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
Academics at The Leelanau School go beyond hands on. As a Michigan boarding school dedicated to experiential learning, we engage all your senses to include kinesthetic, visual, and verbal education. 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
Happy November! Our Dog of the Month is Duke!
"I'm Duke! I am a 13 year old Basset Hound. I love to smell the flowers on hikes, be around kids, and snuggle with students who might need some cuddle time. I also enjoy daily yoga with students and having my ears rubbed while doing algebra.
Catherine Potoff is my person and she rescued me when I was nine. Working on campus with everyone is the greatest job I've ever had!" ...
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Life lately… ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Not every student is meant to disappear into a crowd. At The Leelanau School, students are known, challenged, and trusted to grow.
Now accepting applications from students and families seeking a creative, rigorous, and deeply human school experience. Winter Term entry beginning in January 2027 and Spring Term entry beginning in February 2027.
Small school. Big impact. Visit: bit.ly/4cliUfI ...
Learn More
Is The Leelanau School Right for Your Child? | ADHD & Learning Differences
leelanau.org
Learn about the students and families in our small, relationship-centered boarding and day high school.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Halloween at Leelanau: We started the day with some tasty treats, going to class, and ending our Friday with Doc the mini horse to learn about a local equine rescue organization. The students were able to flex their creative muscles to make colorful trading card versions of Doc!
#BetterWayToLearn #Halloween ...
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Shoutout to Mr. Ellsworth's architectural design course! This afternoon, they took advantage of the warm weather and worked in the open air woodshop crafting some design plans. We're looking forward to seeing their final products!🏡 ...
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Learning to understand one another takes practice—and adolescence offers so many opportunities to grow.
At Leelanau, shared projects, outdoor adventures, and everyday community life help students navigate differences, strengthen relationships, and build confidence. Here’s why this work belongs at the heart of education.
Adolescent Social Development | The Leelanau School ...
Adolescent Social Development | The Leelanau School
bit.ly
Discover how small, experiential learning communities help teenagers develop perspective, navigate relationships, and build confidence.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Leelanau has always been a home for art, reflection, and peace. It's not difficult to appreciate our surroundings when such stunning vistas surround us. 📷: Michael Huey ...
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Sharing a room. Working through a disagreement. Learning when to speak up—and when to listen.
At Leelanau, these everyday experiences are part of the education. With caring adults nearby to guide and encourage, students practice the skills that help them build friendships, take responsibility, and grow into greater independence.
There is a lot to learn by living together.
...
The Benefits of Residential Life at a Boarding School - The Leelanau School
bit.ly
Residential Life programs provide a boarding school with uniquely important opportunities for students to learn and develop beyond the academic curriculum.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We’re wrapping up conferences and wishing the students well on their fall break! We’re glad they get to enjoy a week of relaxation, soaking up the fall colors, and connecting with family. We look forward to the students returning so we can keep growing together! ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook