Charter School for Law and Social Justice

NYCR-CDE provided $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing for two public charter schools in the Bronx. 

The capital is assisting the renovation of a six-story, 39,417 square foot building that will house a new middle school for the Charter School for Law and Social Justice. The middle school will accommodate 330 students and feature classrooms, a cafeteria, and a multi-purpose gymnasium with double-height ceilings. The building also includes a community day care center operated by Sunshine Learning Center that will serve approximately 160 children from infancy through kindergarten. 

The financing also provided working capital for an existing high school in the Bronx run by the Charter School for Law and Social Justice that serves 505 students. The infusion of capital furthers the charter school’s mission to target the needs of underserved communities in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx. 

Founded in 2015, the Charter School for Law and Social Justice provides an inclusive educational program that prepares students academically and empowers them to engage in social issues. The charter school was inspired by initiatives at New York Law School led by Professor Richard Marsico. His work on the school-to-prison pipeline, along with the Street Law Program that educates teens about their constitutional rights, highlighted the need for a high school and middle school focused on law and social justice. The Charter School for Law and Social Justice emphasizes community engagement as a core value. The non-profit partners with local groups to give students and their families real-world experiences and support. Key initiatives include mentoring programs with law students and attorneys, community service projects related to social justice, and extended support for English language learners and students with special needs.

“Our mission is to empower students to become informed, engaged, and compassionate citizens who are prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.”

– Richard Burke, Charter School for Law and Social Justice