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Discover a school where students are challenged, supported and inspired to grow, while families find the encouragement and support they need along the way.
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
Celebration
Honoring Excellence
This past June, LION community members gathered for our High School Baccalaureate Ceremony, celebrating the…
Celebration
A Legacy That Lasts
Some milestones are measured by the years that pass. Others are measured by the lives…
Celebration
The World Is Waiting
Some endings don’t feel like endings at all. They feel like the moment everything begins.…
Follow Along
We’re excited to welcome our newest LION High School Student Ambassadors! Our Student Ambassadors serve as leaders and representatives of our school community by welcoming new students and families, supporting school events, assisting with tours and special programs, representing student voice, and helping families feel connected to the LION community. Throughout the year, they will build their leadership skills while making a positive impact on our school community. Here they are on day 1, serving as LION High School’s unofficial welcoming committee. Thank you to the High School Director of Family Engagement, Ms. Bautista, for being the driver of our ambassador program and guiding our awesome students. Keep up the wonderful work, ambassadors!🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Our LION scientists are already heating things up!
Our 5th and 8th grade scientists jumped right into hands-on labs—collaborating, measuring, experimenting, analyzing, and putting their scientific thinking to work.
We love seeing our middle school students start the year with curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to explore. This is just the beginning!🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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We’re Back!
Check out our wonderful LION students, staff, and families as they welcomed the 2026-2027 school year! We enjoyed hearing about summer and all of the awesome ways that our scholars continued to demonstrate leadership in our community and the world at large. Stay tuned for more awesome updates as we continue to kick off this year immersed, engaged, and excited! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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For 20 years LION has been rooted in the Hunts Point community helping serve and celebrate the
individuals who make it special. This commitment is mirrored by community members who selflessly give their time so others may be afforded opportunities. One such individual is LION graduate Donavan Rice. Donavan is known for his dynamic work as a creative director, dance instructor, and choreographer who blends NYC underground, hip hop, and vogue to create powerful, story driven pieces. To give back and actively support our community Donovan has tirelessly worked to bring dance to LION students by supporting Mr. Williams with the high school dance team, performing at high school events with the dance group he co-founded, and choreographing many alumni/student/staff performances. 🦁💛💙 #lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Family is at the heart of everything we do at LION. This represents a shared commitment to education, a partnership that pushes us to be better, and a belief that together we lead by example. Kaitlynn Cruz (LION ‘18) and her mom, Sheila, started their journey at LION in 2012, when Kaitlynn was in 6th grade and embody true family partnership. Sheila has been a consistent presence at family events and an active participant in furthering her daughter’s education through LION and beyond. Today Kaitlynn is an English teacher at our high school and fully recognizes the impact LION’s family program had in shaping her career path and a journey that has seen her return to Hunts Point. 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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When you’re powered by curiosity you don’t settle for easy answers. It’s the hunger to know, to question, and
to grow. This is the curiosity that drove Stephanie Almodovar (‘17) to ask herself who she was and where she was going. A curiosity which set Stephanie on a path to earn a Bachelor of Engineering degree from The City College of New York. Today Stephanie works as a Project Engineer with Wilden in New York City and credits the foundation she developed at LION with helping her pursue her curiosity for STEM and establishing a foundation in an often-male dominated industry.
🦁💛💙#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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🎉 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS HERE! 🦁📚
Middle School Families, we’re excited to officially welcome you into the 2026–2027 school year! 💙 Join us on Wednesday, September 9th at 4:00 PM for an evening filled with connection, important information, and a chance to learn more about what’s ahead for our Middle Schoolers.
📅 Wednesday, September 9th
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Middle School
Come meet our teachers, learn about classroom expectations and routines, and get ready for an amazing year of learning, growth, and LION Pride! 🦁✨
We can’t wait to see you there! 💙
#BackToSchool #MSFamilies #LIONPride #WelcomeBack #FamilyEngagement
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LION HS Families, September is all about staying connected!
Join us for two upcoming family events designed to help you stay informed, connected, and involved in your student’s school experience.
A Day in the Life of Your Student Schedule
Wednesday, September 9th | 5:00–7:00 PM
Experience your student’s schedule, meet their teachers, and get a glimpse into their day at LION!
Parent Tech 101
Wednesday, September 23rd | 4:00–6:00 PM
Learn more about the technology and platforms we use to keep families connected, including TalkingPoints, Swipe, and PowerSchool. We look forward to welcoming our families into the building and kicking off another great school year together!
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For 20 years LION has been powered by character. By the decisions we make when no one is watching. By owning our actions and honoring our journey. Dr. Efosa Erhunmwunse embodies what it means to be guided by
character and is an inspiration to all LION students who follow in her footsteps. As LION’s first graduate to pursue a doctoral degree she not only blazed a trail through her own academic pursuits but in recognizing the problem of PWI complacency she created her own organization aimed at addressing inequities in the physical therapy program at Ithaca College. Efosa has worked to dismantle the walls of power so that future generations are welcomed.
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Join us on Wednesday, August 12, at 830 Hunts Point Avenue for a day of fun, connection, and community!
Families new to middle school only: From 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., you are invited to our Middle School Brunch with the Principal. Meet the principal, ask questions, and learn more about what to expect before the school year begins.
All K-8 families: From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you are invited to our Back to School Readiness Fair. We’ll be bringing together community partners and school resources, along with LION Cares, where families can pick up fresh produce, browse clothing, household items, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase LION branded uniforms and enjoy sweets and treats.
We look forward to seeing you on August 12!
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Justin McMillan was a member of LION Charter school’s founding class of students 20 years ago and is the
true embodiment of a “leader in our neighborhood”. As a student he inspired his peers and teachers to get involved in the Hunts Point community’s long tradition of collective community action. Since graduating Justin has built a successful coffee business but stayed committed to social justice by teaching barista skills to incarcerated men in places like Rikers Island so they might have a chance to rebuild their lives when they rejoin society. We are proud of Justin’s contribution to our community and the legacy of advocacy he has helped LION build.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Leadership begins with knowing who you are and what you stand for. This is what drives Celia Sosa as LION’s Chief Executive Officer. Celia began her work at LION in 2007 as a history teacher and later served for twelve years as High School Director before becoming Chief Executive Officer. As a leader who has shaped LION for the past 20 years, she is driven by a core believe that our school should be a place where students develop voice, purpose, and agency. 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Twenty years. Thousands of stories. One incredible journey.
Every school has a history. Ours is told through the people who have walked our halls, the families who have trusted us, and the students who have grown into leaders, changemakers, innovators, and role models.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll celebrate the six pillars that have defined LION from the very beginning: Leadership. Social Justice. Character. Curiosity. Family. Community. These values have shaped our school for the past 20 years and continue to inspire every student who walks through our doors.
The stories you’ll read reflect the heart of LION. They celebrate where we’ve been, the community we’ve built together, and the lasting impact our students and alumni continue to make every day. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited for the next generation of LION students and all the stories still waiting to be told.
We’re still enrolling in select grades for the upcoming school year. Apply today by clicking the link in our bio and start your own LION story.🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Let the adventures begin!
Check out our littlest LION cubs as they enjoy our inaugural kindergarten summer camp! Here, students immerse themselves in fun and engaging learning activities that are designed to break the ice, prepare them for their educational journeys and build lifelong friendships. We are so proud of our brave future LION Charter School leaders!
Interested in having your child be part of our wonderful LION community? We are still enrolling for kindergarten and select grades. Apply today or accept your seat if you have an offer available. Questions? Email: admissions@lioncharterschool.org 🦁💛💙#lioncharterschool#prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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The Hill We Climb!
Recently, LION community members gathered at Lehman College to celebrate an unforgettable milestone as the Class of 2026 crossed the stage at our High School Commencement Ceremony.
Over the past four years, these scholars have challenged themselves, discovered new passions, built lifelong friendships, and grown into remarkable young adults ready for whatever comes next. Their time at LION has been filled with hard work, perseverance, and moments that have shaped them into the leaders they are today.
The excitement throughout the auditorium was impossible to miss as graduates proudly accepted their diplomas, families cheered from the audience, and staff celebrated the incredible accomplishments of a class they have encouraged every step of the way. It was a powerful reminder that every achievement is made possible by a community that believes in its students.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! Every challenge you have faced has prepared you for the next one, and every success has brought you one step closer to your dreams. As you leave LION behind and begin a new chapter, remember that every hill you climb opens the door to an even greater view. We cannot wait to see where you go next!
🦁💛💙#lioncharterschool#prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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A Night to Remember!
Recently, LION community members came together to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the Class of 2026 at our High School Baccalaureate Ceremony.
From academic excellence and athletic achievement to leadership, character, and service, each award recognized the dedication, determination, and heart our scholars have demonstrated throughout their high school years. Every student honored has left a lasting mark on our school community, and we could not be prouder of all they have accomplished.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients and to the entire Class of 2026! We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and cannot wait to see all that comes next. 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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The Wonderful Things You Will Be!
Recently, LION Middle School staff, families, and community members gathered together to celebrate an unforgettable moment in the lives of our Class of 2026 scholars at their Middle School Graduation Ceremony.
The excitement in the room was undeniable as families cheered, teachers beamed with pride, and our graduates celebrated everything they have accomplished together. Every smile, every hug, every tear, and every round of applause was a reminder of just how much these students have grown and how many lives they have touched along the way.
To our incredible families and staff, thank you for believing in our scholars from day one. Your love, encouragement, and partnership have helped shape this remarkable class into young people who are ready to make their mark on the world. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🦁💛💙#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc
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Change Sings!
It echoes through hallways; it vibrates through city streets; it permeates the atmosphere. It brings audience members to their feet, roaring and rumbling with applause. Nowhere was this more apparent than when our 3rd grade scholars took the stage to perform at the LION Charter Elementary School 3rd Grade Stepping Up Ceremony. Here, families, staff, and community members came together to celebrate our amazing students at the culmination of their elementary school journey, ready for the biggest change in their young lives thus far. For the past four years, they have excelled academically, demonstrated the true meaning of character, and grown into extraordinary leaders who are ready to take middle school by storm! Thank you to our fantastic families and staff for working together to give our scholars a foundation of love and success. Congratulations to our students; the sky’s the limit! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
This past Thursday, LION Elementary School staff, families, and community members came together to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our youngest scholars at their Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony.
Leave it to our tiniest cubs to bring the house down, leaving our guests with the biggest laughs, rivers of tears, and smiles for miles. We basked in the immense joy of our wonderfully bright, incredibly talented, and awesomely kind students as they took us on a journey of their first year at LION through song, dance, and testimonials from their beloved teachers, growing into leaders before our very eyes.
We are endlessly grateful to our wonderful staff and families, who showed the true meaning of community, by working together to pour endless love, time, and dedication to ensuring our students thrived this year. So many milestones not only met, but surpassed. You did that!
Finally, we can’t help but shed a few tears of joy as we watch our youngest go forward with the true bravery of lions; the world is ready for you to shine. Congratulations!
🦁💛💙 #lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Recently, our LION Middle School families and staff came together for Special Person Paint Night, an unforgettable evening filled with joy, creativity, quality time, and reflection. Students were asked to choose one special person who means the world to them, and knowing our families, this was no easy task! Thank you so much to our wonderful scholars for sharing their special person with the LION community, and thank you to our awesome guests who continue to show up for their fantastic children. We cannot wait for the next special person event!
🦁💛💙#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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“LION Charter School means so much to me because it is more than just a school, it’s a community, a family and a place where children are encouraged to grow, learn and believe in themselves.”- Ernesa Mozon,
LION parent and staff member.
This past Wednesday, we had the pleasure of honoring LION families who have gone above and beyond for their children and the LION community at our annual Family Celebration. Families received awards, dined, laughed, played competitive hands of Uno and Dominoes, and even boogied together on the dance floor. In addition to beautiful testimonials from parents, we were treated to a lovely dance performance from LION staff, and a surprise video of thanks from our wonderful students. A huge thank you to our amazing Directors of Family Engagement for putting this gorgeous event together, to our awesome staff who gave so much time and effort to making our families feel so special, and of course, to our fantastic families who are the beating heart of LION. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
🦁💛💙#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Talk about a fairy tale ending!
Recently, our students brought Shrek the Musical to life and absolutely wowed audiences across all three performances!
From larger-than-life characters and laugh-out-loud moments to incredible student-created artwork, props, and costumes, every scene was packed with creativity, talent, and heart. Whether you were rooting for Shrek, cheering for Donkey, or singing along with the fairy tale crew, there was something magical for everyone.
A huge congratulations to our performers, crew, and staff for all of their hard work, and thank you to everyone who joined us on our journey to Far Far Away!
The swamp may be quiet again, but we’re still smiling as we look back at these unforgettable moments. Swipe through to see some of our favorite highlights!🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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Check out our awesome LION eighth graders as they explored Washington DC this past week. Students immersed themselves in the rich history and culture of our nation’s capital while also attending their eighth grade prom on a gorgeous yacht! Thank you to our wonderful staff and chaperones for keeping our children safe, engaged, and amazed. Taking a trip of this magnitude takes a village, and we were thrilled to hear that our scholars represented LION well and had an incredible time doing so! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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A huge congratulations to our awesome LION scholars who were inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society. Your dedication, determination, and unwavering spirits are present in all you do; we are immensely proud! We are honored to be a part of your incredible journey as you continue to strive for excellence and grow as true leaders in your neighborhood. You are a shining example for your peers and the LION community! 🦁💛💙
#lioncharterschool #prideofhuntspoint #madeinthebronx #nyc #charterschool
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