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
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 Monday and Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Our students had plenty of opportunities to recharge and reset before they tackle these next few days ahead of fall break at the end of this week. Some students enjoyed a trip to Handz On Art 🎨 Paint Your Own Pottery in Traverse City to paint some gorgeous pottery. Others went on a journey back in time to the Renaissance Faire of St. Ambrose in Beulah (📸: St. Ambrose Cellars) to enjoy historical combat and nourishment. Speaking of traditional food, stay tuned for tomorrow’s post featuring a yummy surprise in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. ...
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“I don’t think my child is ready for boarding school.”
But where does readiness come from?
Independence, time management, living skills, and knowing when to ask for help take practice. Boarding school gives young people opportunities to build those skills with caring adults nearby.
Parents can give themselves permission to explore. Your child doesn’t need to have it all figured out.
They only need to be ready to become ready.
Read our latest blog: Boarding School for College Readiness | Leelanau School ...
Boarding School for College Readiness | Leelanau School
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Boarding school help build independence, life skills, and college readiness. Your child doesn’t need to be ready—just ready to become ready.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Happy Apple Day! Today, students participated in a long-standing tradition of celebration and connecting with our community. We collected apples and pears at Garthe Farms in Northport, and packed over two tons of apples with Food Rescue of Traverse City to distribute to food banks in the area. ...
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It's October, which means it's time for our next Dog of the Month: Pippa!
Pippa is an 8 year old English Setter named after Princess Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton. She is the half sister of the Hoods' dog, Blue. There are two cats at home who let Pippa live there.
Thank you Joe Blondia for the pictures, and thank you Pippa for making our community brighter every day! ...
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We want young people to demonstrate sound judgment, emotional regulation, independence, and resilience. But these capacities do not appear on demand. They are built through thousands of imperfect attempts.
At Leelanau, we believe students need high expectations—and the time, relationships, guidance, and grace to grow toward them.
In our latest blog, we reflect on why adolescence is not defective adulthood, why independence cannot be given as a graduation gift, and why mistakes are not interruptions to development. They are how development happens.
Click below to read “The Right to Be Unfinished.”
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Respecting Adolescent Development | Leelanau School
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Adolescent development means allowing room for play, mistakes, joy, and growth. See how Leelanau helps students become capable adults.1 CommentsComment on Facebook
On this beautiful Monday morning we welcomed the seniors back to campus after their Voyageur adventure, then engaged in a scavenger hunt as part of our Morning Energize activities! We’re so grateful that we live in a place where we can learn intentionally, build a community, and find huge acorns. #theleelanauschool #betterwaytolearn ...
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Quiet Period at The Leelanau School allows for peace, reflection, and serenity. On Fridays, it allows us to learn the language of music🎶 #theleelanauschool #BetterWayToLearn ...
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We were very fortunate to spend several days in Chicago this past weekend at two fairs, connecting with prospective students and learning about other programs across the country. We'd like to thank Chicago Academy for the Arts for hosting the Hidden Gems High School Fair and Sacred Heart Schools Chicago for their fair. We had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to next year!
#theleelanauschool #betterwaytolearn ...
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Our seniors launched their Voyageur canoe journey today! Ahead: adventure, shared challenges, and the chance to discover how much they’re capable of—together.
Every mile offers a chance to lead, lend a hand, and grow.
Paddle well, seniors. We’re cheering you on! ...
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