The Mosaic of Leelanau
The Leelanau School is a work of art; a stunning mosaic created over decades. Each student, parent, employee, and supporter adds to the artwork. The first tiles placed in 1929, it grows in size, shape, and majesty with each passing year. Our individual contributions become part of something larger. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. This continuous accumulation generates a shared sense of accomplishment, a characteristic spirit, that inspires and lifts us to an ever higher sense of purpose.
Students come here with every part of themselves: with their curiosity, creativity, trepidations, and their dreams. They immerse themselves in authentic learning experiences that span a wide array of academic studies, as well as executive functioning, socialization and personal wellness. They experience a place where they can feel safe, validated, and grow comfortable in their own skin. They are guaranteed to be challenged, put in uncomfortable situations, in order that they safely expand their comfort zones and discover their capacity. They are supported by a faculty committed to standing by their side and not in their way. They practice personal expression through the arts, in music, in writing, in exploration, in literature, in calculation, and in culture. They experience schooling as something compassionate and humane. Through the accomplishments of their work, by way of the challenges that were overcome, and in partnership with the relationships they form with each other, they make their secondary education joyful and secure their future.
Each student is valued, seen, and heard. In turn each leaves a lasting and indelible impact on the school. And our mosaic grows more glorious – forever.
Rob Hansen
Head of School
Special Fall 2020 Message – The Grace of a Small School
All educators and learners recognize the benefits of small classes, the power of relationships, and the safety that is accomplished through an attentive community. The Leelanau School was founded on these principles in 1929, and has endeavored to provide a deeply personal, responsive, and safe learning environment ever since.
At this time in our history, the assets of a small residential community, on a secure campus, in the natural and open spaces of Northern Michigan, are more relevant than ever. We offer not only a “Better Way to Learn”, but also a safer place to learn and to live.
As I speak with school leaders across the state preparing for Fall, I feel so fortunate to be working at Leelanau. At Leelanau, we are not facing the arrival and departures of hundreds, or even thousands, of students each day – as our students live on campus. We are not facing 30 person classrooms – as our classes are deliberately 4-8 students. We are not facing congested hallways – as our hallways are outdoors. We are not facing mandatory minutes or testing requirements – as we are an independently governed school. We have an agile staff, a student body committed to the safety of each of their classmates, the ability to carefully control campus access, and the policies to create a secure bubble of safety and experiential learning.
We are taking our preparations very seriously, cooperating with health officials, exceeding all requirements and recommendations, and training the staff and students on personal protection and community standards. Our upcoming term will demand new behaviors and controls that we are prepared to monitor and enforce.
With a virus, there are no absolute assurances, but the philosophy, size, location, campus, and community of Leelanau are the graces we are thankful for as we work to secure our mission ever onward.
Read our Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan.
Rob Hansen
Head of School
Dear Leelanau School Community,
At Leelanau, we understand that vibrancy in teaching and learning flows easily when students, faculty, and parents share a philosophical belief in the significance of our time together. A communal sense of purpose is essential in any grand endeavor. Each and every day is important. Every interaction is an opportunity to teach and learn from one another.
We value the learning experience differently than many “traditional” settings. We offer an alternative to the trends towards standardization, large classrooms, narrowing of the curriculum, and competitive assessment. We believe in the simple truth that schooling can be simultaneously joyful, challenging, personal, and communal. We embrace the paradigm that hard-work and laughter are partners in the journey to wisdom and self-reliance. We build awareness that all learners desire purpose and fulfillment through schooling, and only by experiencing such personal rewards will they establish a habit of lifelong learning.
For 90 years, Leelanau has pursued and protected a profound model of teaching and learning. The tenants of “learning by doing”, the synergy of intellectual, social and emotional development, and the importance of personal relationships in support of learning are not new ideas. Such has been the way of Leelanau since its founding. These are also the well-researched and time-tested characteristics of any successful educational environment. When we claim Leelanau offers “a better way to learn”, we do so deliberately and with great confidence. Each day, we are creating and supporting a spirited and humane schooling experience for our students.
As your Head of School, my sacred responsibility is to ensure we each feel agency in the adventure of Leelanau. Faculty and Students will always be challenged to approach teaching and learning with enthusiasm. Teachers are expected to innovate, create, and provide meaningful experiences that unlock new understanding. They are obliged to listen, observe and respond to student needs. Students are taught to ask for help, self-advocate, persevere, and take pride in their work. They are called to voice their opinions, cooperate with their classmates, and support the learning of others. By focusing on the importance of our time together, we create a school that is inviting, challenging, and authentic.
Our intention is to always be a place where:
- Those who come here will feel safe, validated, and grow comfortable in their own skin.
- Students will be challenged, academically and socially, in order to safely discover their capacity to innovate and contribute.
- We stand by our students’ side and not in their way.
- Stewardship, Leadership, Awareness, Integrity, Resilience, Courage, and Interconnectedness are celebrated both in students and staff.
- Unique talents of each individual are woven into our fabric to benefit the community that is our school.
- Personal expression is accomplished in the arts, music, writing, exploration, and invention.
- Schooling is compassionate and humane.
- Service and kindness are the ultimate expressions of wisdom.
We are fortunate to share this journey together. It is a Better Way to Learn.
Rob Hansen
Head of School