Exploring–year by year
At the end of every September, students and faculty set out on Exploratory Week. Our faculty members design these five-day educational adventures to naturally teach respect and responsibility, bond classmates, and strengthen students’ problem-solving skills.

Freshmen discover. In our own neighborhood, students get acquainted with each other and their new environment. We camp at Leelanau State Park, go salmon fishing in the Manitou Passage, and visit a nearby horticultural center to learn about cherry-growing. Freshmen consider what they’re good at, how they work with others, and what they have to contribute.

Sophomores venture. Sophomores build on the knowledge they’ve gained about themselves and each other while exploring Wilderness State Park, a geologically “new” and fascinating area near the Straits of Mackinac. In lively group activities or in time alone, students use their new self-knowledge to learn how to communicate more successfully, make productive decisions, and resolve conflict.

Juniors quest. Paddling the Manistee River, rich in natural and cultural history, juniors push past personal boundaries and pull together to overcome obstacles. They camp along the river corridor, making their own food and investigating the plants and animals along the way. They see what they can accomplish, and how far they can go when working together and giving their best.

Seniors voyage. After three years of anticipation, seniors set off on a 20-mile journey in our voyageur canoes to Lake Huron’s Les Cheneaux Islands. Students use the skills and knowledge they’ve gained at Leelanau to prepare for the challenge, from constructing their own paddles to planning their meals. They rely on their trust in each other and in themselves.

Elective traveling. Although our extraordinary natural setting inspires almost daily educational outings, we also want your student to experience the world beyond Leelanau. Students take advantage of opportunities to journey farther afield - to experience the culture and history of Europe, study marine biology in the Carribbean, trek to Mexico, or research alpine ecology at Colorado's Keystone Science School.