Private Schools in Leland, Michigan

The Leelanau School is an exceptional co-educational boarding and day school located just minutes from Leland in Glen Arbor. Founded in 1929, this accredited institution serves students in grades 9-12 with a unique experiential learning approach that leverages the natural beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The school features small class sizes with a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, personalized learning plans, and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Their innovative programs include hands-on environmental science, robust arts education, and outdoor leadership development. The campus features modern academic facilities, dormitories, athletic facilities, and direct access to outdoor learning environments. Parents consistently praise the school's transformative impact on students' academic engagement and personal growth.

St. Mary's School in Lake Leelanau serves the Leland community with a comprehensive Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade. Established in 1956, this parish school provides a strong academic foundation integrated with faith formation and character development. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects enhanced by technology integration, Spanish language instruction, music, art, and physical education. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent involvement through active home-school associations. Reviewers highlight the nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and well-rounded education that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.

St. Francis High School in Traverse City serves as the primary Catholic high school for the Leland area and wider Grand Traverse region. Founded in 1968, this comprehensive college preparatory school offers rigorous academics with 16 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and chapel. The school maintains a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and provides individualized college counseling. Extracurricular offerings include robotics, debate, music ensembles, and numerous service opportunities. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its strong community values, academic excellence, and successful college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.