The word LYCEUM is derived from the Greek word Lukeion, which was   the name of the school outside Athens where Aristotle taught (335–323 B.C.).

In the 1800's, the Lyceum Movement was established in England in an effort to spread popular learning among adults who were interested in improving their minds.  The American Lyceum was an association of traveling scholars who presented lectures throughout the United States. The founder of the movement in the United States was Josiah Holbrook who started the first American Lyceum in Millbury, Massachusetts. Within six years, there were more than three thousand Lyceums in America.

The Lyceum Of Monterey County was established in 1960 to bring together talented adults and students in a learning situation.  Mrs. Carl Hering of the Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services, with a committee, organized a peninsula-wide association independent of all other organizations and schools. It would offer services for all public and private schools in the area for grades K-12. The first program was a tutorial for one student with a professor from the Naval Post-graduate school. Later in the year, classroom presentations by guest specialists were given upon the request of the teachers and school principals.

Looking Toward the Future
Today, the Lyceum classes are designed for interested, motivated students of all ages. Over four hundred annual classes span grades Pre-K through High school. Other popular offerings include Family programs and Parent workshops.  We sponsor the annual Peninsula Spelling Bee for fourth and fifth graders, Monterey County History Day for middle and high school Students, and the Mock Trial program.  We also offer outreach programs to under-served youth throughout the Monterey Peninsula.