Introduction to the Lyceum Academy

A school within a school, the Lyceum fosters a thoughtful place where a community of learners (both teachers and students) develops essential habits of mind.

A fully integrated, multidisciplinary curriculum is at the heart of the Academy with each unit of study drawing upon all four core disciplines: English, Math, Science and Social Studies. This two-year program allows the faculty to develop a strong advisor/advisee relationship since they will not only serve as instructors, but they will also assume homeroom responsibilities for these students as well.

Assessments will require students to demonstrate their mastery of both knowledge and intellectual skills. These demonstrations are multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary. In essence, students offer evidence in portfolios and oral presentations that prove their acquisition and application of essential knowledge. This, however, does not mean a complete abandonment of traditional testing. Because these students are college-bound, test-taking skills will be important to their future successes. Pencil and paper tests are still utilized, but they no longer serve as the primary indicator of a student’s success.

Students attend the Lyceum from 8:00 AM until 11:40 AM on traditional school days. After Lyceum, students are released to take electives. This is crucial to provide them the opportunity to take not only a foreign language, but to mix with their other classmates as well. While we believe that group cohesiveness will be an important factor in the success of the Lyceum, we also believe that it is important that the students not become isolated.

The Lyceum Academy is neither ordinary nor elitist. It is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program designed for the adventuresome student in pursuit of an academic journey “off the beaten path”. Due to the nature of our program, the Lyceum has abandoned the block scheduling approach in favor of year long classes in order to provide more comprehensive and challenging coursework. While most schools offer AP and Honors classes, the Lyceum goes beyond that by also integrating these courses through projects, oral presentations, and travel opportunities.

So...if you are looking for a typical high school setting...then WE ARE NOT IT! If you are looking to coast through the last two years of high school, we respectfully request that you do not consider us. But...if you are looking for a unique experience and an intense academic atmosphere, where learning is embraced and friendships grow, then we are just what you are looking for. The Lyceum provides a thoughtful place where a community which includes teachers, students and parents, can develop essential habits of the mind creating life-long learners.

No matter what we say, however, you may be skeptical....after all we are promoting ourselves! So here are just a few comments made by some of our students, parents and alumni. Listen to what they have to say:

“Throughout my life, I have pushed myself to my limits. I always took the path less traveled, expecting myself to not only succeed, but thrive. In the search, I found myself in a dilemma of which public high school to attend; then I heard about the Lyceum Academy, a place where curiosity is nurtured, different learning styles are cultivated and explored, where individuals become a family, where mastery of the courses is expected, and where, above all else, scholarship is the main goal.”

McCain Wnek, Class of 2018

"These past two years have been the most stressful, but at the same time best years of my life. I don’t think it’s any secret that Lyceum is challenging, but is more than manageable, having played multiple varsity sports while also maintaining high academic standing. Lyceum also has a unique family feel to it that aids in both learning and the struggles we all face of being teenagers. When I say Lyceum is challenging, though, I don’t necessarily mean that it’s an overwhelming amount of work. I mean that it is going to push you out of your comfort zone into doing things you wouldn’t otherwise do. For me, that has been writing and public speaking over these past two years. Because of this unique challenge that Lyceum presents you with, I feel more prepared than ever to tackle college."

Corbin Jones, Class of 2018

"Before Lyceum, I never considered myself as a leader. I would put my head down and complete my schoolwork, but I never actively sought roles where I would act as a leader. Lyceum changed that by fostering an environment where learning and leadership were rewarded. While this environment was stressful and demanding at times, the extra work made a difference in how I saw myself. The group projects helped me realize that others respected my opinions; through them, I gained the confidence to lead. Without the confidence Lyceum gave me, I don’t think I would have received a scholarship to college. In college and into the future, I know that I can succeed."

Preston Gourville, Class of 2016

"The way Lyceum expected and demanded creative presentations has really made any (college) project seem less daunting. I know that I would not be prepared for some of the expectations of college without the experience Lyceum gave me. Not just to survive, but to thrive at a competitive school."

Kyle Hodges, Class of 2013

“It is really neat being on our schedule which changes daily. Because I never know which class I will have first, I must complete all my homework and be prepared to have any class first. Being in Lyceum has helped me get over my procrastination habits and learn to get all of my work done on time. I feel that this will help me to better prepare for my college and future career.”

Margaret Williams, Class of 2004

“Lyceum's integrated curriculum provides students an opportunity to explore course material in a more original, thoughtful way. Working in small groups to examine an issue from the perspective of language, science, social studies, and mathematics helps students learn to think critically, problem solve, and work cooperatively. These skills will serve them well in college and in the workplace.”

Rosalind Barker, Parent

"The Lyceum Academy is a unique learning experience allowing for an integrated curriculum across the core courses to include multidisciplinary projects and travel experiences. The students learn to work in groups in the academic setting as well as through service and fundraisers."

Allison Farmer, Parent