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
Cris Piña’s career has been wide-ranging and adventurous, extending far beyond his 18 years at The Leelanau School. His stories—sometimes too wild to believe, sometimes too true to ignore—became bridges, sparking laughter, curiosity, and connection with students. Cris reminds us that life is expansive, and that courage and mischief often walk hand in hand.
Please join us in celebrating Cris Piña’s retirement following the Lawn and Tree Ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. We’ll gather @ 4:00 PM in the Cook Learning Commons for ice cream, tall tales, and shared memories.
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Who Do You Love? We love our Leelanau School community! #MondayEnergizer #community #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"To know Z Phan is to be the recipient of her vivacious energy and zeal for learning. Never have I had a student whose enthusiasm matches their curiosity like Z. She came to us from Dallas, Texas, and has been a powerful force here on our Leelanau campus from her very first day. Z serves as President of the Student Council, bringing our community together and making a difference. She brings those same leadership qualities to Pinebrook House, where she thrives, making the dorm a cozy little haven for all students.
Z will be remembered for her artistic and academic prowess. Her paintings, creative writing, and academic fervor are unmatched. In fact, she earned the title of Valedictorian and will be attending the University of Michigan as early as this summer because she can’t wait to start her college journey! Most importantly, Z embraced what her teachers and residential staff offered her, recognizing that these lessons deepen one’s personal growth. And Z certainly grew and flourished the longer she spent time here at Leelanau. We will miss her sparkling energy and commitment to learning."—Angela Repke, Leelanau Faculty #seniorshoutout #classof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"I think that one of the greatest privileges a teacher is afforded is time. Time to observe the growth and transition of a very young human in the making into young adulthood. Time to establish relationships not restricted to just academics, but explore curiosities, different points of views and perspectives, testing boundaries and learning from positive experiences as well as from not so ideal experiences. Time to model courteous, respectful and easy communication with peers and adults.
Our salutatorian, Fischer Copeland, is grounded in loyalty, fairness and always standing in strength for classmates and peers unable to speak for themselves. Over his four years at Leelanau he has demonstrated resiliency, disagreed with passion and respect while willing to listen and process before proceeding with a plan.
Fischer has attained all of the above while learning and mastering how to do school and doing so exceedingly well. Of course , it goes without question that with a name like Fischer he loves the outdoors and is probably happier that the biggest fish he has ever hooked got away. When you get to understand Fischer as his peers and adults do you realize that he was probably happy for the fish." —Cris Piña-Gautier | Leelanau Faculty, M.Sp.Ed, Lic. Psychologist #seniorshoutout #classof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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The Leelanau School is proud to be recognized once again as a Michigan Evergreen School—the highest honor awarded by the Michigan Green Schools program. This distinction celebrates schools that complete 20+ meaningful environmental initiatives each year, from energy conservation and recycling to hands-on environmental education.
Led by the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education, the program reflects a shared commitment to stewardship—one we are proud to embody through our deep respect for place and possibility. At Leelanau, stewardship is not a single initiative but a way of being, preparing students to care for the natural world with knowledge, intention, and lasting purpose. 🌿 ... See MoreSee Less
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The few, the brave, the 2026 May Day Dippers! What a treat to have sunshine this year! 🔆
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"Andrew joined our community for his senior year—no small act of courage. Stepping into a new school, new routines, and new relationships takes a quiet kind of strength, and Andrew has carried himself with steady grace throughout. He brings a calm, grounded presence to those around him—consistently kind, easy to be with, and well regarded by both peers and faculty. He has a way of moving comfortably across social circles, showing an openness that allows him to befriend just about anyone. Those who spend time with him come to appreciate his subtle sense of humor and thoughtful curiosity about the world around him. His presence has added something meaningful to our community. As he prepares to graduate, we recognize not only his accomplishment, but the resolve it took to make a change and see it through. We wish him the very best ahead." —Rob Hansen, Head of School #seniorshoutout #classof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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This is the way. #maythefourth #padawan #youngapprentice #pathtolearning #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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The Leelanau School in Glen Arbor will host the 2026 Exposures show, a free public reception celebrating student art from Leelanau County. The exhibit will be open Friday, May 1, from 4–6:30 PM, and Saturday, May 2, from 12–4 PM.
This is the first time The Leelanau School will host the show, something Head of School Rob Hansen says they’re proud to be part of. “Exposures has been part of this community for decades, and it matters. It gives students a real platform to share their work, take creative risks, and see themselves in a larger artistic community. Our own students have benefited from it for years, so hosting it at Leelanau feels like a natural way to give back. We’re proud to open our campus and be part of something that reflects the creativity and spirit of this region,” Hansen said. ... See MoreSee Less
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