“Since there is no single set of abilities running throughout human nature, there is no single curriculum which all should undergo. Rather, the schools should teach everything that anyone is interested in learning.”

--John Dewey

Students entering the program begin by determining their learning styles – strengths and challenges - and their present level of academic functioning across all subject areas. This process of identification is achieved through the compilation of formal diagnostic information, faculty observation, self-reporting and informal diagnostics such as Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles surveys.


As a student becomes more familiar with their learning style, as well as skill strengths, they are able to use this information tackle other aspects of their life, including academic courses. With the help of the Learning Center staff, students receive support in building an individualized program that meets their needs when they enter the program, and as their needs change and skills develop over the time they spend at Leelanau.



The individualized program in the LRC changes with each student’s needs, as they grow as a person and intellectual. Once a student has developed and demonstrated their ability to manage their time, as well as complete their academic work, many students graduate to spending their LRC time pursuing other interests, such as pottery or culinary arts. Also, as students gain a high level of self-directed functioning, they have the opportunity to act as mentors for other students.

The LRC faculty works with individual students, guiding them through the process of setting goals, building skills and generalizing skills to other content areas. Students and teachers in the program work through this process on a continual basis to:

• Develop specific short-term, mid-term and long-term goals.
• Align strengths and interests with requisite goals.
• Identify and build specific skills to address areas of academic challenge.
• Identify and build specific skills to foster growth in areas of strength.
• Identify and employ community members to support goals and build skills.
• Monitor, adjust and create strategies as needed.
• Participate in activities that foster growth in identified areas.