University Liggett School

IN THIS SECTION

ADVANCING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1878

Educating With Purpose

Since 1878, University Liggett School has offered unparalleled educational opportunities that set Early Childhood through Grade 12 students on a path of remarkable growth, discovery, and excellence. Knowing that every child is unique, we defy standardization with our guiding educational framework, the Liggett Approach, which is brought to life through Signature Programs that awaken curiosity, instill purpose, and cultivate a hunger for learning.

Admissions Teaching and Learning

Our Mission

Inspiring lives of purpose through education grounded in a spirit of discovery.

ULS is a community committed to excellence in teaching and learning. We nurture curiosity, instill confidence, and foster personal and collective growth, thereby empowering young people to shape a brighter future for all.

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A Legacy of Excellence
As Michigan’s oldest independent co-educational day school, University Liggett School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. Serving students from Early Childhood through 12th grade, ULS is recognized as one of the state’s premier institutions, blending history, innovation, and a dynamic approach to education.

Progressive Academic Rigor
At every grade level, our programs focus on engaging students in increasingly rigorous and rewarding academic experiences, fostering critical skills that are progressively strengthened throughout their educational journey.

Passion-Driven Learning
Supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs, the Liggett Approach empowers students to identify and explore their passions in depth — and to drive their own academic experience — while developing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and versatility.

Success Beyond Graduation
By the time they graduate, our seniors are confidently prepared to thrive at some of the most elite colleges and universities, build successful careers, lead meaningful lives, and positively impact their world.

“University Liggett School has positively influenced me to strive for the highest standard of academic excellence in all of my classes, while shaping me as a confident and well-rounded student. The faculty, students, and families serve as a triumvirate, whereby we all grow, learn, and excel to be our very best.”
Trinity Lee ‘21, Yale (Liggett Merit Scholar)

A Fundamentally Better Approach to Education

As the cornerstone of our educational philosophy, the Liggett Approach integrates our core values across all grade levels, ensuring that every student - from our youngest learners to our graduating seniors - finds deep meaning in their learning and experiences a holistic, progressively challenging, and enriching educational journey regardless of where they start.

The Liggett Approach and our core values come alive in every division through our Signature Programs. Each Signature Program is crafted to achieve outcomes that prepare students for lives of success and purpose.

More About Teaching and Learning

The People Who Define Our Community
At University Liggett School, the heart of our success lies in our people. Generations of alumni and educators have shaped a culture of excellence, which continues to thrive through the contributions of our remarkable students and dedicated teachers. Together, they foster a vibrant, dynamic community that achieves greatness every day.

Our Students
Our students represent a range of backgrounds and bring a wide array of experiences and talents to our community. What they all share in common is a deep desire to learn, a drive to excel, and a commitment to engage as active citizens both in and outside our community. They are a daily reminder and reflection of our Core Values — empathy, respect, excellence, and integrity. They are our WHY.

Our Teachers
At ULS, the bond between students and teachers is one of our greatest strengths. More than educators, our teachers are mentors who walk alongside students, guiding, challenging, and supporting them every step of the way. With deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to student success, they foster a dynamic learning environment where curiosity thrives, individuality is valued, and academic excellence is achieved. At ULS, learning is a journey — and our teachers ensure that every student is inspired, empowered, and prepared for the path ahead.

Our Alumni
Our alumni are highly active and continue to play an invaluable role in who we are and how we honor our vision for the future. From mentoring current students to generously contributing to school initiatives, their ongoing support ensures that the ULS legacy lives on.

Our Legacy

Almost 150 years ago, our pioneering predecessors began planting seeds for what would become a remarkable legacy of excellence in education. The four esteemed institutions that combined to create today’s ULS shared a common objective to empower critical thinkers who thrive on challenge. Today, as we innovate and evolve, we continue to uphold the highest standards in teaching, learning, and character development.

A Campus That Feels Like Home
At University Liggett School, our campus is more than just a place to learn - it’s a second home where students thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

Outdoor Learning Spaces
Inner courtyards and outdoor learning spaces create inspiring areas for collaboration and reflection.

Where Ideas Take Shape
Our innovation spaces empower students to design, create, and bring their visions to life.

Spaces That Inspire Greatness
Our state-of-the-art athletic facilities inspire excellence, teamwork, and a commitment to success

Connecting Students to Campus
Bus transportation is available, making it possible for every student to call our campus their second home.