As September approaches, many parents face a headache – which school should they choose for a child who has finished primary school or is about to start 9th grade? Children spend the majority of their lives in educational institutions, so it’s important that they learn not only academic subjects but also life skills. This is exactly the kind of environment offered by the ‘Erudito’ Lyceum, which focuses on the holistic growth of the child. Kristina Malikėnienė, the head of primary education there, explained why it’s important, when choosing a school, to find out whether a child navigating the storms of adolescence will receive enough attention.

What makes the ‘Erudito’ Lyceum different from other schools and lyceums?

The ‘Erudito’ Lyceum is more than just a place where children acquire knowledge. It’s a school that helps them become self-confident, thoughtful, and creative individuals. Children learn not merely by memorizing facts, but through meaningful experiences—connecting what they learn with real life. Learning often takes place beyond the classroom—in museums, laboratories, and companies. Special emphasis is placed on project-based learning: in collaboration with partners such as the MO Museum and ISM University of Management and Economics, students develop projects in art, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and STEAM. They ask questions, seek solutions, work in teams, and actively engage in their own learning journey. This approach helps foster independence, self-confidence, and a genuine motivation to learn.

How do you help students prepare for the final exams and the IBDP exams?

At the ‘Erudito’ Lyceum, education is not just about preparing for exams, but for life. We believe that the most important thing is not to memorize facts, but to understand what you have learned, be able to apply knowledge, think critically, and create solutions.

Education is conducted according to high academic standards. The lyceum implements outstanding, globally recognized ‘Cambridge’ and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. From 9th grade, students are systematically prepared for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). They become familiar with specific learning methods, concepts, and assessment principles. As a result, when they enter the IBDP, they are already well-prepared and understand what is expected of them.

Learning takes place in an international community: people from different countries study and teach at the lyceum, so children develop not only academic knowledge but also openness, cultural understanding, and the ability to work in a global environment.

Students learn to plan their time, work on projects, and pursue goals independently. This helps them not only prepare well for exams but also acquire important life skills.

After graduating from the “Erudito” Lyceum, students successfully pass national and international exams, and their further path leads to the best universities in Lithuania and abroad.

How do you ensure a teenager’s well-being and psychological safety?

Adolescence is a sensitive and important period, so at the Lyceum we place great emphasis on emotional maturity and strengthening self-esteem. Students here are not just part of the curriculum. They are seen, heard, and understood. Classes are small – up to 20 students – which allows teachers to get to know each child well and build a close, trust-based relationship. The Lyceum consciously fosters a safe, respectful environment where not only the result matters, but also the path leading to it. Reflection, teamwork, and personal connections with teachers help children grow not only academically, but also as individuals.

How do you help ninth graders discover their strengths and develop independence?

Grade 9 is a time when teenagers begin to know themselves better. At the “Erudito” Lyceum, we strive to help each student understand where their strengths lie and what inspires them. Students participate in projects, conduct research, and solve real-life problems – this helps them discover what they are good at, what interests them, and how they want to grow. Education here is based on thinking habits: fostering creativity, perseverance, and the ability to reflect on one’s choices. Lessons are organized in a way that encourages students to plan, work independently, and act responsibly. This helps them find intrinsic motivation for learning and confidence in their abilities.

What does the school community look like – what kind of partnership exists between parents, teachers, and students?

At the “Erudito” Lyceum, a community is built where everyone feels important and welcome. Students and teachers from different countries create an open, international environment in which children learn to recognize and respect different cultures.

At the Lyceum, relationships are based on respect, trust, and partnership. Students feel heard. Their opinions matter, and they are encouraged to express their thoughts freely, suggest ideas, and participate in school life. Parents are invited to be actively involved: taking part in trips, celebrations, games, and birthdays. At the end of the semester, individual meetings are held to discuss the child’s learning outcomes, progress, and emotional well-being.

For the Lyceum team, it is important that everyone – teachers, parents, and students – feels part of a shared process and together creates a meaningful educational experience.

How does the Lyceum help new students integrate?

New students at the “Erudito” Lyceum receive a lot of attention and support to help them adapt more quickly. We understand that in both fifth and ninth grade, not only does the school change, but the child does too – their age, level of maturity, and needs. Therefore, we strive to help each child integrate in the way that suits them best, taking into account their age, experience, and personality.

In ninth grade, students often come with a variety of experiences – both positive and challenging. This is an age when it is important to help strengthen self-confidence, discover new motivation, and feel comfortable in a new class. The Lyceum’s environment supports this: small classes, strong relationships between teachers and students, and community support. All of this creates a safe start in a new stage of learning.

How is collaboration with parents carried out?

At the “Erudito” Lyceum, parents are important participants in the educational process. Feedback with families is ongoing. We discuss not only grades but also the child’s progress and well-being. After each semester, parents receive an individual report on their child’s progress, and meetings cover academic, social, and emotional achievements.

Parental involvement strengthens the community and fosters trust-based collaboration between parents, teachers, and the administration. We believe that a close partnership with everyone supports a child’s growth and learning.

What achievements distinguish your Lyceum’s ninth graders or students in higher grades?

The “Erudito” Lyceum develops well-rounded graduates – they not only achieve high academic results but also acquire essential life skills: critical thinking, creativity, independence, and collaboration. Students are educated to not only pass exams but also successfully apply their knowledge in real-life situations, work in teams, ask questions, and seek solutions.

These abilities are reflected in the achievements of our graduates: some choose to study in Lithuania, for example in management, finance, or medicine, while others successfully enroll in prestigious universities abroad, in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or other countries. Some complete the IBDP program with top marks and pursue ambitious fields of study – from dentistry to psychology.

Lyceum graduates state that the education they received here not only helped them achieve high results but also gave them confidence, made it easier to adapt in a globalized world, and prepared them to step firmly into independent life.

If you are looking for a school where your child feels safe, seen, and can grow as an individual, we invite you to contact the “Erudito” Lyceum and learn more: https://ww.erudito.lt/