Vytautas Magnus University Classical Education Lyceum
Vytautas Magnus University Classical Education Lyceum provides primary and secondary education. Our school builds its activities on the basis of Lithuania‘s Progress Strategy “Lithuania 2030” as the main document describing the goals our country is striving to achieve.
Vytautas Magnus University Classical Education Lyceum is an accredited Erasmus+ school until 2027. We are also a UNESCO Associated School, which encourages us to nurture global citizenship, peace, intercultural dialogue and respect for the cultural heritage of different nations.
The school works in two buildings:
Partizanų g. 118 – pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education;
Vokiečių g. 164 – pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education.
The mission of the school is to provide learners with a safe environment and engaging learning conditions for children aged 7 to 18 from the city of Kaunas and the surrounding areas. Its aim is to ensure opportunities for every student to seek personal progress and better learning results. It also aims for children to gain life-long learning competences while paying attention to the civic, social and cultural development of their personalities. Great attention is given to the recognition of gifted students as well as students with special educational needs and to the development of their individual skills.
As a school of classical education, we combine solid academic knowledge with the formation of character and virtues. Inspired by the European humanistic tradition, we encourage our students to:
• think clearly and independently,
• communicate precisely and respectfully,
• recognise the value of beauty, truth and goodness in everyday life.
Classical education at our school is reflected in:
• a strong focus on language and reading (Lithuanian and foreign languages, elements of Latin and classical vocabulary),
• attention to history, literature, philosophy and the cultural heritage of Antiquity,
• the use of Socratic dialogue, discussion and text analysis to develop critical and reflective thinking,
• the search for harmony between intellectual, artistic and physical development.
In the classroom and through various projects, students explore ancient myths, classical literature, historical sources and the roots of European culture, relating them to today’s world, modern technologies and contemporary ethical questions. In this way, classical education is not only about the past – it helps children better understand the present and prepare responsibly for the future.
The school uses a lot of innovative technologies: iMO learn cubes, robots Dash and Dot, interactive smart flat panels, smart whiteboards, LaQ constructor, interactive floor and others. These technologies are integrated into lessons not as a goal in themselves, but as tools that support active learning, problem-solving and creativity in line with the ideals of classical education – thoughtful, meaningful and responsible use of knowledge.
Children with special educational needs are fully integrated into school life. Support is provided by a psychologist, speech therapist, teacher assistants, social and special educators. In the spirit of classical education, we believe that every child is a unique person with inherent dignity and potential, therefore we strive to discover and strengthen each student’s talents.
After lessons all students may be consulted by teachers in all subjects. This creates space for individual learning paths, deeper understanding and the cultivation of perseverance – one of the key classical virtues.
The school offers a wide range of after-school activities and clubs. All students are welcome to join them:
• Sports clubs (basketball, football, etc.);
• Singing club;
• Dance studio;
• Junior naturalist;
• Junior museum guide;
• Art studio;
• Ceramics;
• STEAM club;
• Robotics.
These activities help students experience classical education in practice: team sports and movement develop discipline and fair play; choir and music – a sense of harmony and beauty; art and ceramics – creativity and patience; robotics and maths – logical and structured thinking.
Vytautas Magnus University Classical Education Lyceum has many traditions, both related to Lithuanian culture and customs (e.g. Advent, Christmas Fairs) and to national and international events. Many projects related to traditional celebrations are implemented as well. During these events, students get acquainted with Lithuanian and European cultural heritage, read poetry, stage performances, sing, debate and present their creative work – all of which reflects the classical idea of a well-rounded, culturally literate person.
The most popular celebrations include:
• Celebration of the First Day at School;
• International Teachers’ Day;
• St. Valentine’s Day;
• World Earth Day;
• World Water Day;
• World Poetry Day;
• Europe Day;
• Sports and Health Day.
Striving to achieve the best possible results, we have been implementing practice-based and project-based learning for many years. School students and teachers participate in various national and international projects. Many of them are linked to key ideas of classical education: the dialogue between past and present, responsibility for creation and environment, and respectful cooperation with people from other cultures and countries. In this way, classical education at our school becomes a living, dynamic and modern approach that prepares young people for meaningful participation in the contemporary world.