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
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We’re proud to host the Glen Arbor Players’ opening performances of the season, A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, in our newly updated campus Auditorium. Directed by Teddy House, performances will take place:
• Friday & Saturday, May 22–23 at 7 PM
• Sunday, May 24 at 2 PM
• Friday & Saturday, May 29–30 at 7 PM
• Sunday, May 31 at 2 PM
No tickets are required. The Glen Arbor Players suggest a $10 donation at the door to support future productions. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of theater and community! ... See MoreSee Less
Glen Arbor Players Read ‘Love Letters’
www.leelanaunews.com
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Did you know a single blood donation can save as many as three lives! Sign up for your appointment time with the Versiti Mobile Drive at bit.ly/4dt8eNj. Campus parking is available near the bloodmobile. 🩸❤️ 😍 ... See MoreSee Less
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"Thirty days before graduation, in the sort of profound conversation that can only happen after midnight, Chloe Sunderman reflected on her time at Leelanau and her regret of not joining us sooner. The narrative isn’t unfamiliar: she was unhappy at her old school, but hated the idea of boarding school, and was more than a little scared. It is scary–we never pretend it isn’t. Leelanau asks our students and their families to be vulnerable in ways most don’t expect to encounter until after high school. The last years of childhood are precious, and to leave behind the familiar, no matter how much we dislike it, is really difficult. We learn a lot here—more than anyone remembers teaching— and one of my favorite Leelanau maxims is, “You can do hard things.” Chloe arrived in early 2025 as a mid-year junior—another challenge. Since then, I’ve watched her, like so many of us, find a home here. The place she dreaded has become a place she doesn’t want to leave.
Chloe is the best of all Chloes, and it has been an honor to watch her embrace her Chloe-ness. She finds ways to carve out a Chloe-shaped space wherever she goes, and, guided by her calm logic, unique wisdom, and creative spirit, she moves authentically through the world. There are so many things I wish to convey about this magical human. At Leelanau, she’s forged incredible friendships, built some fantastic sandcastles, and taught herself to crochet. I’ve watched her dance when everyone else was afraid; build fairy gardens in the rain on our third (rainy) day of Senior Exploratory; impress the owner of one of Mackinac Island’s finest toy stores with her gnome-print pants; happily construct sand castles on the beach on a typical Tuesday night; sit alone out by the bell and chart the night sky, then welcome my company, and excitedly point out the planets and stars. She’s shared more facts about space than I’ll ever retain, but for the rest of my life, I won’t be able to think of Jupiter without also thinking about its moons, and of Chloe. These stars will follow her to Mt. Holyoke." - Jess Fales, Leelanau Residential Faculty #seniorshoutouts #theclassof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
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"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 wore23 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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