Everyone knows Shakespeare—a literary superstar whose body of work is still beloved today. But did you know it’s believed that after he left traditional school at the age of 13, he searched for ways to further his education on his own? Rumor has it he honed his literary craft by acting in plays and visiting theaters outside of Stratford. Imagine that—having a passion for creativity and satisfying that drive by following an educational path that differed from the traditional one of his time. Sound familiar?

Finding Your Voice—With Flexibility

Like Shakespeare, being driven to express your creative voice and finding unconventional ways to grow it, while still getting a more formal education is something Laurel Springs students know a lot about. At Laurel Springs, we believe in giving students the flexibility to pursue doing what they love—writing, acting, sports, dancing, and more—while completing their studies. Our flexible curriculum has been created with this in mind. Even better, we also work with students to curate electives that allow them to focus on the specific skills they’ll need for their lifelong goals. And it’s all done before college!

With expansive curricula, flexible schedules, and instructor and counselor assistance providing the framework, Laurel Springs’ programs also encourage students to fine-tune their self-discipline and communication skills. You coordinate your own time, so that you can complete the expected work, while also doing the training that your creative endeavor compels you to do.

A Nontraditional Path

It’s easy to see how Shakespeare succeeded as a student of an unconventional education. Who hasn’t cried while watching Romeo and Juliet’s love story, laughed at the hilarity of mistaken identity in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or sat on the edge of their seat while Hamlet enacts his revenge? Yet in addition to commercial success, Shakespeare’s ability to chart his own path and immerse himself in the dramatic world also contributed to his works’ brilliance. His main competition, writer Christopher Marlowe, studied through a more traditional route and never achieved the same level of success. Shakespeare and Laurel Springs prove that for those with a creative mind, being disciplined and having both the outlet for and time to devote to your artistic talents is a recipe for success.