At The Leelanau School, we offer day and boarding students in grades 9-12 an educational experience where integrated learning support, individualized attention, small classes, and a commitment to whole-person wellness are at the center of what we do.Students discover and develop their strengths as both students and citizens with the guidance of engaged faculty committed to cultivating a school where students know and embrace themselves as learners – no matter how they learn.
A BETTER WAY TO LEARN
Leelanau’s rich, supportive environment is a community where teachers love to teach and the focus is on how to learn, rather than what to learn. We are a haven for intelligent and creative students: the bright, the talented, the inquisitive who may also feel unchallenged, restless, and anxious.
Academics
Music, Visual Arts & Theater
At The Leelanau School creativity is encouraged and students are welcome to explore each arts discipline. Parents are often amazed that their “non-singing” child has a beautiful voice or that their camera shy child feels perfectly comfortable on the other side of the lens!
You don’t have to come with a talent, we will help you discover and develop your talents.
Health, Wellness, & Nutrition
This morning, we gathered for Senior Breakfast—one of Leelanau’s most joyful (and sometimes tearful) traditions. We were honored to welcome guest speaker Skip Maner ’85, who shared heartfelt and practical wisdom with our graduating class. Skip encouraged our seniors to “fake it ’til you make it—and then make it," in anything you choose to do, reminding us all that confidence often follows the effort, and nobody starts out knowing everything. He also spoke to the unique value of a Leelanau education: the ability to talk with adults and advocate for oneself—skills not often nurtured in larger schools or in today’s world of social media and AI.
Thank you, Skip, for inspiring our emerging alumni with your words and your presence! #proudalumni #brightfutures #soundadvice #transitions #leelanaulegacy #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"For the past four years, Mark has been a vibrant and unforgettable presence on campus—radiating curiosity, kindness, and an unshakable sense of joy. Whether offering a “shout out” to the rain, marveling at the small wonders of daily life, or diving headfirst into learning and experimentation, Mark has walked the Leelanau path with honor, heart, and purpose.
A dedicated scholar, motivated self-learner, and thoughtful listener, Mark has grown into a self-aware leader and true Leelanau legend. Reliable positivity and perfectly-timed silliness have inspired classmates and teachers alike.
Mark's authenticity builds trust, and a deep sense of integrity fosters connection. From day one, Mark showed us what it means to “let it shine”—embracing every single day as the most important one yet.
As the next chapter begins, Mark’s future is wide open, full of promise, and the horizon is speckled with goals. Being “daVinci-esque” makes it all possible. Mark will be attending Harper College next fall to become an EMT. Once achieved, Mark will pursue degrees in medicine or marine biology…or both and more. The stars will light the way.
We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate Mark Porter as our valedictorian. The adventure is just beginning!" - Rob Hansen, Head of School #seniorspotlight #authentic #curious #joyful #unforgettable #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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A big shoutout to the Barbs for helping prepare our campus for this week's festivities and the summer ahead. Beautiful people make beautiful things grow! #kindness #plantsomething #ourcampushome #leelanaufamily #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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Please join us this Saturday, June 7 as we celebrate and graduate The Leelanau School Class of 2025. The ceremony, full of tradition and beauty, will begin at 11 am, and is expected to last approximately 90 minutes. A link is available on our home page at leelanau.org or bit.ly/4jnFUve #classof2025 #celebrate #graduate #Alumnihood #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"Max joined my Spanish class mid-year—quiet, reserved, and just trying to find his place. It didn’t take long before his strengths started to shine through. His impressive vocabulary recall and ability to understand complex discussions quickly stood out. As the months went on, I got to know the real Max—a student with a quirky sense of humor, a sharp mind for language, and a love for food and music that sparked so many fun conversations.
I’m especially grateful Max chose to continue with Spanish into his senior year. This year has been rewarding, fulfilling, and genuinely fun. Max, your curiosity, wit, and energy made our classroom better every single day. ¡Gracias por todo! Buena suerte en Universidad de Western Michigan!"- Senora Ellsworth, Leelanau School Faculty #seniorspotlight #curious #sharpmind #quirkyhumor #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"Alex Lombard is a three-year senior. The Leelanau School has been a part of his family for more than 10 years. He has three cousins who also graduated from Leelanau. His family is very special to him. He always stands up for what he believes in and is a loyal, genuine friend. He gives thoughtful and honest advice and is an excellent listener. He is clever and witty and says it like it is. He is pretty quiet, but takes everything in. Once he gets his mind set on something, he achieves it. He has become quite the runner and is extremely disciplined. Alex is very athletic and even won the Leelanau Outdoor Challenge last year. He also won several other awards while attending Leelanau. I will miss his humor, pirate smile, the little crack in his voice, and his laugh. Alex will be attending the University of Tampa in the fall." - Jen Parker, Leelanau School Staff #seniorspotlight #athletic #witty #focused ... See MoreSee Less
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Nothing like a little kickball to break-up finals week! Faculty/Staff 12 - Students 11. But everyone is a winner in the end, right! 🏆 🏅 #yearend #almostdone #graduationahoy #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"Since day one, Nick has shown up with honesty, vulnerability, and curiosity at every turn. Given his past experiences, it would have been understandable if Nick had approached Leelanau with skepticism and hesitancy. In contrast, he dove in head first, participating in the Leelanau Outdoor Challenge, Student Council, Student Activities Board, and more. More often than not, I’ve witnessed Nick navigate social situations with openness, quick wit, and seemingly ease, bringing together different peer groups and bridging the gap that can exist between adolescents and adults. Listening to his senior seminar presentation brought a smile to my face; Nick’s expertise in and passion for economics are such that no matter how much he dumbs it down for us adults, it can be difficult to follow. Beyond being incredibly bright, Nick is one of those rare souls who is also kind, dynamic, resilient, and above all, real. Suffice it to say, he will be dearly missed next year when he enrolls at Western Michigan." - Katlyn Martin | Leelanau School Faculty #seniorspotlight #passionate #dynamic #resilient #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"While Ruby is well known for her artistic prowess at Leelanau, she is also an integral part of our community. Beyond her remarkable talent, Ruby is a trusted friend and mentor, admired for her honesty, kindness, and willingness to uplift others. She approaches every endeavor with intention, and her hard work inspires those around her. Ruby is a generous, thoughtful, and deeply reflective person whose passion and dedication shine in everything she does.
Ruby’s artistic journey began as an escape but has blossomed into a powerful means of storytelling and worldbuilding—skills she will further hone as a Concept Art major at the College for Creative Studies. Her ability to balance intricate details with the bigger picture makes her work truly captivating. One of my favorite memories is her Arts Collaboration project, where her artwork united our community with a poignant message about Leelanau’s impact. We are so grateful that Ruby decided to embark on her high school journey here with us at Leelanau. Wherever her path leads, she will undoubtedly leave her mark." - Elara Coleman, Leelanau School Faculty #seniorspotlight #storyteller #worldbuilder #uniter #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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