#United States #K-12 Education #Ojai #Laurel Springs #Marilyn Gordanier

Celebrating 35 Years of Innovation: Laurel Springs School's First Founder's Day

On October 1, 2026, Laurel Springs School celebrated its first official Founder's Day, marking a remarkable 35-year journey in the realm of accredited online K-12 education. This special occasion, honored by the city of Ojai, recognized the dedication and vision of founder Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, who established the school in 1991. Under her leadership, the school has fostered a nurturing environment aimed at empowering students to pursue their unique aspirations without compromising their academic journeys.

Mayor Andy Gilman of Ojai officially declared this day, cementing its importance within the community and beyond. As of today, Laurel Springs has served a diverse, global student body comprising individuals from over 100 countries, producing more than 7,000 graduates. Among its distinguished alumni are celebrated figures like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Taylor Fritz, Kristen Stewart, Raven-Symoné, Cole Sprouse, and Alexandra Eala. These accomplishments testify to the school's commitment to personalized and mastery-based learning.

The Founder's Day festivities included global virtual watch parties for the premiere of Born to Educate the World, a documentary that showcases Gordanier's relentless mission to reshape education for non-traditional learners across the globe. Nicole Ariya, the Social Media Manager at Laurel Springs and producer of the documentary, expressed her excitement about the event: "Founder's Day is such a special milestone for our community, and capturing Marilyn's incredible legacy in Born to Educate the World has been an inspiring journey. This film truly captures how Laurel Springs continues to empower students to follow their passions."

Reflecting on the institution's history, Laurel Springs has seen its graduates attend over 500 colleges and universities worldwide. Notably, 84% of the Class of 2026 received acceptance letters from at least one of their top three college choices, while 28% were admitted to highly selective schools. Such achievements underscore the school's rigorous academic model, tailored for athletes, artists, neurodiverse individuals, and high-achieving learners, solidifying its reputation as a viable alternative to conventional brick-and-mortar schools.

To commemorate the rich history of Laurel Springs and its founder's impactful story, viewers can access the full documentary via the school's YouTube Channel.

About Laurel Springs School

Laurel Springs School stands as a fully accredited online private institution for K-12 students, offering a premier college-prep curriculum that includes AP® and Honors courses. With both in-person and virtual events, Laurel Springs boasts a vast global community that transcends national boundaries, being recognized as one of the top online private schools in the nation. Families interested in enrolling can participate in Virtual Open Houses throughout the year, where they will be eligible for a waived $300 enrollment registration fee. For more insights into what families think about their experiences, interested parties can visit Laurel Springs School's Niche page.