“Our academic program values the whole person and seeks to empower each student to become a self-directed independent thinker, in the classroom and beyond. When students are encouraged to learn and show their knowledge using their strengths, they become engaged in the process of learning, leading to improved motivation, resilience and productivity. The academic philosophy here at The Leelanau School is rooted in a strengths-based, multi-sensory approach to teaching and learning.”

--Rob Himburg, Director of Academics

Leelanau’s highly structured and individualized academic program allows each student to understand, develop, and apply his or her unique intelligence and skills to our rigorous college preparatory curriculum. We utilize three components to support our students’ academic journey: the Learning Resource Center, our Residential Life program, and academic classes. Together these programs work in unison, creating the opportunity for students to develop life skills, academics skills and problem-solving abilities is all areas of their lives.

Learning Resource Center | LRC

The Learning Center offers students a place to study and access to technology. By putting in place an individually tailored learning program, students are able to practice and internalize methods for success that work best for them, ultimately leading to their ability to be independent learners and thinkers.

Residential Life | Residential Life

Dorm Parents closely communicate with classroom teachers to provide support for students during evening hours. By understanding responsibilities students have in the classroom, as well as on the playing field, dorm parents help students to engage meaningfully in their efforts, through practicing Life Skills, and Leelanau’s values.

Classes | Curriculum

Instruction at the Leelanau School often takes place outside a traditional classroom. For example, students test water quality on Glen Lake, or study biology by conducting experiments on the Crystal River. Interdisciplinary study also plays a large role in students' experience with topics in the Humanities.