Celebrating 20 Years of
Leadership
at LION
Built in the Bronx. Leading Everywhere.
Pride In Our People
K-12 Charter School Hunts Point, Bronx
Here, character matters. Our power comes from the deep bonds we form between students, families, and staff, uniting our community.
Join Our Pride
Watch: We Are LION
At Leaders In Our Neighborhood (LION) Charter School, we are committed to developing character and fostering academic excellence.
We are the largest independent K-12 charter school in New York City and a tuition-free public school. As three schools under one charter, we serve nearly 1,000 students who have the opportunity to attend a school that supports them from kindergarten through college.
Why Lion?
Passion for learning, self-discovery, leadership, and social conscience are the foundation for success in college and fulfillment in life.
With our family partnership and character development model, we focus on supporting students as they develop the skills and traits they need through rigorous academics, self-reflection, and family engagement.
Family Engagement
- Family meetings, retreats, and student-led conferences
- Monthly workshops for families and students
- Community resources, printing services, and WiFi access
- LION Cares Pop-ups
Our Lasting Impact
0%
graduation rate for the LION class of 2025
0%
average increase in 3-8 NYS ELA scores and 10% in 3-7 NYS math from 23-24 to 24-25 school years
0%
of our graduates enroll in college in the first two years after high school
0%
staff retention rate
Experience Lion For Yourself!
Visit UsLatest at Lion
Latest News
Community
LION Cares K-12 Family Pop-Up: A Community First
On December 17th, we launched something brand new, the first-ever LION Cares K–12 Family Pop-Up,…
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Assemblymember Septimo: Leading with Heart for the South Bronx
New York State Assemblymember Amanda Septimo visited LION High School for a powerful conversation rooted…
Character Matters
Character Matters Winter 2025
As we begin the second semester of our 2024-2025 school year, I continue to be…
Follow Along
This past Wednesday, LION Charter School staff attended a very special and very joyous K-12 meeting, featuring our annual LION Longevity Celebration. This event honors all staff who have called LION their home for a minimum of five years, some of which who were here our founding year! This was also a moment to recognize our extraordinary 97% retention rate, a number unheard of in education. The room roared with applause and emotions as we inducted our five year members with heartwarming speeches from their colleagues, and distributed one-of-kind LION jackets and commemorative pins to all honored staff. It was truly a beautiful experience for all. Congratulations to our newest inductees and all our honoraries. Thank you for being the heart of our wonderful family.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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It’s a big, bright, beautiful world, and we’re bringing it to the stage!
Join us for Shrek the Musical, where our talented LION Charter School students will take audiences on an unforgettable journey through Far Far Away. Filled with laughter, friendship, adventure, and plenty of fairy tale fun, this is a performance you won’t want to miss!
Performance Schedule
Thursday, June 4 at 5:30 PM
Friday, June 5 at 10:00 AM (Elementary School)
Friday, June 5 at 1:00 PM (Middle School)
Come cheer on our incredible students as they bring this beloved story to life. We can’t wait to see you there!
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20 incredible years. What started out as a small idea from several thoughtful and invested individuals grew into a bastion of success and radical joy for thousands of students, staff, families, and community members. Through trial and error, a few tears, and myriad open hearts, minds, and ears, we built LION Charter School from the ground up. On Character. Social Justice. Community. Family. Curiosity. Leadership. We did this TOGETHER. We celebrated milestone after amazing milestone, cheered at champion sporting events, cried at a plethora of graduations and moving up ceremonies, even healed as a community when the world around us was sometimes frightening and unwelcoming. There is no other school in the world as special as LION Charter School, because of you, our community, our family, our supporters.
Please take a moment to check out some of our wonderful moments from this past Thursday’s 20th Anniversary Spring Social, the crown jewel of our shared experience at LION Charter School. We laughed, cried, swayed to the music and were left in awe from our amazing performances, speeches, and testimonials. Thank you to every single staff member, alumni, student, family member and community member who helped make this event such a huge success; your dedication is remarkable, your love permeated the room.
We also want to let everyone know that our online auction has been extended to Wednesday, so there’s still plenty of time left to bid on a variety of fantastic items, experiences, and services, all benefitting our College Access and Success Program. Click the link in our bio to bid.
Thank you again. Here’s to another 20 years of LION❤️
🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for our 20th Anniversary Spring Social! As we gather the incredible photos, videos, and memories from this special celebration, we want to remind you that our online auction is officially LIVE.
Don’t miss your chance to bid on amazing experiences and one-of-a-kind items, including:
• Two premium Champions Suite tickets to NYC FC vs. Chicago Fire, including behind-the-goal seating, suite access, and all-inclusive food and beverages.
• A private four-hour Long Island Sound boat excursion for six, featuring stunning coastal views and a catered three-course lunch aboard a comfortable 29-foot cruiser.
• A four-night stay in a beautiful two-bedroom beachfront penthouse in the Dominican Republic, just steps from Playa Dominicus and the Caribbean Sea.
And much, much more!
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway, a unique experience, or the perfect gift, there’s something for everyone in this year’s auction.
Click the link in our bio to start bidding today. Bidding closes June 2! 🦁💛💙#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Our middle schoolers had the best time at Field Day, a full morning of teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition across all five grades. From basketball shootouts to relay races, students cheered each other on, tried new challenges, and showed incredible sportsmanship. Teachers even jumped in on the fun too!
Field Day is one of our favorite traditions because it brings out the joy, confidence, and community spirit in all of us. Thank you to our amazing staff for creating such a safe, energetic, and memorable experience for our students.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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As we get ready to celebrate 20 incredible years of LION Charter School, we’ve been reflecting on the stories that define our community and remind us what makes LION so special.
For so many students, getting accepted into college is only the beginning. Behind the excitement of dorm room shopping, making new friends, and preparing for a brand new chapter, many students are also carrying the very real stress of figuring out how to afford tuition bills, books, transportation, meal plans, and everyday necessities.
For LION alum Abrianna, receiving a LION scholarship helped make continuing her college journey possible.
“Receiving the LION Scholars scholarship took a huge weight off my shoulders. I didn’t have to worry about how I’d pay my bill while also stressing about finals… Without the scholarship, I don’t think I would’ve been able to return to school next year.”
Stories like Abrianna’s are a powerful reminder of the impact community support can have on a student’s future.
Join us on Thursday, May 28th from 6:00–8:00 PM at The BankNote Building for LION’s 20th Anniversary Spring Social as we celebrate two decades of impact, honor the Class of 2026, and come together in support of LION students and alumni. Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link in our bio!🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Behind every college acceptance, scholarship, and milestone is a student who dared to dream big and a counselor who helped them believe they could get there.
At LION, college counselors become trusted mentors, sounding boards, advocates, and steady sources of support during one of the most important transitions in a young person’s life.
LION alum Layla shared:
“Throughout my senior year, Ms. Hernandez was a constant source of guidance and encouragement as I navigated the college application process… Knowing that I had someone who genuinely cared about my success and well-being meant more to me than I can express.”
This is the impact your support makes possible.
Join us on Thursday, May 28th from 6:00–8:00 PM at The BankNote Building as we celebrate 20 years of leadership, community, and opportunity at LION’s 20th Anniversary Spring Social!Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link in our bio.
Together, we’ll honor the Class of 2026, celebrate the journeys of our alumni, and invest in the future of LION students for generations to come.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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At LION, wellness is a priority, and high school students in our Bring Change 2 Mind club show us what that looks like in action.
All year long, these student leaders work to break the stigma around mental health and remind their peers that caring for your mind, body, and emotions is something to be proud of.
This week, they teamed up with our Counseling Office to host Mental Health Awareness Week, with a different theme each day, from mindfulness and movement to rest, connection, and confidence.
We are so proud of our students for creating space, sparking conversations, and building a culture of care at LION.
#MentalHealthAwareness #BringChange2Mind #LIONCharterSchool
#PrideofHuntsPoint
#WellnessMatters StudentLeaders
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This past weekend, LION families from across our K–12 community came together for a truly special Family Retreat centered on connection, community, and growth. From meaningful conversations and team building activities to moments filled with laughter, reflection, and joy, the retreat created space for families to slow down, connect, and strengthen the bonds that make our community so unique.
Throughout the day, families engaged in activities designed to encourage trust, communication, and collaboration while creating new memories together. It was inspiring to watch students, caregivers, and staff come together with openness, support, and a genuine sense of belonging. These moments are such an important reminder that the strength of our school is rooted in the strength of our community.
A huge shout out goes out to all of our incredible staff who helped make this retreat possible, especially our Directors of Family Engagement, Ms. Bautista, Ms. Guerrero, and Ms. Seda, for their leadership, care, and dedication to our families. Thank you for helping create an experience that our families will carry with them long after the weekend ended! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Last week, we had the honor of celebrating our LION Charter School staff during Staff Appreciation Week. We ate delicious food, drank scrumptious lattes, played games, took yoga classes, opened the sweetest gifts from our lovely LION community, and much, much more. It truly gets no better!
As we close out this wonderful week of celebration and gratitude, we want to reiterate how truly remarkable our staff is, how incredibly lucky our students are to be under the care of such amazing humans.
As our CEO, Celia Sosa shares:
“You are the architects of possibility.
You hold the culture of this school in your hands.
You are often the quiet heroes of this work.
You are the backbone of this school,
and your contributions are felt
in every single corner of this building.”
Because of you, LION Charter School continues to shine, continues to grow without limits. You are so loved, admired, and cherished. Thank you! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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The LION Dance Company is taking over NYC this weekend!
Our dancers will be representing LION in not one, but two major community events, and we would love to see our staff and families out there cheering them on as they showcase their talent, energy, and Bronx pride!
Saturday, May 16
NYC Dance Parade & Festival
• Parade route performance around 2:00–3:00 PM
• Catch the LION Dance Company float in the parade!
• Community Stage Festival performance at Tompkins Square Park around 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 17
Bronx Week Parade
• Parade begins at 10:00 AM
• Dancing down Mosholu Parkway alongside groups from across the Bronx
Our dancers have been working incredibly hard for these opportunities, and we are so proud to see them represent LION on such big stages. If you are available, come out and support them as they bring the spirit of LION to New York City! 💙💛
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LION loves yoga!
Our LION High School students and K-12 staff really showed up and showed out for a day filled with yoga! These incredible classes were led by LION parent and yoga instructor, Mrs. Singh, owner of Shivani Yoga.
Mrs. Singh remarks: “I loved the energy at LION. I was greeted by many students with so much respect and kindness, which really warmed my heart.
I hope the kids will remember this experience, as yoga is something that helps us connect with ourselves. I wish these students all the best in the years to come, because the sky is the limit for them!”
Thank you so much to Mrs. Singh for sharing your love, passion, and talent with our school community, to Ms. Rivera for putting this event together, and to our awesome students and staff for participating. This was the true embodiment of our family and community pillars, and we couldn’t be prouder!🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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LION loves Broadway!
Recently, 30 members of our junior class were able to attend a show-stopping performance of Hamilton on Broadway. This was a special presentation for high school students only. We love seeing our students embrace the arts and culture in all forms, and can’t wait for our students to participate in similar events in the future. LION believes art should be accessible for everyone, and our students had a fantastic time!
🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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LION loves the Bronx Bombers!
Check out the winners of our Family Day raffle, which was hosted by LION Elementary School, benefitting their Game Changers club. Each winner won a pair of tickets to this past Saturday’s Yankee game. A huge thank-you to all the winners and supporters. Let’s go Yankees!
About Game Changers:
Game Changers is an e-sports club that use gaming as the engine to set the foundation for a supportive, respectful, and inclusive gaming community while enforcing LION’s character-based curriculum and mission.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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This week, we honor the incredible staff that make LION such a special, safe, and loving school community. Words cannot begin to describe how proud we are of the lovely individuals who dedicate their time, effort, and whole heart to educating and nurturing our phenomenal students. Stay tuned for a fun week filled with awesome activities and events to show our immense gratitude! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Our middle school brought the energy at a recent pep rally designed to get students ready for upcoming exams!
Students teamed up and took the stage, answering ELA and math questions in a fun, competitive format that built confidence and excitement. With every homeroom showing up strong, the message was clear: our students are ready to show what they know. Let’s go LION students! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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We’re thrilled to invite you to LION’s 20th Anniversary Spring Social: 20 Years of Leadership at LION!
Join us on Thursday, May 28 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the BankNote Building in Hunts Point for a special evening as we celebrate 20 years of LION and honor the Class of 2026.
Enjoy great food and drinks, connect with our community, and hear powerful stories from the students, families, and alumni who make LION what it is. You’ll also have the chance to win some incredible raffle prizes and experiences.
Together, we’re raising $20,000 to support our College Access and Success Program, which provides college visits, application support, scholarships, alumni grants, and more for our students and graduates.
We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful night and celebrate with us!
Get your tickets or donate by clicking the link in our bio.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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LION Lately:
Several LION ES staff came together to participate in Walk MS in support of two of our fellow LION colleagues. Walk MS is a community-driven event that raises funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis, supporting research, resources, and hope for those affected. Thank you to our wonderful LION family for raising much needed money and awareness for MS; you rock!
Our awesome LION Juniors learned about college life at SUNY New Paltz while also attending a college fair. We love seeing our scholars actively participate in the college selection process and take ownership of their very bright futures. College and career readiness is a true foundation of life at LION High School, and we couldn’t be prouder! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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At LION, our students are consistently working to improve their character and show up as leaders, regardless of incentives or praise offered. This makes being able to recognize our scholars in fun and creative ways even more meaningful and special. Check out our awesome LION MS students shopping the Kickboard store - where they’ve turned their positive behavior and support of the community into tangible rewards!🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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This past Saturday, we celebrated Spring Family Day and 20 years of LION Charter School alongside the incredible families who make our community so special. Families, students, staff, and community partners came together for a spirited day filled with great food, games, activities, prizes, and fun!
A huge thank you to our amazing staff for dedicating their time and their weekend to make this event possible. We truly could not do it without you.
Thank you to our community partners, including NYJTL, Urban Health, NYPD Explorers, HPAC, Clarity Care, and NYC KidsRise, for sharing valuable resources and fun swag for our families.
We are also so grateful to everyone who donated food, clothing, and a wide range of essential items to our LION Cares Pop Up. A very special thank you to D’Arrigo and the George Family for your incredibly generous contributions.
And finally, thank you to our dedicated LION families. The love you show your children and this community is what makes LION truly one of a kind. Here’s to the next 20 years!🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Tomorrow is our Spring Family Day!
Join us at 10:00 AM at the High School (830 Hunts Point Avenue) and bring the whole family for a morning full of fun and community!
We’ll have:
Giveaways and raffles with exciting prizes (include a 55” smart TV with a FREE 1 -month subscription for Apple TV)
A bouncy house
Cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, and more
Community vendors sharing valuable resources
Let’s bring the sunshine (even if it rains) as we celebrate 20 years of serving our community together!
We can’t wait to see you there!
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We are less than ONE WEEK away from celebrating 20 incredible years of LION Charter School at our annual Spring Family Day!! Swipe through to check out some of our Spring Family Day photos from past years.
Join us at 830 Hunts Point Ave on Saturday, 4/25 at 10am for a day full of fun, community connection, and celebration! Bring the whole family and enjoy a chance to win exciting prizes, including a 55” smart TV with a FREE 1-month Apple TV subscription and a gift card! We also have exciting LION swag for all attendees!
We can’t wait to celebrate this special milestone with you!
*This event is for current LION Charter School families only.*
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If you are searching for a dynamic, engaging, and family-oriented environment where your child can truly soar, we invite you to think of LION Charter School.
For 20 years, LION has been at the forefront of progressive and inclusive education for students in the Bronx and their families alike. We have truly grown not only as a school, but as one big family where every child matters, every voice is amplified, every ability is cultivated, and every achievement is celebrated.
Now is the time to join our community, to be a part of something that will positively impact your family for generations. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our families as they watch their children build character and become true leaders in New York City and the world at large!
Enroll today. Don’t miss this opportunity. Our seats are filling up fast. Click the link in our bio and take the next step toward a bright, vibrant future.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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We are thrilled to host our 20th Anniversary Spring Family Day on Saturday, April 25th at the High School from 10:00 AM–12:30 PM!
This is a major milestone for our school as we celebrate 20 wonderful years as a staple in the Hunts Point community, and we wouldn’t want to celebrate it any other way than with you, our families.
Join us for a morning full of fun, including a bouncy house, basketball, games, hot dogs fresh off the grill, creative activities, and exciting grand prizes for a lucky winner!
We hope to see you there as we celebrate this special moment together! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
*Please note, this event is for current LION families only.
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