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.
When schools are designed to support students with ADHD, they become better schools for everyone.
At The Leelanau School, we believe wellness, connection, movement, and explicit instruction aren't accommodations—they're essential ingredients for learning.
A recent blog explores why the future of education begins by designing schools around how students actually learn.
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Attention, Wellness, and the Kind of Schools Kids Deserve - The Leelanau School
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At first glance, it might seem like students with ADHD need something “special” — a particular kind of structure, a certain flexibility, more patience, more movement. And they do. But the longer...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A great education begins with belonging.
When students feel seen, known, and understood, they're more willing to take risks, build relationships, and discover a genuine love of learning.
That's the kind of community we've intentionally created at The Leelanau School.
We're still accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. ... See MoreSee Less
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It is with sadness that we share the passing of former Head of School Edson "Shep" Sheppard, who served The Leelanau School from 1993–1997.
Shep led Leelanau during an important period in the school's history, bringing a steady hand, a deep belief in the value of independent education, and a commitment to the growth of every student. His tenure helped sustain and strengthen the mission that has guided Leelanau for nearly a century: creating a community where young people are known, challenged, and encouraged to discover their strengths.
Like so many who have served before and after him, Shep understood that a school is more than its buildings or its programs—it is a community built on relationships, purpose, and hope for the future. His contributions became part of the enduring story of The Leelanau School, and for that we remain grateful.
On behalf of our Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Sheppard family. We are honored that Shep was part of Leelanau's history, and we remember his service with gratitude and respect. ... See MoreSee Less
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Every young person deserves a school where they are known, challenged, and inspired.
At The Leelanau School, we've intentionally created a small boarding and day high school where joyful learning, meaningful relationships, individualized attention, and whole-person wellness come together to help students thrive.
Still accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. We'd love to introduce you to our community. ... See MoreSee Less
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Schools often expect students to know skills they were never explicitly taught.
At The Leelanau School, we believe executive functioning, self-advocacy, social awareness, and perspective-taking should be taught with the same intention as any academic subject.
A recent blog explores why we believe schools should assume less—and teach more.
The Hidden Curriculum: Assume Less, Teach More - The Leelanau School ... See MoreSee Less
The Hidden Curriculum: Assume Less, Teach More - The Leelanau School
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When schools assume skills instead of teaching them, students struggle. Learn how addressing the hidden curriculum supports equity, growth, and community.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
What if school felt different?
Not easier. Not less challenging.
Just more meaningful.
Sometimes the right school changes everything.
#theleelanauschool #JoyfulLearning #boardingschool #independentschool #StudentSuccess #smallschoolbigimpact #lakemichigan #experientiallearning #EducationThatFits ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy 4th of July from your family at The Leelanau School. Celebrating our independence and enjoying nature's fireworks. ... See MoreSee Less
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The Leelanau School is currently accepting applications for Fall 2026. We welcome referrals for students and families who are seeking a challenging, creative, safe and community-centered Leelanau experience! Visit bit.ly/4fk2O5H #abetterwaytolearn ... See MoreSee Less
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Many parents spend years asking:
"What's wrong?"
Why is my child losing confidence? Why do they seem disengaged? Why is school becoming such a struggle?
Those questions often lead to tutors, therapists, and countless efforts to help a child adapt.
But sometimes a different question is worth asking:
What if it isn't your child? What if the environment is no longer the right fit?
Explore why some students thrive after finding a school designed around how they learn, grow, and connect.
bit.ly/4xx7w9D ... See MoreSee Less
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