The Leelanau School vs. Interlochen Arts Academy
Should you attend The Leelanau School or Interlochen Arts Academy? Visitors to our site frequently compare these two schools. Compare their rankings, scores, reviews and more to help you determine which school is the best choice for you.
School Overview
School
Top Rankings
The Leelanau School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:
Interlochen Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School Resources
Overview
The Leelanau School is a small, independent boarding and day school for grades 9-12 in Glen Arbor, Michigan.
Our experiential, relationship-centered approach supports students with a wide range of unique learning profiles, including those with ADHD and executive-functioning challenges.
Through small classes, individualized support, hands-on learning, and a welcoming community, students build confidence, independence, and the skills needed for college and life-all on a beautiful 42-acre campus along Lake Michigan.
Discover a high school like no other. Interlochen Arts Academy offers a holistic, integrated academic and arts education that prepares you for a life of purpose within and beyond the arts. You'll spend half of the school day dedicated to college-preparatory academics, then spend the other half immersed in your art form.
On average, students who attend the Academy for four years receive double the national average in college scholarship awards.
Last year, 100% of 4-year seniors got into one of their top 3 college choices.
Grades Offered
9-12
9-12
Blue Ribbon School
No
Yes
Offers Post-Graduate Year
No
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADHD, ASD, Mild LD
ADHD, Dyslexia, Mild Learning Differences, and more
Year Founded
1929
1962
Students Body
Total Students
35 students
577 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
32%
Students by Grade
Students by Grade
Grade 9 Students
5
69
Grade 10 Students
7
99
Grade 11 Students
9
170
Grade 12 Students
14
226
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
96 teachers
% Faculty with Advance Degree
75%
82%
Average Class Size
6
9
Number of AP Classes
17
2
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
6:1
List of Courses Offered
Matric. DataMatriculation Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
(Students are encouraged to be comfortable; bring weather appropriate gear; special dress on occasions)
(Students are encouraged to be comfortable; bring weather appropriate gear; special dress on occasions)
Casual
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Tuition Cost
$76,000
$78,725
Tuition Notes
2026-2027 Programs: 7-Day Boarding ($76,000), 5-Day boarding ($65,140) and Day Student ($38,000)
Tuition is variable based on grade level at entry; tuition cost includes boarding fees.
Please see our website for further detail.
% on Financial Aid
51%
83%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$21,705
n/a
Acceptance Rate
96%
n/a
Admissions Director
Rob Hansen
Ken Labate
Admissions Associate
n/a
Heather Lee
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11
5
Extracurriculars
Total Extra-curric.Total Extracurriculars
9
34
Extra-curric.Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Numerous Clubs are offeredOptions are endless!
Student CouncilStudent Voices
Volunteer OpportuntiesYearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
GuitarOptions are endless!
Performance Group: Mighty Snappy
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
AAPI Affinity GroupBe a Friend Club
Black Student UnionChristian Fellowship
Disability + Affinity GroupDND Club
Ecology ClubHip Hop Club
IAA Student NewspaperJewish Student Union
Latinx Student UnionModel United Nations
Mycology ClubQueer Student Union
Quiz BowlRobotics Engineering Club
Rock Climbing ClubSlam Poetry Club
Social Justice Club
Arts and Music Programs:
ActingBallet
BandChoir
Creative WritingFilmmaking
Jazz BandMotion Picture Arts
Music CompositionMusical Theatre
Opera WorkshopOrchestra
TheatreTheatre Design and Production
Visual Arts