If you are a parent of a teen who has had issues with concentrating, anxiety, focus or so bright they are bored – and are reluctant to embrace them being away from home at boarding school – consider this. You may be in for a surprise. Many parents find that their relationships with their teens not only improve during the time they are at school, but also during the times when they return home. “Being at boarding high school has definitely reduced some sources of strain in our relationship with our son.  In junior high at a local public school, we had weekly and daily drama around getting all of the assignments and tasks completed, with us often left in the role of ‘enforcer’ for the school.  Now that he is at boarding school, he is better able to keep on top of assignments and gets more support to allow him to flourish academically. We are able to share in celebrating his success and discuss what he is learning – rather than being ‘homework cop’ for the school.” Leelanau Parent, class of 2019 Letting Go To Become Closer You...

This post was written by a guest blogger who is the parent of a current student at The Leelanau School. Their hope is that writing about their own family’s experiences will help others find a best fit school for their children too. “The right boarding school can be more than a path to ‘finish high school’ and ‘get into a good college’ or any college at all for that  matter. It can be a truly transformative experience that enhances a child’s well-being and future success far beyond dealing with the immediate issues that often drive parents to consider an alternative school.” Leelanau Parent, class of 2019 Finding The Best Path Raising three sons presents challenges in any circumstance. Besides the typical issues, my wife and I found ourselves coping with our middle son’s developmental issues. They began to emerge in preschool, but became more profound in Kindergarten. Our son is a charming, creative, funny, and highly-intelligent boy. However, he was also diagnosed with ADHD. Thus, we began our years long process of trying to help...

October is ADHD Awareness Month and this post was written to advocate for what’s best in education for students with ADHD – When you’re a parent, where you choose to live takes on added importance. It happens all the time, families choose to live somewhere because of an amazing school district. They want what is best for their children. Often the schools are ranked within the top in the nation, test scores are off the charts, there are numerous extracurricular options, students go on to great colleges, and graduates are noted to be successful in their careers. It seems like a no brainer. But for some students, many of which have ADHD, the top-rated schools are not always the schools where they find success. Highly intelligent, capable, and creative can kids find themselves not fitting in, not able to keep up, or uninterested in school. If your local school isn’t the right fit, there are options. What to look for in a school for students with ADHD? Small Class Sizes Less students in the classroom...