There is no place like Leelanau

ADMISSIONS

Is Leelanau Right For Me?

While many schools will tell you who fits best at their school in terms of IQ, test scores and personality types, we value each of our Leelanau students as a unique individual.

We don’t use a “one-size-fits-all” approach. At The Leelanau School, learning is a two-way street. We don’t just expect you to learn, we hold ourselves accountable to learn who you are.

Not all Leelanau students have an identified learning difference. Many of our students simply want to experience a school setting where experience guides learning, where you can’t hide in a classroom, and where you become one big, interesting family with your classmates, house parents and faculty.

Most of our students have experienced success in learning at some point, but may have felt that success has slipped away from them, and want that “aha” feeling back.

We know first impressions are not always accurate, so we keep interacting with you to find your unique strengths, talents and gifts, and what areas you need to work on and develop.

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These characteristics will definitely help you succeed at The Leelanau School:
  • Openness to trying new learning methods
  • Curiosity
  • A sense of belief in yourself (which will grow the longer you are here)
  • Intuition
  • Creative problem solving — (some of our students are real work-around experts)
  • Interest in living a healthy lifestyle
  • Openness to guidance
  • Connection to nature
  • Playfulness and willingness to have fun inside and outside of the classroom
Tuition
The Leelanau School offers a learning environment that actively promotes student success. The School prides itself on ensuring the best possible education and well being for our students. Our programs empower students to exceed their aspirations and to achieve their greatest potential academically. Because of Leelanau’s specialized focus, it is a wise investment that leads students to success in school, college, work, and life.
Tuition at the Leelanau School covers schooling costs, housing, food, health services, learning materials and also supports the comprehensive residence life team who make our campus a true home away from home.
Tuition & Boarding Fees 2018-2019

7-Day Boarding Students   –   $63,650

5-Day Boarding Students   –   $54,650 

Day Students   –   $41,825

Low Monthly Tuition Payments with an Education Loan
Leelanau is an approved school with Your Tuition Solution. With a low, fixed-rate payment plan from Your Tuition Solution, paying for your child’s education is easier than ever. Your Tuition Solution’s convenient payment plans give you a wide range of options.
Your Tuition Solution Informational PDF
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Financial Aid Information

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Click on the following links to access Application Forms:

FORMS

  • Application Form (include the following attachments)
    • Photograph of Student
    • Assessment Report (administrated to student within the last three years by a licensed psychologist and include composite, subtest, and achievement scores) 
    • School Reports (include IEP or 504 plan)
    • Transcripts
    • Other Clinical Reports (SLP, OT, Therapist, etc.)
  • Parent Statement Form
  • Student Statement Form

Additionally, forward the following links to the student’s respective teachers to complete and submit:

Once the Admissions Committee receives and reviews all of the parent application documents above, then an Admissions Interview is scheduled.
More Application Information

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  • Campfire Spots

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  • Birds of Prey Show

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  • Guided Tours

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  • Barista Classes

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  • Events for Kids

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International Student Information

International Students

Application for International Students is the same as for American students, except they are required to demonstrate a proficiency with English language skills. The visa process for International Students attending The Leelanau School is simple and straightforward.

Steps in this process:

  • Complete online Application for Admission to The Leelanau School
  • Provide proof of citizenship and financial documents to illustrate the ability to pay tuition
  • After acceptance, forward the enrollment contract and deposit to secure the student’s place
  • Once the above are received The Leelanau School will issue an I-20 Student Visa form for the student
  • The student will complete and submit the form to an American embassy or consulate
  • Once the visa is approved “Welcome to The Leelanau School”
  • The student visa can renewable every 12 months
International Students are an important part of The Leelanau School.
Why-Leelanau

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Learn More About Becoming A Student

Learn More About Becoming A Student

Testimonials

Recent Graduates Say:

“I’d say that the experience of being a student at Leelanau is one of a kind. You’ll never find the same support, friendships or way of learning anywhere else.”

-Catherine Oates, 2015

“To me, being a Leelanau student requires commitment. You have to be dedicated to your education, those around you, and to yourself. It is a place for you to grow, not only in your learning but also into yourself; to find who you really are. At Leelanau, we can laugh and learn from our differences because we are all accepted, we celebrate our uniqueness instead of being sheltered by it. It is truly a home away from home. Leelanau means a great deal to me. It has showed me that there are different ways to learn and when you find out which style of teaching suits you best, learning can be fun. This is a great confidence booster for myself and many of the other students as well. Everyone is very supportive of each other, and wants to see one another excel in whatever they do. “

-Helena Joho, 2015

Parents Say:

“I am so grateful for the feelings of hopefulness and agency that the teachers and staff at Leelanau have inspired in my son.” – Parent, 2018

“I’m sure I’ll say it many more times, but you and the rest of Kris’s Leelanau family have been one of the best things that have ever happened to our family.  Cindy and I talk all the time about how we can’t imagine Kris getting a better education anywhere else, how if we could design a school and handpick the teachers and administrators, it would end up being The Leelanau School.  We just can’t thank you enough and hope that you know we are here to help in any way we can to make your job easier and to reinforce the lessons you are teaching Kris.

“What have you done with my child?  They have matured so much!  THANK YOU! We wish we would have found Leelanau sooner.”

Faculty & Staff Say:

I LOVE my students!  I LOVE My Job!  (Seriously they all say this)

Dogs of Leelanau Say:The-Leelenau-School-Dogs

Woof! We hold paws with our students!

Admissions

We are so pleased that you have decided to take a closer look at The Leelanau School to learn more about the school and the programs we offer.

We hope that this website will answer many of your questions, but if not, please let us know. We would be happy speak with you and tell you more about this great school that we call home.

Because of our small class sizes, we are able to offer you an education uniquely suited to your needs to help you discover and develop your strengths. Our expert faculty understands various learning styles and will help you gain knowledge and insight that will last well beyond your time at our school. Our structured residential life program will give you life skills that help you become part of an interconnected, caring community. Whether it is in the classroom or the dorm, in the equestrian ring, on the ski slopes, or volunteering in the community, everything about The Leelanau School is a life-enriching experience.

The best way to learn more about The Leelanau School and discover if it is the right school for you is to come and visit us. We’ll change the way you think about school. You will see for yourself what the love of learning looks like.

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Graydon Mitchell, Director of Enrollment ManagementGraydon Mitchell

Director of Enrollment
231-334-5826 gmitchell@leelanau.org

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Leelanau School

One Old Homestead Road
Glen Arbor, MI 49636

231-334-5800

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.


Copyright 2018 Leelanau School
One Old Homestead Road, Glen Arbor, MI 49636 | 231-334-5800