Opportunity
Expand What’s Possible
At LION, opportunity is intentional. Through academic enrichment, leadership development, family support, and real-world experiences, students are given access to the tools and support they need to grow into confident learners and leaders.
When we finally got to Rome, it was honestly incredible.
Seeing places like the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum felt unreal. I remember standing there thinking, Wow… I’m actually here. It was life-changing. LION gave me and my classmates the chance to experience a completely different culture, and it opened my eyes to how big and amazing the world really is.
Opportunities That Shape Tomorrow's Leaders
Global learning and travel experiences
Since the launch of the World Scholars program, students have participated in immersive trips to Cuba, France, Italy, and Costa Rica.
Early access to advanced and college-level coursework
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and opportunities to earn college credits
Leadership development grounded in LION’s signature practices
Developing Purpose-Driven Leaders: Leadership Lions, Student Council, Honor Societies
Exposure to diverse careers, cultures, and academic pathways
Opportunity through collaboration with local and national partner organizations
From the classroom to the world beyond it, LION provides students with experiences that build curiosity, confidence, and leadership.
These opportunities are designed to stretch thinking and prepare students to navigate complex, global spaces.
Awards
U.S. News Best High Schools
Voted #10 In Best Charter High Schools In NY
Niche’s 2024 Best K-12 Schools
Annual Recipients of Competitive Scholarships
QuestBridge, Posse
AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award Winner
AP Platinum Honor Roll Award Winner
AP Access Award Winner
Family
LION believes student success is inseparable from family well-being. We support families with resources and programs that help create stability, connection, and trust across our school community, including:
- Family Program
- Urgent Family Relief Fund
- LION Cares Pop-ups
Enrichment
Enrichment opportunities at LION expand beyond traditional academics. Students explore and develop their interests, talents, and skills in a supportive environment in programs such as:
- World Scholars
- Co-Curricular Programs
- After-School Programming
- Summer School
- Extracurricular Activities
Partnerships
LION partners with local and national organizations to bring high-impact programming, mentorship, and academic access directly to our students. These partnerships open doors to experiences and networks that extend far beyond the classroom and include:
- BEAM
- Breakthrough
- Jeter’s Leaders
- TEAK Fellowship
- Local partners Rocking the Boat, HPAC, and The Point
Leadership
Leadership at LION is cultivated through responsibility, service, and academic excellence. Students are encouraged to step forward, lead with integrity, and contribute to their communities through programs like:
- Leadership Lions
- Student Council
- NEHS, NJHS, and NHS
- National Art Honor Society
- National Honor Society for the Dance Arts
- Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica
- PLAN Pilot Program
- AP Capstone Program
Access
LION is committed to ensuring all students can fully access educational opportunities. We work to provide logistical, financial, and academic support, removing barriers and creating equitable pathways to success in areas such as:
- Busing for students who qualify
- Staff Tuition Assistance
- College Access and Success Program
- College trips and overnight experiences
- College Persistence Fund
- Senior scholarships
LION helped prepare me to network.
You need a community to survive in life—I really saw that in college and after college. LION gave me so much, and I asked myself, ‘In what way can I give back?’ When there was a Spanish teacher opening here, it felt like a perfect alignment. I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so much.
