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
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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Hey Chicago! Find the right high school for your child at the Sept. 27 @Hidden Gems High School Fair. Leelanau will be there! Come learn about the possibilities of life and learning at The Leelanau School. chischoolgps.com/hiddengems/ ...
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We had a fantastic week with The Pathfinder School! Together with our school's community, they sampled a stream, found beauty among the stars, painted a mural, wrote songs, and even crafted jewelry with enamel and pennies!
We'd like to thank everyone at Pathfinder for contributing to what we are so grateful for every day: intentional learning nestled in the natural beauty of northern Michigan.
#upnorth #theleelanauschool #pathfinder #abetterwaytolearn ...
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IMPORTANT NEWS: The Glen Arbor Players are announcing that all three performances of The Savannah Sipping Society this weekend have been cancelled due to illness. There won't be any performances tonight, Saturday, or Sunday. ...
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It's Dog of the Month time! We're so lucky here at Leelanau to be able to bring our furry friends to campus to hang out with the staff and students.
Starting us off strong, Kelly is a 12-year-old blacklabragoldendoodle. Born in Georgia, Leelanau is Kelly's third school community, spending time in Philadelphia, and Estes Park before coming to campus here in Glen Arbor. Kelly trained as a Facility Dog with Paws & Affection, a nonprofit connecting dogs and young people. She knows around 30 different commands, and is always willing to show off her skills for a piece of string cheese. Kelly's hobbies include trying to get Birdie to play with her, rolling in fresh green grass, jumping in snow piles, and taking long snuggly naps. Her favorite treats (in addition to string cheese) are snap peas, cucumbers, watermelon, and cheetos. Catch up with Kelly on IG @greatlakeskelly.
Shoutout to Mike Dunn for the great pics and bringing Kelly to our campus! ...
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A score can reveal useful information. A diagnosis can open the door to understanding and support. But neither can fully describe a young person.
Seeing the whole student requires relationships, curiosity, and a willingness to remain open to growth and surprise.
Our latest blog explores why the child must always remain larger than the file—and what intentionally small schools can make possible.
Click below to read more.
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Seeing the Whole Student Beyond Scores
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Seeing the whole student requires more than scores and diagnoses. Learn how relationships and intentional smallness help every learner grow.1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Happy Monday! Our students had a fun-filled weekend across the community, whether hiking trails or exploring the Outback (Steakhouse). Then, we began this morning with several rousing rounds of Happy Salmon. We're ready for a great week!
#theleelanauschool #abetterwaytolearn #mondayfunday ...
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Today is Constitution Day—a chance to reflect on both the historic document and the responsibilities we share as members of a community.
At The Leelanau School, students actively study the words, history, and aspirations of the U.S. Constitution. They also practice the work of community every day: expressing their ideas, listening carefully to others, contributing to something larger than themselves, and recognizing that belonging does not require everyone to be the same.
Education should prepare young people for more than college or a career. It should help them become thoughtful, responsible participants in the communities they inhabit—both now and in the future.
That may be one of the most important things a school can do. ...
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