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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.  

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Get to Know Leelanau

In Person. In Nature. Inspiring.

Request More Information or contact Brian Chatterley, Director of Admission, to start the conversation today. 

In Person Learning Happening Now

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Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher. – William Wordsworth

Explore Campus

See our beautiful Northern Michigan campus from a drone’s eye view! 

Nestled in the woods our stunning and secluded 42-acre campus is a place to learn, like no other.

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.

Experiential Learning

Academics

Academics at The Leelanau School go beyond hands on. We engage all your senses in learning to include kinesthetic, visual, and verbal learning. Through our methods, students are immersed in the learning experience. When you go out to collect data from the Crystal River for Biology class, you will not only be asked to note what the instrumental readings are, but also what you observe through sight, sound and smell.

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

The Leelanau School feels that students need to develop healthy lifestyles for their lifetimes. Our overall wellness program is designed around this premise by providing activities and guidance.

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The Leelanau School

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It's showtime! Stop in and enjoy The Glen Arbor Players’ performance of "Kalamazoo" in The Leelanau School Community Auditorium. Volunteers will be available when you arrive on campus to help with parking and guide you to the Auditorium. The performance is free to all. A goodwill offering to support GAP is welcome. #curtainsup #welcome ... See MoreSee Less

Its showtime! Stop in and enjoy The Glen Arbor Players’ performance of Kalamazoo in The Leelanau School Community Auditorium. Volunteers will be available when you arrive on campus to help with parking and guide you to the Auditorium. The performance is free to all. A goodwill offering to support GAP is welcome. #curtainsup #welcome

"Adrien is a dedicated learner of knowledge not often known to most people, including linguistics, theoretical physics, advanced mathematics, and more. Adrien came to The Leelanau School this year for his senior year; difficult as it might be for any student joining a new school, let alone doing so as a senior. Despite any challenges one might anticipate anyone in this situation to encounter, Adrien has not only met the challenge, but exceeded it, co-producing and co-directing a documentary, making many friends across campus, and crafting a constructed language for his capstone senior project. We are proud of Adrien and await news of everything he will accomplish at Wayne State University and will bring to the world in the years to come!" —Kiernan Dean-Hall | Leelanau School Faculty #seniorspotlight #curiousminds #resilience #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

Adrien is a dedicated learner of knowledge not often known to most people, including linguistics, theoretical physics, advanced mathematics, and more. Adrien came to The Leelanau School this year for his senior year; difficult as it might be for any student joining a new school, let alone doing so as a senior. Despite any challenges one might anticipate anyone in this situation to encounter, Adrien has not only met the challenge, but exceeded it, co-producing and co-directing a documentary, making many friends across campus, and crafting a constructed language for his capstone senior project. We are proud of Adrien and await news of everything he will accomplish at Wayne State University and will bring to the world in the years to come! —Kiernan Dean-Hall | Leelanau School Faculty #seniorspotlight #curiousminds #resilience #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool

For those who know and love her, it should come as no surprise that Elizabeth Blondia has been named one of ten 2025 Outstanding Educators in our region. 😍 🎉 This Award is in recognition of dedication to student success and positive impact in the school community. “These Outstanding Educators are a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication within our educational community,” said Karen Browne, president and CEO of TBA Credit Union. “These educators excel in their academic instruction but also embody the essence of true mentorship. They inspire a love for learning, foster critical thinking, and cultivate an environment where students feel valued and empowered. Their commitment to excellence and ability to connect with students make them truly deserving of this honor.”

This year’s outstanding educators will be recognized at an awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 at the City Opera House in Traverse City. The event is open to the public.

#kudos #outstandinginherfield #wonderwoman #abetterwaytoteach #theleelanauschool
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For those who know and love her, it should come as no surprise that Elizabeth Blondia has been named one of ten 2025 Outstanding Educators in our region. 😍 🎉 This Award is in recognition of dedication to student success and positive impact in the school community. “These Outstanding Educators are a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication within our educational community,” said Karen Browne, president and CEO of TBA Credit Union. “These educators excel in their academic instruction but also embody the essence of true mentorship. They inspire a love for learning, foster critical thinking, and cultivate an environment where students feel valued and empowered. Their commitment to excellence and ability to connect with students make them truly deserving of this honor.”

This year’s outstanding educators will be recognized at an awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 at the City Opera House in Traverse City. The event is open to the public.

#kudos #outstandinginherfield #wonderwoman #abetterwaytoteach #theleelanauschoolImage attachmentImage attachment

39 CommentsComment on Facebook

This makes complete sense!!! A treasure. ❤️

An inspiring, challenging, caring teacher and person so deserving of recognition, Elizabeth Lewis Blondia !🎉

Congratulations!!!! 😎❤️🥰❤️😎

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Imagine helping to protect the Piping Plover—along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—for science class—all before lunch. When we say hands-on learning, we mean it. Discover how joyful learning can be in the beauty of northern Michigan. Discover this Better Way to Learn at leelanau.org or bit.ly/46N5XXe
#HandsOn #experientiallearning #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool
... See MoreSee Less

Imagine helping to protect the Piping Plover—along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—for science class—all before lunch. When we say hands-on learning, we mean it. Discover how joyful learning can be in the beauty of northern Michigan. Discover this Better Way to Learn at leelanau.org or https://bit.ly/46N5XXe  
#handson #experientiallearning #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

I'm so glad my kid got to participate! For more information on piping plovers at Sleeping Bear and the fencing project: www.facebook.com/share/p/1ASkfXFNWs/

Teachers professors and administrators are low life losers

Did you know that The Glen Arbor Players (GAP) have a new home at The Leelanau School? What we hope is the first of many new community partnerships, GAP has relocated their auditions, rehearsals, and theatrical performances to our historic, if somewhat outdated, campus Auditorium. Leelanau is working to raise money for updated technology and renovations to the space. It is refreshing to have new faces on campus and new opportunities to connect with our neighbors. Opening night is this Friday, May 16. Learn more about tickets and showtimes at bit.ly/3GK7EN6 or glenarborplayers.org.

To discover more about Leelanau's dream for this shared Community Theater, contact Head of School, Rob Hansen, at rhansen@leelanau.org.
... See MoreSee Less

Did you know that The Glen Arbor Players (GAP) have a new home at The Leelanau School? What we hope is the first of many new community partnerships, GAP has relocated their auditions, rehearsals, and theatrical performances to our historic, if somewhat outdated, campus Auditorium. Leelanau is working to raise money for updated technology and renovations to the space. It is refreshing to have new faces on campus and new opportunities to connect with our neighbors. Opening night is this Friday, May 16. Learn more about tickets and showtimes at https://bit.ly/3GK7EN6 or glenarborplayers.org.

To discover more about Leelanaus dream for this shared Community Theater, contact Head of School, Rob Hansen, at rhansen@leelanau.org.Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Thank you Leelanau School for opening this facility for Glen Arbor Players to use. Two community treasurers coming together. Kudos to you!

Love this so much. 🖤

Some of my fondest memories are from that stage…

This week, we had the honor of welcoming several Independent Educational Consultants to The Leelanau School! After attending the IECA Annual Conference in Detroit, Head of School Rob Hansen brought seven education professionals north to see our campus firsthand. It was a privilege to share our mission, values, and community with them in person. Their presence and genuine interest in The Leelanau School meant a great deal to us, and we’re grateful for the chance to connect and collaborate in support of students everywhere. 💚

#TheLeelanauSchool #IECA #IndependentEducation #StudentSuccess #EducationThatFits
... See MoreSee Less

This week, we had the honor of welcoming several Independent Educational Consultants to The Leelanau School!  After attending the IECA Annual Conference in Detroit, Head of School Rob Hansen brought seven education professionals north to see our campus firsthand. It was a privilege to share our mission, values, and community with them in person. Their presence and genuine interest in The Leelanau School meant a great deal to us, and we’re grateful for the chance to connect and collaborate in support of students everywhere. 💚

#TheLeelanauSchool #IECA #IndependentEducation #StudentSuccess #EducationThatFitsImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

I'll bet they will find some perfect Leelanau students!

Today's the Day! Join us in the Cherry Republic Courtyard from 2:30-4:00 pm for a Leelanau School Artist Market and music by our students. We are excited to sell our handmade wares and celebrate with community! Life, Learning, Artists, and Pie! #creativity #community #cherrypie #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

Todays the Day! Join us in the Cherry Republic Courtyard from 2:30-4:00 pm for a Leelanau School Artist Market and music by our students. We are excited to sell our handmade wares and celebrate with community! Life, Learning, Artists, and Pie! #creativity #community #cherrypie #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool

"Chuck has been an exemplary addition to The Leelanau School since enrolling for his junior year. On the Student Council, he serves as a strong and honest voice for his peers while working well with his peers and teachers. When our campus does any volunteer work, you’ll notice Chuck because he will be the hardest worker out there. As a student, Chuck is an independent and critical thinker, exhibiting rigor in his work. I’ve witnessed him demonstrating an open-mindedness to new ideas, cultures, and people from all walks of life. This openness will serve Chuck well next year at Beloit College, where he plans to major in Psychology. We will miss his wry and dry sense of humor because he has definitely left an imprint on our hearts. Chuck will graduate as Salutatorian of the Class of 2025." - Angela Repke | Leelanau School Faculty #seniorspotlight #independent #hardworking #honest #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

Chuck has been an exemplary addition to The Leelanau School since enrolling for his junior year. On the Student Council, he serves as a strong and honest voice for his peers while working well with his peers and teachers. When our campus does any volunteer work, you’ll notice Chuck because he will be the hardest worker out there. As a student, Chuck is an independent and critical thinker, exhibiting rigor in his work. I’ve witnessed him demonstrating an open-mindedness to new ideas, cultures, and people from all walks of life. This openness will serve Chuck well next year at Beloit College, where he plans to major in Psychology. We will miss his wry and dry sense of humor because he has definitely left an imprint on our hearts. Chuck will graduate as Salutatorian of the Class of 2025. - Angela Repke | Leelanau School Faculty #seniorspotlight #independent #hardworking #honest #theleelanauschool
1 week ago

Please join us this Friday for a Leelanau School student Artist Market. Our students have crafted art and gifts to sell, with 20% of the proceeds donated to Cherryland Humane Society and The Leelanau Conservancy. Leelanau music students will perform, too. Many thanks to Cherry Republic for hosting this opportunity and sharing their courtyard with us! #Creativity #community #entrepreneurs #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

Please join us this Friday for a Leelanau School student Artist Market. Our students have crafted art and gifts to sell, with 20% of the proceeds donated to Cherryland Humane Society and The Leelanau Conservancy. Leelanau music students will perform, too. Many thanks to Cherry Republic  for hosting this opportunity and sharing their courtyard with us! #creativity #community #entrepreneurs #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool
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