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
"When Hunter first arrived at Leelanau as a freshman, he was hesitant to say he would be staying. Four years later, that same student shows up every day, committed to our community and a leader among his peers. Guided by a strong moral code and a family legacy of service and honor, Hunter is often the first person to step forward whenever help is needed. Whether he is gathering students to watch the sunset, organizing lunchtime fishing trips, or mentoring peers in practical skills during the 8th hour, his loyalty to his friends and respect for our environment truly show.
Early on, the Metals room became a place he felt at home, and even before he had taken a class, I would see evidence of his curiosities. Once he started taking classes, that curiosity led him to create everything from jewelry to large helmets. He helps keep the tools in working order and is a mentor to beginning students. What I admire most is his ability to turn a challenge into an opportunity. When a project hits a hurdle, Hunter doesn't simply start over; he leans into his knowledge of the material. By letting the process guide him through these challenges, he transforms potential setbacks into creative solutions that give his finished pieces their originality. We have all seen Hunter evolve in his time here; what once showed up as stubbornness has grown into perseverance, conviction, and the courage to stand up for himself and others. As he prepares to enter the trades to become an electrician, we are incredibly proud of the man he has become and eager to see him bring his talent and integrity to the world."—Elara Coleman, Leelanau Faculty #seniorshoutouts #theclassof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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We lost a quiet pillar of our community with the passing of Tim Nichols.
For years, Tim showed up for Leelanau students in ways most never saw. In the stillness of winter, when other places closed, he kept Riverfront Pizza open—because he knew a handful of boarding students, far from home, would get hungry after the dining hall lights went out. They’d call, he’d cook, and then he’d drive their food out to campus himself before closing for the night.
And then, on his day off, he’d come to graduation—quietly making sure those same students had someone cheering for them.
Tim didn’t do it for recognition. He did it because he cared.
We’ll remember him for that—and we’re better for it.
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Timothy Nichols Obituary & Funeral | Maple City, MI | Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City
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From the ovens to the outside cooler at Riverfront Pizza in Glen Arbor was about 80 feet, through the kitchen and across the gravel driveway. Over a typical summer, Tim Nichols wore19 CommentsComment on Facebook
The 2026 Leelanau Outdoor Challenge is in the books. Congratulations to all our individual and team participants. You tackled the course and the elements, showing us your courage and resilience! #leelanauoutdoorchallenge #traditions #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
The 2026 Leelanau Outdoor Challenge is in the books. Congratulations to all our individual and team participants. You tackled the course and the elements, showing us your courage and resilience! #leelanauoutdoorchallenge #traditions #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool
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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.
#facultyheroes #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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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! 🔆
#traditions #community #courage #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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