Invest in Our Pride

Be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of LION students.

LION Charter School is deeply committed to each member of our school community and their growth. Family partnership and character development are at the core of our program. We recognize that all students possess potential and deserve a quality education in a safe, caring, and supportive setting. Our unique approach allows students to build their capacity as learners and leaders in a rigorous and culturally sustaining academic environment, while simultaneously cultivating their sense of self throughout our K-12 program. Our signature practices, including community and small group self-discovery meetings, retreats, family events, and a culminating senior process, call on all members of our school community to engage in consistent self-reflection and feedback processes. At LION, we focus on forging partnerships with families, given their integral part of each student’s identity. By the time students graduate from LION, they can identify their core values and are consistently living their lives by them.

There Are Many Ways to Be a Leader

LION's Annual Fund supports many facets of LION's operations and the programming we deliver to ensure that every LION student has access to the support and platforms they need to fulfill their leadership potential.

Academic & Literacy Programs

LION is committed to creating a strong literacy foundation for all students, beginning with a comprehensive program for elementary students that helps them build the fundamental literacy skills they need to thrive. We continue to provide students with the math and literacy support they need throughout their time at LION and offer advanced learning opportunities for all students, including high school-level courses for eighth graders and college-level courses for high school students.

College Prep Program & Graduate Funds

Our College Prep Program provides a clear pathway of support for students from 9th grade to high school graduation. The program includes learning about post-secondary options, college campus visits, engaging in career exploration, and completing the college admissions process. LION also offers senior scholarships to select students in each graduating class. In addition to senior scholarships, LION offers grants each semester to alumni to help defray the costs of beginning, continuing, or completing their post-secondary educational pursuits.

Enrichment Programs & Athletics

LION offers students myriad opportunities to explore their potential. Over 30 clubs and after-school activities are available to students across all grades. LION’s Athletic Program offers a wide range of sports teams for middle and high school students. Additionally, our staff ensures students have experiential learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom, including a robust calendar of field trips and student retreats.

K-12 Family Programming & Urgent Family Support

Our vision is for each LION family to be fully engaged, working in partnership with faculty and staff through family meetings, events, retreats, and celebrations. Our program centers on self-reflection, student and family well-being, communication, and ensuring all students are prepared for college and other post-secondary opportunities. We also support families in need of additional resources through our Urgent Family Relief Fund.

Professional & Leadership Development

LION is committed to the growth of our staff. In addition to on-site professional development, all staff attend our LION 101 retreat and have the opportunity to engage in off-site workshops and conferences. Staff are also encouraged to apply for LION’s Tuition Assistance Program and to pursue additional certification and higher education.

General Operating Costs and Expenses

LION’s general operating costs and expenses cover the daily running of our school, materials for students and staff, physical improvements to the teaching and learning environment, and technology for all. LION provides a laptop to all students and staff and ensures families access to Wifi at home.

LION's Giving Circles

LION’s giving circles bring our donors together around their shared values and the areas of our school in which they are making a direct impact. These giving circles aim to foster greater support for LION and allow our community of donors to come together to multiply their impact.

Benefactor Circle | $25,000+

The LION Benefactor Circle is a passionate group dedicated to unlocking LION's potential and ensuring our sustainability as a cornerstone of the Hunts Point community. Their collective support creates incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for students, empowering them to pursue their dreams and fostering a brighter future for all. Together, they form a powerful alliance that drives positive change and strengthens community bonds.

Leadership Circle | $10,000-$24,999

Our Leadership Circle donors are fully invested in the transformative power of leadership at LION, recognizing immense potential within our school community. They inspire a love for the leadership that drives our students to dream big and lead boldly!

Character Circle | $5,000-$9,999

Our Character Circle contributors are champions of LION’s character culture who understand the powerful impact our signature practices have in shaping our school community. They are passionate about cultivating a culture of integrity, respect, and resilience that inspires every student to thrive.

Community Circle | $1,000-$4,999

Our Community Circle supporters are the heart of the LION community. Their unwavering dedication inspires us to build a vibrant community, ignite endless opportunities, and shape an exciting future for everyone!

LION Pride Circle | Up to $999

LION Pride members support all the initiatives LION offers, both large and small, helping us improve and expand our programming each year.

Additional Ways to Give

Wire Transfers, Stock Donations, and DAF Contributions

If you would like to contribute stock, make a wire transfer, or direct a grant from a donor-advised fund, please email Maya Severns, Director of Development and Marketing, at mseverns@lioncharterschool.org. You can also find our school in most systems using our full name, Leaders In Our Neighborhood Charter School, or our EIN: 74-3162136.

Matching Gifts

Many employers have matching gift programs that allow you to increase the impact of your charitable gift. If your company has a matching gift program, please include the appropriate form or link with your contribution.

Invest in Our Pride

Be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of LION Charter School students.