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Graduation Starts with Enrollment

We’ll change the way you think about school.

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A BETTER WAY TO LEARN

At Leelanau, our mission is to help students maintain or rediscover their passion for learning and discovery – by respecting their individual strengths.

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APPLICATIONS

The application includes: applicant information, parent information, student personal statement, parent/guardian statement, as well as letters of recommendation from a math teacher, English teacher, and a non-academic mentor/adult.

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ALUMNI STORIES

Leelanau School Alumni – We have more than 2,500 living alumni and we are proud of each of them!
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VIDEO STORIES

The Leelanau School

The Leelanau School is a co-ed boarding school located on the Crystal River and shores of Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor. We are a private college-prep high school for intelligent boys and girls with learning differences.

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New Head of School Announced – Robert C. Hansen

Robert C. Hansen has been chosen as 15th Head of The Leelanau School

A nationwide search which produced numerous qualified candidates from all over the country to fill the Head of School position resulted in the Board of Trustees selecting a local, Leelanau County resident and Head of The Pathfinder School in Leelanau County as the most qualified to be their next leader beginning in July, 2018.

Hansen sought this position in part because he believes that Leelanau County can become a model for what an ideal education looks like. Hansen says, “I have seen Leelanau School students and alumni in action. Their self-confidence, joy and leadership are apparent. I know the reputation and dedication of The Leelanau School faculty and have deep professional and personal admiration for the administrative staff.”

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Head of School's Message

Welcome to The Leelanau School

Whether you are searching for schools – or an alumnus looking to reconnect, we invite you to explore our site. If you’d really like to learn more about the school, there is no substitute for a personal visit.

The Leelanau School is a learning adventure. It is a place where students can feel comfortable taking educational risks, knowing they have support to help them learn the ways they learn best.

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The Arts

Our Programs

There is so much that makes The Leelanau School unique, including having a long history of experiential education.

Health & Wellness

Outdoor Activities

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.

Learning Environment

Academic Environment

Project-Based, Experiential Learning at The Leelanau School

Active Learning

Leelanau Academics immerse students in the Learning experience.
Astronomy Imagination

Leelanau students ignite their imagination at the Lanphier Observatory.
Healthy Food for Learning

Food and nutrition play an important role in learning at The Leelanau School.
Leelanau Greenhouse

The Leelanau School greenhouse provides fresh food and hands-on lessons in biology, health and nutrition.
Thriving with ADHD

Thriving with ADHD: Engaging Active Minds

Plan your trip to The Leelanau School.

Our Northern Michigan campus is a 5.5-hour drive from Chicago and a 4.5-hour drive from Detroit.

Direct flights are also available from Chicago and Detroit to nearby Traverse City or Manistee.

Leelanau School Calendar

Nothing from December 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025.

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Teaching at Leelanau

Leaders

The Art of Teaching

"Working memory fails when the volume of information to juggle surpasses storage capacity." Thankfully, Leelanau School faculty are masterful at working with all our students to examine, practice, and develop this critical executive function! hubs.ly/Q01x0_7k0

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Latest Tweets
The Leelanau School
Today is International Volunteer Day and at Leelanau we love to lend a hand! Here, our Volunteer class helped stack firewood for a member of the Glen Arbor community to stay warm in the coming winter months. #abetterwaytolearn #helpinghands #nationalvolunteermonth

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Latest Tweets
The Leelanau School
"After nearly a decade in traditional schools, I never thought I'd teach again — until I found a small school that focuses on experiential education and love." - Angela Repke | Learning Specialist hubs.ly/Q01rYzpp0 Want to know more? hubs.ly/Q01rYzvX0

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Latest Tweets
The Leelanau School

What Makes The Leelanau School Special?

Video Introduction

Discover The Leelanau School

LEELANAU SCHOOL MISSION:

The Leelanau School ignites a passion for learning in a boarding school where students thrive by engaging academically and by celebrating everyone’s unique learning styles in a culture of acceptance, leading to successful and meaningful lives in college and beyond.