The Leelanau School gains reaffirmation of full national accreditation status, following a comprehensive 18-month selfstudy process overseen by the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS). ISACS, a respected accrediting body monitoring over 240 independent schools across the Midwest, evaluates schools based on rigorous standards encompassing curriculum, instruction, student services, facilities, safety, fiscal management, and governance.
The Leelanau School’s dedication to maintaining ISACS membership and accreditation underscores its commitment to excellence in education. By engaging with national experts and peer schools, The Leelanau School remains at the forefront of best practices, ensuring the highest quality of education for its students.
The accreditation process was driven by a thorough selfstudy process, including constituent surveys and numerous focus sessions, aimed at evaluating the alignment of all programming and decision-making to the school’s mission and compliance with ISACS standards. This introspective journey facilitated a holistic understanding of the institution’s strengths and future challenges, culminating in the development of a forward-thinking strategic plan. Aligned with its mission to “ignite a passion for learning in a boarding school environment where students thrive,” The Leelanau School’s strategic plan prioritizes academic and social engagement, celebrates diverse learning styles, and fosters a culture of acceptance. Recognizing the evolving needs of today’s adolescents, the plan emphasizes professional development to keep pace with the changing intellectual, social, and emotional needs of today’s learners in order to better prepare them for adulthood. It also emphasizes community partnership to enhance service learning and leadership opportunities as an essential dimension of a comprehensive education.
The accreditation process culminated in a visit from a team of leaders from other independent schools, who embedded themselves in The Leelanau School’s campus program for several days. Impressed by the school’s welcoming atmosphere and genuine sense of community, the visiting team commended The Leelanau School for its unwavering commitment to its mission and values.
Reflecting on the accreditation journey, Rob Hansen, Head of School, remarked, “This robust process of self-reflection and goal-setting has reaffirmed our mission and invigorated our dedication to serving the families of adolescents. As we celebrate our institution’s 100-year legacy, we embrace the opportunities ahead and remain steadfast in our commitment to serving families with a safe, responsive and comprehensive high school experience. It is a potent time to be an educator.”
