History

The beginnings of Lyons Community School

Est. 2007

The idea for Lyons Community School lived in the hearts and minds of our founding team long before the doors ever opened. After years of working in small schools, the team dreamed of creating a place that built on what worked—and dared to imagine something even better.

In early meetings, they asked a bold question: What kind of education helps young people grow into healthy, happy adults? The answers came from their own lives: more time with loved ones, meaningful work, creativity, movement, balance, joy. From there, the vision for Lyons took shape—an engaging, supportive school community where students could thrive both academically and personally.

In 2006, we partnered with the New Visions for Public Schools initiative and were approved by the NYC Department of Education in January 2007. We also forged powerful partnerships with organizations like the Brooklyn Historical Society, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, Bent on Learning, and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company.

We opened our doors on September 4, 2007, in the William Gaynor Campus at 223 Graham Avenue, after welcoming our first students through a Summer Bridge program and preparing our staff with two weeks of collaborative planning.

Today, Lyons Community School is a thriving 6–12 community rooted in curiosity, creativity, care, and the belief that education should prepare students not just for school—but for life.

Our Building

William J. Gaynor

The Lyons Community School is located on the third floor of the William J. Gaynor Campus in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There are three schools in the building, Lyons Community School, The Williamsburg High School of Art and Technology (WHSAT), and The Brooklyn Latin School.

Our beautiful and historic building was built in 1936, and has been the home to I.S. 49 since its inception. We share a library, auditorium, a gymnasium and cafeteria with the other schools in the building. The gym was recently renovated to fulfill PSAL standards, and high school science labs created for each school.

Within our school, besides regular classroom spaces, we have a dance space and art room.