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.
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.
The future of education isn't bigger.
It isn't more apps.
It isn't more dashboards.
It isn't more data.
It may be something much simpler: schools small enough that students can't disappear. Human-scale education may become one of the greatest advantages a school can offer.
Why the Future of Education Isn’t Bigger. It’s Smaller. - The Leelanau School ... See MoreSee Less
Why the Future of Education Isn’t Bigger. It’s Smaller. - The Leelanau School
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Why the future of education may be smaller, not bigger. Discover how small boarding schools help students thrive through relationships, belonging, and personalized support.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Learning should be creative. Joyful. Meaningful. At The Leelanau School, it is.
Know someone who hasn’t yet found joy in their high school experience? Please share this with them. They deserve to know school can feel like this.
#JoyfulLearning #TheLeelanauSchool #CreativeEducation #WholeStudent ... See MoreSee Less
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It's not complicated. Learning should be hands-on, adventurous, and joyful. We welcome applications for Fall 2026 from students and families seeking a challenging, creative, safe, and community-centered high school experience! Learn more at leelanau.org/admissions. #joyfullearning #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"Will this be graded?" Few questions reveal more about modern education.
Many students have learned to pursue points rather than understanding—not because they lack curiosity, but because the system rewards compliance more consistently than learning. Our latest blog explores how schools can move beyond transactions and create transformative learning experiences.
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Transactional vs. Transformative Education - The Leelanau School
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Learn how transformative education fosters curiosity, independence, and deep learning, while transactional education often emphasizes grades, compliance, and task completion.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Too many teens dread school. We believe learning should be joyful! Discover The Leelanau School at leelanau.org or bit.ly/47dCfuY. Accepting applications for Fall 2026. #abetterwaytolearn #JoyfulLearning #seen #heard #Known #Supported ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Ready to reimagine your high school experience? At The Leelanau School, curiosity meets adventure, creativity thrives, and every student is seen, heard, and challenged to grow. From hands-on learning and immersive arts to outdoor adventures and supportive community, Leelanau isn’t just a school—it’s a place to discover who you are and what you can do.
Openings available for Fall 2026. Apply today and start your journey! ✨ leelanau.org
#leelanaulife #experientiallearning #discoveryourpotential #handsonlearning #communityandgrowth #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
Learn More
Apply Now - The Leelanau School
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Contact us to learn more about Leelanu and the enrollment process0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Is your child struggling in their current school? Learn why waiting another year may delay growth, confidence, and academic success.
The Summer Window Matters More Than Families Realize - The Leelanau School ... See MoreSee Less
The Summer Window Matters More Than Families Realize - The Leelanau School
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Is your child struggling in their current school? Learn why waiting another year may delay growth, confidence, and academic success.1 CommentsComment on Facebook
We invite you to join us on The Leelanau School campus for two community favorites - Storytelling and Music around the bonfire and Stargazing at the Lanphier Observatory. Dates and times are listed here. #setyourlifeonfire #seekthosethatfantheflames #FollowTheStars #family #community #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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At The Leelanau School, students build the habits, skills, and confidence to thrive—in college and in life. Through hands-on learning, a strong sense of community and belonging, healthy challenge, and a deep connection to nature, they discover resilience, independence, self-awareness, and interconnectedness. Leelanau is a place to rediscover curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning.
Enrollment is open for Fall 2026. Start the journey to true readiness at leelanau.org or bit.ly/47dCfuY ... See MoreSee Less
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