Skip to main content

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

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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.

Facebook Feed

The Leelanau School

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Today is Great Lakes Awareness Day, bringing attention to the power and fragility of Michigan's remarkable water resources. The Leelanau School is proud to steward our Lake Michigan home and learn from our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Here are a few epic shots from retired faculty member Rob Karner. #ourlakemichiganhome #greatlakesawarenessday #naturesclassroom #stewards #robkarnerphotography #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

Today is Great Lakes Awareness Day, bringing attention to the power and fragility of Michigans remarkable water resources. The Leelanau School is proud to steward our Lake Michigan home and learn from our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Here are a few epic shots from retired faculty member Rob Karner. #ourlakemichiganhome #greatlakesawarenessday #naturesclassroom #stewards #robkarnerphotography #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschoolImage attachmentImage attachment

Some things never grow old. May the fourth be with you. #thisistheway #youngapprentice #pathtolearning #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

Some things never grow old. May the fourth be with you. #thisistheway #youngapprentice #pathtolearning #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool

At The Leelanau School, we believe that each student’s path to discovery is unique. We provide the best learning haven to challenge the bored and champion the gifted, tailoring the learning environment accordingly. To learn more contact our Dean of Admission, Kate, at 231-334-5826 or email kcaliri@leelanau.org.
#abetterwaytolearn #falladmission #followyourpath #fall2024 #learninghaven
... See MoreSee Less

At The Leelanau School, we believe that each student’s path to discovery is unique. We provide the best learning haven to challenge the bored and champion the gifted, tailoring the learning environment accordingly. To learn more contact our Dean of Admission, Kate, at 231-334-5826 or email kcaliri@leelanau.org.
#abetterwaytolearn #falladmission #followyourpath #fall2024 #learninghaven

"Leelanau has helped me come out of my shell and figure out who I really am. It has been great to find myself and leave home so I could truly grow. Going to school here has also taught me how to be independent and how to listen. I have figured out how to live without my parents helping me do everything. The Leelanau School is such an amazing place. It will always have such a very special place in my heart because it means home to me." - Emma Perez, Class of 2024
#seniorspotlight #classof2024 #abetterwaytolearn #homeawayfromhome #boardingschoollife
... See MoreSee Less

Leelanau has helped me come out of my shell and figure out who I really am. It has been great to find myself and leave home so I could truly grow. Going to school here has also taught me how to be independent and how to listen. I have figured out how to live without my parents helping me do everything. The Leelanau School is such an amazing place. It will always have such a very special place in my heart because it means home to me. - Emma Perez, Class of 2024
#seniorspotlight #classof2024 #abetterwaytolearn #homeawayfromhome #boardingschoollife

"...A plunge, a gasp, the world stands still,
The heart's quick dance, a thrill to fill.
The warmth of life against the cold,
A story in their courage told...
And when they rise, the air so sweet,
A euphoria, no retreat.
They carry with them nature's power,
A May Day Dip, the soul's own hour."
- adapted from Art by Ian
#maydaydip #leelanauschooltraditions #itdidntsnow #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool
... See MoreSee Less

...A plunge, a gasp, the world stands still,
The hearts quick dance, a thrill to fill.
The warmth of life against the cold,
A story in their courage told...
And when they rise, the air so sweet,
A euphoria, no retreat.
They carry with them natures power,
A May Day Dip, the souls own hour.
 - adapted from Art by Ian
#maydaydip #leelanauschooltraditions #itdidntsnow #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool

9 CommentsComment on Facebook

I did mine in Empire not wanting the photograph and the “shame” if I couldn’t do. Mr Wheeler in my robe a few hours later👋

Miss holding hands with my friends and jumping in the lake! So glad that the tradition continues!

Miss this! What was the water temp? I’m getting spoiled down here in Florida.

Load More

Last week The Leelanau School Ornithology class spotted a bird rarely seen in our region. The students captured these photos of a Great Egret during class and reported their findings via CornellLab's eBird app. Congratulations to our Citizen Scientists! #ispy #rarebirds #naturesclassroom #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

Last week The Leelanau School Ornithology class spotted a bird rarely seen in our region. The students captured these photos of a Great Egret during class and reported their findings via CornellLabs eBird app. Congratulations to our Citizen Scientists! #ispy #rarebirds #naturesclassroom #abetterwaytolearn #theleelanauschool

Moments from our big evening! #skipperprom2024 #leelanautraditions #ifeelpretty #DanceTheNightAway #lastingmemories #traversecityoperahouse ... See MoreSee Less

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

A lot different than in my days back in the 60's.

Can someone find photos of Mr. & Mrs. Hoods from their first prom at Leelanau? First and last ?

Great school, great memories!

Load More

And so it begins! #prom2024 ... See MoreSee Less

And so it begins! #prom2024Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Wishing a MAGICAL EVENING to EVERYONE in the beautiful Leelanau School community!

Great school.

Load more