together, making use of a big calendar to coordinate activities and studying to meet in between for meals. Manon and Marla both build their own lives around their students, like many working parents. In the case of Laurel Springs, Saturday and Sunday blend into other days of the week, allowing for travel outside the traditional school and work week, or a more laid-back approach to work and rest.
Manon posed this hypothetical question to families considering online school: “What would it add to your life?” For the Lincoln Lawyer, working out of his car adds efficiency and an identity. Both Manon and Marla believe Laurel Springs School adds flexibility and rigorous, mastery-based academics. Their students are learning life-long skills of self-advocacy, time management, and interest exploration. Laurel Springs families enroll for a reason – the “why” being unique to literally every family, and they stay for an even better one.
Could online school make a difference for your family?
If you’re considering a change in your child’s education, take a moment to reflect on Manon’s question: “What would online school add to your life?” And as you contemplate your family’s educational journey, remember that the decision to enroll is just the beginning! What happens next offers your family an entirely unique learning adventure full of opportunities and possibilities.
