The unique FLES program introduces the study of French and Spanish in the third grade and continues throughout the Middle School years. When a girl enters the Middle School, she becomes part of a program designed to encourage her to identify her strengths and motivate her to reach and fully explore her potential. The Middle School years can be a challenging period in a young girl's life, and Lincoln recognizes the importance of a strong support network at this time. An all-girl environment in these formative years helps to create an atmosphere of cooperation, rather than competition, in the classroom. Girls feel comfortable while they learn to formulate ideas and solve problems aloud.
Talk is valued, as are the processes of thinking and encouraging the thinking of others.
In the Middle School, writing is a top priority and emphasis is placed on problem solving and critical and independent thinking. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of who they are by taking risks, making strides, and stretching intellectually. The curriculum is enriched by courses in art, music, and physical education. Foreign languages, the Skills Lab, computer programming, laboratory sciences, algebraic and geometrical abstractions, and social studies are all integral parts of the Middle School program. The focus is not entirely on academics.