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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.  

Get to Know Leelanau

In Person. In Nature. Inspiring.

Request More Information or contact Kate Caliri, Dean of Admission, to start the conversation today. 

In Person Learning Happening Now

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Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher. – William Wordsworth

Explore Campus

See our beautiful Northern Michigan campus from a drone’s eye view! 

Nestled in the woods our stunning and secluded 42-acre campus is a place to learn, like no other.

A BETTER WAY TO LEARN

Experiential Learning

Academics

Academics at The Leelanau School go beyond hands on. We engage all your senses in learning to include kinesthetic, visual, and verbal learning. 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

Photography and Darkroom
Ceramics
Improv
Singing and Songwriting
Applied Design
Musical Theater
“Mighty Snappy” Band

You don’t have to come with a talent, we will help you discover and develop your talents.

Health & Wellness

The Leelanau School feels that students need to develop healthy lifestyles for their lifetimes. Our overall wellness program is designed around this premise by providing activities and guidance.

You won’t find fatty, fried foods in our cafeteria line.

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The Leelanau School

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15 hours ago

What a privilege to present about Leelanau’s Learning Skills program at the Small Boarding Schools Association conference this morning! A big shout out to Indian Springs School for their warmth and hospitality. #sbsa2024 #indianspringsschool #leelanau #ontheroad ... See MoreSee Less

What a privilege to present about Leelanau’s Learning Skills program at the Small Boarding Schools Association conference this morning! A big shout out to Indian Springs School for their warmth and hospitality. #sbsa2024 #indianspringsschool #leelanau #ontheroad

1 CommentComment on Facebook

They were fortunate to have you as presenters!

We are missing the kiddos! Hope you are having a restful break. #community #quietcampus #friendship #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

We are missing the kiddos! Hope you are having a restful break. #community #quietcampus #friendship #theleelanauschoolImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

We are SO close to having the Charles E. Scripps Jr. Creativity Center up and running. Only electrical and building inspections remain. The three bays of this workspace are designated for our new laser engraver (middle bay), pottery to the right, and metals, welding, woodworking, etc. on the left. The outdoor patio will allow us to use the ever-popular blow torches and welding tools safely. This generous gift to The Leelanau School will take hands-on learning to a new level! #imagine #design #create #workwithyourhands #useyourbrain #theleelanauschool #abetterwaytolearn ... See MoreSee Less

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

So fantastic!! 👏👏👏

Another amazing addition!!! Nice work everyone!!! 💪🏼❤️

That sounds amazing!

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As spring break begins, Mr. Hansen and Kate are off to do two of their favorite things at the Small Boarding Schools Association conference, learning and teaching! They're eager to connect with other innovative schools and share information about Leelanau's unique learning opportunities. #abetterwaytolearn #leelanauhitstheroad #SBSA2024 #leavingonajetplane ... See MoreSee Less

As spring break begins, Mr. Hansen and Kate are off to do two of their favorite things at the Small Boarding Schools Association conference, learning and teaching! Theyre eager to connect with other innovative schools and share information about Leelanaus unique learning opportunities. #abetterwaytolearn #leelanauhitstheroad #SBSA2024 #leavingonajetplane

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Safe travels!

Have fun!

The Class of 2024 stood proud and shared their senior presentations with a rapt audience yesterday. This is a rite of passage at Leelanau as students prepare for their final weeks of high school and Graduation! 🎓 Per usual, their topics were wide-ranging and of personal interest to each student. Now they are of interest to our entire community! #abetterwaytolearn #ritesofpassage #seniorseminar #curiousmindswanttoknow #leelanautraditions #sharewhatyouknow #theleelanauschool

Will M. - The Health Benefits and Cultural Misrepresentations of Offal
Emma P. - The Tudor Dynasty
Grace H. - The Benefits of Equine Therapy
Sophie S. - The Risks of Chemicals in Cosmetics
Anna L. - Music Theory and Early Education
David B. - American Cartoons and the Portrayal of Emotions
Sara H. - Film Photography is Worthy
Nathaniel A. - The Flying V Guitar
TJ F. - Graffiti
... See MoreSee Less

The Class of 2024 stood proud and shared their senior presentations with a rapt audience yesterday. This is a rite of passage at Leelanau as students prepare for their final weeks of high school and Graduation! 🎓 Per usual, their topics were wide-ranging and of personal interest to each student. Now they are of interest to our entire community! #abetterwaytolearn #ritesofpassage #seniorseminar #curiousmindswanttoknow #leelanautraditions  #sharewhatyouknow #theleelanauschool

Will M. - The Health Benefits and Cultural Misrepresentations of Offal
Emma P. - The Tudor Dynasty
Grace H. - The Benefits of Equine Therapy
Sophie S. - The Risks of Chemicals in Cosmetics
Anna L. - Music Theory and Early Education
David B. - American Cartoons and the Portrayal of Emotions
Sara H. - Film Photography is Worthy
Nathaniel A. - The Flying V Guitar 
TJ F. - Graffiti

9 CommentsComment on Facebook

This was always a favorite time for me. To see those minds packing and unpacking their topics. Learning (and teaching at its best!).

All of them did fantastic work! Congratulations!

Congratulations seniors!!

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Our talented students had a chance to show their work and see the work of other young artists during the Traverse City - Crooked Tree Arts Center Youth Art Exhibit. Kudos to Ms. Coleman and her amazing students. #creativity #exhibitingtalent #artatheart #theleelanauschool #abetterwaytolearn ... See MoreSee Less

Whether you choose to giggle, guffaw, chuckle, or let out a belly laugh, we hope your National Let's Laugh Day is as joyful as ours!
#LetsLaughDay #laughteristhebestmedicine #joyfullearning #boardingschoollife
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Whether you choose to giggle, guffaw, chuckle, or let out a belly laugh, we hope your National Lets Laugh Day is as joyful as ours! 
#LetsLaughDay #laughteristhebestmedicine #joyfullearning #boardingschoollife

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Fabulous

Is Kip L. There still?

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