New Hanover County Schools

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Program Focus

  • A well-rounded, rigorous educational experience designed to produce 

college-ready graduates.

  • Interdisciplinary learning across traditional core subjects: English, History, 

Math, and Science at the Honors & AP (college) level.

Program Details for Prospective Students and Families

  • Characteristics of students that are successful in the program
    • Well-rounded
    • Motivated
    • College-bound
    • Adventurous 
  • Courses required in 9th and 10th grade: Pre-Lyceum Academy
    • 9th Grade: AP Government and Politics + Honors English I, taught year long in one block
    • 10th Grade: AP Seminar (Part 1 of the AP Capstone Diploma Program) + Honors English II,  taught year long in one block
    • All other coursework for 9th/10th grade is taken on the traditional semester schedule 
  • Student eligibility for 11th and 12th grade: Lyceum Academy
    • Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses: AP Seminar, Math I-III, English I and II, Biology and Chemistry. While not required, Honors in these courses is preferred, as they prepare for the rigor of Lyceum
    • Students already in the Pre-Lyceum must be in good standing and continue in the program with teacher recommendations
  • Courses required in 11th and 12th grade: Lyceum Academy
    • AP Research (Part 2 of the AP Capstone Diploma Program) and Recitation 
    • Math - AP Pre-Calculus and either AP Calculus AB or Honors Calculus
    • Science - AP Environmental and either AP Biology or Honors Biology
    • English - Either AP Language & Composition or Honors English III and either AP Literature or Honors English IV
    • History - AP US History and AP World History
  • Extra-curricular commitments in the Lyceum Academy
    • Students are expected to attend all school related field trips. Past trips include Camp Don Lee, Washington DC, Appalachian Field Study in the NC mountains, and local Wilmington walking trips to Bellamy Mansion, Latimer House, etc.  
    • Scholarships and fundraising are available to offset the cost of travel
    • Optional international travel experience post graduation

Benefits of the Lyceum Program

  • Earn college credit for up to 10 courses through Lyceum AP courses
  • 80% pass rate on AP Exams (vs. national average of 50%)
  • Small class sizes = strong teacher support
  • Daily Recitation block (60 minutes daily for homework, tutoring, collaboration)
  • Access to New Hanover High School electives, sports, and clubs
  • Option to take additional courses through CFCC or NCVPS.

Other FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

Any student who is a resident of New Hanover County.

How many students can participate in the Lyceum Academy?

Enrollment is limited to:

  • 100 Pre-Lyceum Freshmen
  • 100 Pre-Lyceum Sophomores
  • 100 total Lyceum Juniors and Seniors

What are the prerequisites for entering the Lyceum Academy as a Junior?

Students must have successfully completed the following courses:

  • Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3
  • English 1 and English 2
  • Civics and Economics
  • Biology and Chemistry

What courses should not be taken prior to entering Lyceum?

Students should avoid taking the following courses before joining the Lyceum Academy, as they are part of the Lyceum curriculum:

  • Precalculus
  • AP Calculus
  • AP Biology
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP English Language & Composition
  • AP English Literature & Composition
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP World History
  • AP Seminar
  • AP Research

Is the academic load overwhelming?


While the coursework is challenging, Lyceum teachers coordinate their schedules to make the workload manageable. There is never more than one academic test scheduled per day within Lyceum. This coordination allows students to take up to five Advanced Placement classes simultaneously. Additionally, students have a 60 minute recitation elective each semester—a dedicated class period for completing assignments, collaborating with peers, and receiving extra help from teachers.

Do colleges recognize Lyceum as an academically exceptional program?

Yes. Since its founding, the Lyceum Academy has prepared students to excel at the nation’s top colleges and universities. Our alumni pursue diverse fields of study at institutions known for academic excellence, creativity, and innovation. College admission officers receive an addendum with each transcript that explains the Lyceum Academy’s rigor and structure. Many universities visit and recruit on site. Both in-state and out-of-state schools recognize Lyceum’s high academic standards and reputation for excellence. ​

Does Lyceum interfere with extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, etc.)?
 

Not at all! In fact, many of our club leaders, student officers, and varsity athletes are Lyceum students. The program encourages students to remain actively involved in school life and community activities.

How much do Lyceum trips cost?


We encourage 100% participation in Lyceum’s domestic experiential teaching trips, as these experiences are directly connected to classroom learning. Trips typically range from $75 to $500 and last 1 to 4 days. Fundraising opportunities are provided to help offset costs, and no student has ever been left behind due to financial hardship.