Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is The Lyceum Center for Advanced Studies?

A: The Lyceum is an advanced studies program for bright, motivated, well-behaved middle school students living in Alachua County. If accepted, free bus transportation is provided. The Lyceum (capitalized) was the gymnasium in ancient Athens where Aristotle taught. It also means "an institution for popular education providing discussions, lectures, concerts, etc."

Q: Do students have to be staffed into a "gifted" program to be eligible?

A: No, although approximately 2/3 of the Lyceum students have been in "gifted" programs in elementary school. Many others come from private schools where there are no gifted programs. What characterizes and differentiates the Lyceum Program is the emphasis on student performance and work ethic. The program necessitates both intelligence and effort.

Q: How are students selected?

A: Students are ranked based on their grades, test scores and behavior. Lincoln will select 132 students per grade level. 75% of the students and 25% is decided by the district's lottery system.

Q: What classes do Lyceum students take?

A: Currently 6th and 7th grade students in the Lyceum take five advanced classes each day (math, social studies, science, language arts, and research) and one exploratory (elective) class. Eighth graders take five advanced classes each day, which include French or Spanish in lieu of the research class and one elective.

Q: How much homework do Lyceum students have each day?

A: Of course it varies from student to student, but the average is approximately 60 - 90 minutes per night. Most assignments, except for math, are given well in advance of the due dates, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the program.

Q: Do students have time for extra-curricular activities?

A: Absolutely! Approximately 90% of our students are actively involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities (sports, dance, church/synagogue, scouts, theater, etc.) We want and encourage students to be well-rounded individuals.

Q: Where do Lyceum graduates go to high school?

A: We pride ourselves on preparing our students for any of the rigorous academic high school programs available in Alachua County. Over the past several years, over half of our 8th -grade students chose to attend the International Baccalaureate Program at Eastside High School. In a typical year, Lyceum students make up approximately half of the entire IB class. As the Cambridge Program has grown at Gainesville High, more of our students have chosen to go there. Also, many of our students have gone on to Buchholz High for their Honors/Advanced Placement, Entrepreneur ship, or Academy of Finance programs. Typically our students do very well and tell us they feel very prepared for the rigorous curriculum of either the IB or Cambridge programs.

Q: Are Lyceum students automatically accepted into the Cambridge and/or IB programs?

A: No, there is no automatic acceptance into Cambridge and/or IB.

Q: What is different about The Lyceum from other middle school programs in Alachua County?

A: We are fortunate to live in a county that offers so many wonderful school choices. Founded in 1994, The Lyceum is the premier middle school magnet program in Alachua County. What makes The Lyceum an outstanding educational experience is the grade-level teaming that takes place. This is the true middle school concept. The teachers cooperate with each other for interdisciplinary curriculum units and work hard to make the middle school years a rewarding and fun experience.

Q: What are Lincoln's school hours?

A: The first bell is at 9:20 a.m. (tardy bell at 9:25 a.m.) and the day ends at 3:37 p.m.

Q: Can students take courses through FLVS?

A: Students are required to take all the courses offered at Lincoln. They may elect to take other courses through FLVS or eAlachua eSchool above their Lyceum program coursework. Some students elect to advance their math sequence by completing coursework over the summer. Other students take High School level electives while in middle school. Please discuss your intentions to take online courses with your counselor PRIOR to enrolling in the course.

Q: Who do I call to schedule a parent conference?

A: Contact the Grade Level Team Leader.