Why a US high school diploma matters: how online private schools empower international students
For international students, access to a premier secondary education plays a huge role in daily life and future opportunities.
Given recent changes in global education policies and student visa restrictions, international students presented with the chance to obtain an American high school diploma have a valuable advantage, yet not every student can relocate to the United States.
Fortunately, accredited online private schools like Laurel Springs offer a flexible, globally-recognised US education, allowing K-12 students to learn from anywhere in the world and most importantly, at their own pace. Graduating with an American diploma from an accredited, highly recognised online school – combined with their unique stories and histories – allows these students a competitive advantage if they pursue higher education in the United States.
Laurel Springs School: a leader in online education for global students
Today, many virtual schools offer customised educational programs through online learning platforms. One institution experienced in meeting the growing demand from international families is Laurel Springs, an online accredited private school with over 30 years of excellence in distance learning. Of over 3,000 students enrolled in grades K-12, 20% of them are international learners, reflecting the school’s global impact.
Since 1991, Laurel Springs has empowered thousands of international students by providing a flexible, self-paced American curriculum strengthened by tailored academic. support from teachers, school counsellors, and a robust athletic counselling program.
This model ensures students receive a high-quality education while feeling personally championed by expert adults who understand and care about their experience and college or career goals.
Explore a day in the life of a high school student at Laurel Springs.
Strategic international partnerships: expanding access to premier US education
To better serve global students, Laurel Springs partners with international education consulting companies and consultants, athletic academies, and tutoring centres to make sure students’ unique needs are met.
Through these collaborations, students gain access to a wide catalog of high-quality courses approved by the NCAA and the University of California system, including Advanced Placement (AP®), Honors, World Language, Fine Arts, and unique electives – giving them a well-rounded education that meets admissions standards for top colleges and universities. In fact, 26% of the Class of 2024 were accepted into colleges and universities with selectivity rates of 25% or lower.
With a presence in 100+ countries, Laurel Springs has recently expanded into El Salvador and India, forming new partnerships with several remarkable institutions, including Limitless Academy (El Salvador) and Tarun Sardesai Golf Academy (India).
Through these collaborations, international students can earn a US high school diploma from one of the top online private schools in America – all while remaining in their home countries.
Success stories: how Laurel Springs has transformed learning for two international organisations
Limitless Academy (El Salvador)
Lucia Alfaro, founder of Limitless Academy, has long desired to provide her students with access to online courses and a customised education model. By partnering with Laurel Springs, her vision was brought to life. Students at Limitless Academy now have the support of their coaches and tutors with the addition of Laurel Springs’ online academic environment – one committed to helping them reach their full potential.

“My dreams for Limitless Academy continue to grow. I am determined to keep transforming education in El Salvador, making it more accessible, inspiring, and impactful for every student who walks through our doors. This mission fuels everything we do,” says Lucia Alfaro, Founder of Limitless Academy
Tarun Sardesai Golf Academy (TSG)
For student-athletes in India, finding a quality education that supports their demanding training schedules is a common obstacle. Tarun Sardesai Golf Academy (TSG) partnered with Laurel Springs to provide its students with exceptional academics and comprehensive support that would nurture their holistic growth.
Now, TSG families don’t have to worry so much about international travel costs, visa issues, or rigid school schedules. Through a personalised onboarding and admissions process at Laurel Springs, students are seamlessly integrated into an academic environment that empowers them to pursue their passions and fulfil their potential.

“I am so impressed with how on point Laurel Springs’ communication is – whether it’s touching base with a child who’s fallen behind on assignments, advising them, or helping them handle their workload after a holiday or tournament. It’s outstanding. I think every family looks for this: communication. It makes us feel like we’re more in control of the situation as partners, too, when we talk with families. We’re on point because Laurel Springs is on point,” says Dr. Rokhsar Vakharia, Co-Founder of Tarun Sardesai Golf Academy.
The future of opportunity for international learners
The beauty of online private school is that students can progress academically, earn a US high school diploma, and become exactly who they dream of being – irrespective of their geographical location. This is especially important at times of increased limitations on immigration and visa approvals. Giving students the support and academic opportunities they need to succeed is a job Laurel Springs School fully embraces.
If you are interested in exploring partnership opportunities, please contact Laurel Springs’ Partnerships Team directly at [email protected]. Together, we can help international students graduate high school with confidence and gain admission to the top colleges and universities in the world!

About the Author: Dr Manny Iloba (Ed.D) is the director of partnerships at Laurel Springs School. Manny is an enthusiastic, strategic, results-driven individual who is a seasoned professional in partnerships, relationship-building, corporate sponsorships, and organisational development. Known for his ability to collaborate and negotiate,
Manny works with influential decision-makers in the education industry to identify growth-oriented strategies and opportunities for local and international students.
He is deeply passionate about creating a space for K-12 online students to excel holistically, especially as they navigate daily challenges. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree from University of St.Thomas, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Concordia University Texas, and a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) with a focus in Education and Leadership from Concordia University Texas.
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