Profile of a Prospective Student
The Leelanau School is a small boarding and day high school in Michigan serving students who may not thrive in traditional educational environments. Many of our students have ADHD, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, or simply learn best through experiential and project-based learning. Families often find us while searching for an alternative high school, a boarding school for ADHD, or a school where students can rediscover confidence and joy in learning.
Who Thrives at The Leelanau School?
Student Profile
Many students who thrive at The Leelanau School are bright, creative, and curious learners who have become disconnected from traditional school environments. They are often outdoorsy, artistic, empathetic, and non-competitive. Many report feeling most successful in summer camps, experiential programs, travel experiences, or hands-on learning opportunities rather than in conventional classrooms.
Previous School Experience
Students frequently arrive from public, private, or independent schools where they once enjoyed learning but now feel bored, overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsuccessful. Some struggle with standardized instruction, large class sizes, or highly competitive academic environments. Others feel that their strengths are not recognized within traditional models of education.
Learning Style
Our students typically thrive in small classes, discussion-based courses, experiential learning, and project-based learning environments. They value meaningful relationships with teachers and benefit from personalized instruction that adapts to their unique learning profile.
Common Challenges
Many students come to Leelanau seeking support for challenges related to ADHD, executive functioning, anxiety, school avoidance, or social disconnection. Some have IEPs or 504 Plans that have not fully addressed their needs. Others simply feel lost in larger schools and are looking for a place where they can belong, contribute, and succeed.
What Students Are Looking For
Students considering The Leelanau School often seek a small boarding school community where they can rediscover confidence, develop independence, strengthen executive functioning skills, and become more engaged in their learning. They want a school experience that feels meaningful, supportive, and authentic.
Why Families Consider The Leelanau School
Parents Seeking a Better Fit
Families often contact us after realizing that their child is capable of more than their current school experience suggests. They recognize untapped potential and are searching for a school that understands how their child learns best.
Concerns About Traditional Schooling
Many parents describe frustration with large class sizes, excessive focus on grades and compliance, limited flexibility, and difficulty securing appropriate academic accommodations. They often feel their child is falling through the cracks despite being intelligent, capable, and full of promise.
What Families Hope to Find
Families exploring The Leelanau School are often searching for:
- A boarding school for students with ADHD
- A supportive school for students with anxiety
- Strong executive functioning support
- Small class sizes and individualized attention
- Meaningful teacher-student relationships
- Experiential and project-based learning
- A safe, accepting community
- College preparation that honors different learning styles
The Leelanau Difference
The Leelanau School provides a small, relationship-centered boarding school experience where students are known, valued, and challenged. Our approach supports academic growth, social-emotional wellness, executive functioning development, and a lifelong love of learning.