Longfellow Liberal Arts

Longfellow Liberal Arts, a K-6 elementary school offers a wide variety of academic programs for our students from support to enrichment opportunities, designed to maximize each student’s individual potential. 

Longfellow is “A safe place where everyone can learn and grow.”  This compelling message is the basis for all directions and activities to align to meet our targeted outcome.  Longfellow also has a unique partnership with Augustana College. 

We call our community the “Longfellow Family” because we want our school family to be an extension of your family. We want to serve you in times of joy, happiness, and triumph, but also in times of challenge, grief, and struggle. Academic learning and growth are our bottom line, yet we also understand that educating students means being attentive to the “whole child” and caring about their social and emotional well-being.

Sarah Leonard

Longfellow Liberal Arts, Rock Island, IL

Sarah Leonard is currently in her sixth year with the Rock Island-Milan School District and her second year serving as Principal of Longfellow Elementary. Prior to joining Longfellow, she was the Principal of Earl Hanson Elementary for five years.

Mrs. Leonard began her career as a Reading Specialist, a role that shaped her deep commitment to literacy and helped guide thousands of students in the Quad City area. Throughout her 32-year career in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, Preschool Director, and Dean of Students, supporting students and staff from preschool through eighth grade.

She holds both a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Specialist’s Degree from Western Illinois University.

Outside of school, Mrs. Leonard enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband have been married for over 30 years and have two daughters—Madeline (27) and Claire (26). Madeline and her husband, Dennis, are expecting their first child in April. In her free time, Mrs. Leonard enjoys yoga, bike riding, and relaxing at the beach.