Importance of Social Opportunities for K-12 Students

April 7, 2026
Written by:
Guest Author
College Prep, Featured, Homeschooling Curriculum

 This post was written by a guest contributor and is sponsored by Laurel Springs School.

No matter what type of environment they learn in, students in grades K-12 require both challenging academic programming and community-building opportunities. While seeking out advanced academics can be accomplished by finding the right type of curriculum, creating impactful and “right-fit” social opportunities can be slightly more difficult, particularly for students in an online or homeschool educational path.

The importance of social connection cannot be underestimated, and studies show this is true for people of all ages. Online private schools like Laurel Springs go above and beyond to offer opportunities for social bonding and community building.

What Types of Activities are Available in an Online Environment?

While daily socialization might be a given in a traditional school building, homeschool and online students must “find their people” and build connections in a more intentional way. At Laurel Springs, students have access to 90+ virtual clubs and activities, in-person field trips, graduation, prom, and 13 different Honor Societies. They can meet virtually with their teachers by appointment, and students in the Academy at Laurel Springs have access to weekly live workshop classes that foster small group collaboration and learning.

The flexibility of online curriculum also allows students to more easily become involved in activities in their community, like volunteer groups and local clubs, or participate in performing arts, sports, and entrepreneurship.

How Can Parents Help Students Make Friends Online?

The experience of learning at home and online, especially in an asynchronous program, requires that students and families intentionally lean in to social activities. Parents and families play a key role in the social bonds their child forms by helping them identify their personal interests and find group activities where they will meet other students with similar interests. The most successful homeschool or online students are those whose families actively support academics and push students gently out of their comfort zones. Not only does this help students find meaningful social connections now, but it can help ensure students learn key social and organizational skills for future success in college and career.

The Laurel Springs Difference

Laurel Springs School was the first school to provide flexible, online learning in the United States, long before this form of learning became popular. The Laurel Springs program is rooted in the belief that every child is a treasure, and a child’s education should foster inquiry, growth, mastery, purpose, and independence. As a result, throughout its 35- year history, Laurel Springs has focused on providing top-quality academics, extensive access to virtual and in-person social programs, and personalized support from expert teachers, staff, and faculty.

“Everyone at Laurel Springs was very accommodating, right off the bat,” shared Olivia Sekany, an online NCAA Division athlete and Laurel Springs Class of 2023 alumnus. “Even though it was all remote and I was learning on my own, everybody was super supportive.”

Blending Online Learning with In-Person Community Partnerships

Laurel Springs partners with a variety of innovative hybrid programs, microschools, sports facilities, dance studios, small group education centers, and other organizations, another way to provide in-person support and community for online students. This flexible, mix-and-match approach allows families to build an educational experience that combines rigorous online academics with in-person learning and social opportunities in their local communities. By embracing a more flexible, student-centered model, Laurel Springs helps students access the best of both worlds while aligning their education with their goals, interests, and learning styles. Organizations interested in collaborating can learn more about partnership opportunities at Laurel Springs School.

Interested in Learning More about the Laurel Springs Approach?

If you are looking to provide your student with more flexibility, top-quality academic options, expert teachers and staff, and more connections to a global community of learners, Laurel Springs has something for you. Laurel Springs offers full-time, part-time, and summer programs, with more than 300 courses, including core subjects, electives, Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, and NCAA-approved courses. Attend a Virtual Open House to learn more, and Laurel Springs will waive your $300 registration fee if you enroll within two weeks of the event!