Lynn Public Schools offers a range of options for high school students.
Frederick Douglass is a Lynn Public School that houses a grade 6-12 therapeutic program, an 18-22 life skills program, and a grade 9-12 early college high school called Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA). FDCA, the collegiate program at Frederick Douglass, requires an application process to enroll. The application for rising 9th graders will open on October 31, 2025, with a submission deadline of January 23, 2026.
LPS will hold several events and information sessions so that parents and caregivers can find the best fit for their student. For detailed information on high school options at LPS, including an overview of each school’s process and important dates, please click here to visit our High School Choices webpage.
Each school has its own lottery form. Students may enter the lottery for any number of schools. If a student is offered a seat at one of the special admission schools and accepts their spot, they will not be eligible for the waitlist of another school.
The lottery is open now through January 23rd.
To enter the FDCA lottery, click here: FDCA Class of 2030 Grade 9 Admission Application (CURRENT 8TH GRADERS) – Fill out form
Enrolling at FDCA
What is Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy?
Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA) is a designated early college high school serving students in grades 9 through 12. Students enrolled in FDCA are also enrolled in North Shore Community College (NSCC). FDCA students have a unique opportunity to earn an associate's degree in liberal arts while also earning a high school diploma.
How is Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy different from other high school options in Lynn?
Students enrolled in the Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy attend both Lynn Public Schools high school courses and free college courses on North Shore Community College’s campus. FDCA students can earn a Liberal Arts Transfer degree while also earning a high school diploma.
What grades does Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy have?
FDCA enrolls students in grades 9 through 12.
Who is eligible to attend Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA)?
Any rising 9th grade student who is a resident of the City of Lynn may enter the lottery to enroll. Acceptance to FDCA is conditional. North Shore Community College must also accept all students attending FDCA.
How can my child enroll at Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy?
Students interested in attending FDCA must complete the FDCA application lottery form, which will open on October 31, 2025 and close on January 23, 2026. If applicants exceed the number of available seats, students will be entered into a randomized lottery.
Students who are selected through the randomized lottery will be notified of next action steps and how to enroll with North Shore Community College. All students must take a college placement test (Accuplacer) and score at least 220 and be admitted to North Shore Community College. As the final step, students must create a writing sample, an artifact project, and then interview with the principal and your family/guardian.
What is the cost of the college courses at FDCA?
All college courses taken by FDCA students are free. This program is designed to help students access college and prepare for life after high school.
What are the benefits of attending Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy?
FDCA offers a powerful head start on higher education by allowing students to earn a high school diploma and college credits towards an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree at the same time. All college courses are free for FDCA students, providing significant savings on a college education and accelerating the path to a Bachelor's degree after graduation from high school if students choose to continue with higher education. Our program also prepares students for the demands of college coursework in a supportive environment, ensuring a smooth transition to college life.
What support is available to help FDCA students succeed?
Students benefit from a small school environment, support from both LPS and NSCC staff, and dedicated support blocks for their college classes. This support helps students navigate being enrolled in high school and college simultaneously.
Timeline and Important Dates
No late applications can be accepted.
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Event
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Date/Time
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Details
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LVTI Open House
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October 9th, 5:30-7:30pm
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Attend to learn more about LVTI and our vocational shops.
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FDCA Open House
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October 15th, 4-6pm
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Attend to learn more about FDCA and our early college program.
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CASA Open House
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October 8th, 5-7pm
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Attend to learn more about CASA and its science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM) programs.
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Lottery Opens
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October 31st
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Access the lottery application forms through the links at the top of our School Choice page here, or pick up a physical copy at the LPS Welcome Center.
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Lottery Deadline
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January 23rd
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The lottery for all 3 special admissions schools (CASA, FDCA, LVTI) will close at 11:59pm midnight.
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Notification of Acceptance/Waitlist
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Late February
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Families are notified of the application results.
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Enrollment Commitment
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March 6th
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Families must formally accept the enrollment offer by this deadline to secure their student’s spot.
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Waitlist Acceptances
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On a rolling basis beginning late March
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Students on the waitlist will be offered seats on a rolling basis until each incoming class is full.
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