# The First Online Private School: 30+ Years at Laurel Springs School

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/liberated-podcast-4897868/the-first-online-private-school-30-years-at-laurel-springs-school
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/liberated-podcast-4897868/the-first-online-private-school-30-years-at-laurel-springs-school.md
Podcast: [LiberatED Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/liberated-podcast-4897868)
Published: 2026-02-24T13:14:00+00:00
Episode link: http://www.liberatedpodcast.com
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/c378c474-ac1a-4738-bc29-87987b4e13ec/Laurel_Springs_School_Online_Private_School_audio_FINAL.mp3?dest-id=3264842
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/liberated-podcast-4897868/episodes/the-first-online-private-school-30-years-at-laurel-springs-school
Duration seconds: 2172

## Resource

What does it take to build the first private online school in the United States—before most families even had internet access? In this episode of LiberatED , Kerry McDonald talks with Alyssa Tormala, Head of School at Laurel Springs School , to explore the school's remarkable evolution from a small distance-learning program in 1991 to a global, accredited K–12 institution that has served more than 6,000 students across 100+ countries. With a proven track record of high-quality online learning, including selective college admissions, Laurel Springs School continues to lead the way in virtual education. For families exploring alternatives to conventional schooling, this episode offers a compelling look at how private online education can combine personalization, rigor, and worldwide community. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org . Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling , is available now wherever books are sold!

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