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.
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
bit.ly
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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Happy 4th of July from your family at The Leelanau School. Celebrating our independence and enjoying nature's fireworks. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join us for some stargazing on Wednesday and Thursday evenings! ... See MoreSee Less
Lanphier Observatory celebrates 50 years
glenarborsun.com
This summer marks the 50th summer of stargazing at The Leelanau School’s Lanphier Observatory. Open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday nights from June 24 to Aug. 20, from dusk to midnig…0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Imagine wading, paddling, bog jumping, bird watching, stargazing, and experiencing science instead of burying your head in a book. The Leelanau School is blessed with a remarkable campus of fresh water, crystal rivers, woods, dunes, and wildlife. Hop in the boat with us by exploring enrollment opportunities for grades 9-12 at leelanau.org/admissions or bit.ly/46N5XXe #abetterwaytolearn #HandsOnLearning #windinourhair #sandbetweenourtoes #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We can’t imagine The Leelanau School rooted anywhere but Northern Michigan. Our lakes, rivers, forests, and dunes are more than a backdrop—they’re our classroom, our inspiration, and the heartbeat of how we learn.
Want to join us in Fall 2026? Learn more at leelanau.org/admissions or bit.ly/4e0Ddgq ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
We're excited to welcome Manitou Winds to The Leelanau School campus this Sunday, June 28, at 7:00 PM for their Summer Jumps & Jigs concert.
Join us for an evening of outstanding local music in one of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful settings, while supporting organizations that enrich and strengthen our community.
We hope to see you there! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook