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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the admissions requirements for Laureate School?

Laureate School will be admitting its most promising applicants to its program. The ideal candidate has a proven record of academic excellence and has demonstrated high achievement in areas of personal interest that extend beyond the academic requirements of a school program. Standardized test results, as well as competitions and awards, can be useful in supporting the application. Of key importance will be the recommendations of parents, teachers and mentors who have worked closely with the candidate and can attest to his or her giftedness.

How do you determine whether or not my child is gifted?

We look at a variety of criteria to include the applicant's academic history, parent recommendation, the teacher recommendations, test scores and other elements in the applicant's profile. Parents often can determine whether their child is gifted. Please review this information: Is my child gifted and talented?

How is the Laureate School curriculum different from the Laurel Springs School curriculum?

The Laureate School offers AP courses, year-long online symposia, opportunities to create customized electives in which students pursue special interests, and additional support in the Honors courses. Students will delve more deeply into the UC-approved curriculum, will be required to demonstrate and further develop higher-level thinking skills. There is an increased level of teacher support on all levels and ample opportunities for teacher and peer interaction within the asynchronous classroom setting.

What kind of special mentoring, advising or support will my child receive?

Your child will receive one-on-one ongoing assistance from the Laureate Advisor, mentoring from the Core Teacher, assistance from an entire team of teachers and the guidance of a personal CollegeKey Counselor.

Do you offer courses that are interactive so my child will interact with other gifted students as well as faculty and professionals?

Yes, we do. Students will take part in lively asynchronous online discussions, seminars and symposia.

Do you do assessment testing?

Yes. At the beginning of each academic year we assess English and math skills. In addition, we provide an in-depth interpretation and consultation with a Learning Success Coach in order to create a foundation of success for your child and your family.

Is the Laureate School accredited?

Yes, we are accredited by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Is my child considered "gifted" if she excels in something non-academic, such as athletics? Acting? Arts?

Yes, absolutely. In order to be successful in the Laureate School, however, students also will have to meet certain academic criteria.

Can my child apply if she is gifted in one subject area?

Yes, and our Admissions Committee will determine whether there is a good match between the candidate and the Laureate program.

Is the Laureate School a college preparatory school?

Yes. The goal of the Laureate School is to fully prepare the student for admission into the college of his or her choice.

Will my student work independently or in a classroom?

A student will be doing a combination of independent study and group work. While the majority of work is done independently, your student will participate in online discussions, seminars and the year-long symposium. The amount of time spent on this will vary by student.

How much interaction will my child have with the teachers?

A student will have abundant opportunities to interact with the teachers in the asynchronous classroom and through the online discussions and seminars, by phone and by email, through the feedback on their academic work and through the Aurora Message Center.

Will my child have access to experts and professionals in their areas of interest?

Laureate School's goal is to provide exposure to experts and professionals in a wide variety of topics through online seminars and discussions.

We've never homeschooled. How will you support our newness to learning at home?

Our team of advisors and teachers will provide you with all the information and support your child will need to be successful.

Is the Laureate School a GATE program?

No, it is a comprehensive program for gifted high school students, although many of our students will have participated in a GATE program in their previous school history.

Do you offer honors courses? AP courses?

Yes, we offer a wide selection of Honors and AP courses in all core subjects.

What type of support and/or counseling do you offer during the college application process?

It is our goal to make the most of a student's educational potential through highly customized, one-on-one counseling sessions throughout your child's attendance at Laureate School. Our consultants are active participants in your child's development and future and will provide support and mentoring from ninth to 12th grade.

Do you provide scholarships?

The Laureate School for the Gifted and Talented has a limited amount of financial aid available for families who qualify.