📅 Register by April 2, 2026 to guarantee placement for Leonia residents.

Current Leonia resident Pre-K 4 students will be automatically promoted to Kindergarten.

🔗 Register Here: www.leoniaschools.org/prek-k-registration

Questions? Please contact: register@leoniaschools.org or by phone: 201-302-5200 ext. 1203

We are incredibly proud of 10th-grade students Sarah Dewoski, Tomas Fernandez, and Diego Manzanarez Cuaruro, who recently represented Leonia High School with exceptional maturity and respect at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Selected for their commitment to service, civic engagement, and leadership, these students were given the distinct honor of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at one of our nation’s most sacred sites.

After observing the solemn Changing of the Guard, the students shared deep reflections on the sacrifices the ceremony honors. Throughout the experience, they exemplified the values of respect and responsibility we strive to cultivate at LHS, connecting classroom history with lived national tradition. It was a powerful moment of experiential learning and a memory they, and our school community, will cherish.

ACS recently hosted a wonderful Parent Food Tasting in partnership with Maschio’s Food Services. This event was a fantastic opportunity for families to go "behind the menu" and sample the various dishes our students enjoy every day. Parents were able to see firsthand the high nutritional standards and culinary quality we prioritize to ensure our students are well-fueled for learning. By inviting our families to the table, we were able to facilitate open dialogue, gather valuable feedback, and showcase our ongoing commitment to providing healthy, delicious meals. Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their insights!

In a wonderful display of our growing partnership, music groups from LHS visited Edgewater today to perform a series of winter concerts for students at GW and EVG schools. The ensembles kept a rigorous pace, performing four shows in total—two at each location—to ensure all students had the opportunity to experience the high-caliber talent of our performing arts program. This collaboration is a direct result of our ongoing Leonia-Edgewater Admin Summits, where we prioritize finding meaningful ways to connect our student bodies and share resources. It was a proud day for both districts as our high schoolers served as ambassadors of the arts, inspiring younger students and strengthening the bonds within our shared educational community.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping how we learn and work, and this summer, students entering grades 6–12 have a unique opportunity to dive into this technology. Inspirit AI, an enrichment program developed and taught by Stanford and MIT alumni, will be hosting an in-person, project-based AI program right here at Leonia High School.

Participants will explore the foundations of AI, learn to program using Python, and discuss critical topics like ethics and bias. Students will also collaborate on group projects in fields like healthcare, sustainability, and the arts.

Program Details:

👉 Click here for more information.

Note: All questions regarding registration or curriculum should be directed to the Inspirit AI team.

New Jersey is introducing updated versions of its statewide tests — the NJSLA-A (New Jersey Student Learning Assessment–Adaptive) and the NJGPA-A (New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment–Adaptive). These new adaptive assessments are designed to give families and educators a clearer picture of how students are progressing with New Jersey's learning standards.

The NJ Department of Education is hosting free virtual information sessions on March 5 and 6, 2026 for families who want to learn more about how the new tests work and what to expect. Registration is required by February 27, 2026. To sign up, visit here.

Please see your school's calendar for specific spring assessment dates.

As we move into a new and often hectic month, focusing on becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and the surroundings can make a world of difference.

In the busyness of the school year, taking a moment to practice mindfulness—whether through a few deep breaths, a quiet walk, or simply being fully present during a conversation—can reduce stress and improve well-being for both students and adults.

We encourage you to find small ways to bring a little more calm and focus to your daily routine.

👉 Click here for daily prompts and the full calendar for Mindful March from the Action for Happiness Organization.

ACS student, Mabel Cox (4th Grade/McQuade) has been selected to participate in the NJ Elementary All-State Choir!

This prestigious honor is a direct reflection of Mabel’s dedication, musical growth, and the hard work she has put into her vocal studies through the Leonia Community Music Program.

Mabel’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the vibrant music culture in our schools. We are incredibly proud of her success and grateful for the community’s continued support of music education, which allows us to keep building our programs to reach new heights.

Three Leonia High School students proudly represented our school at the 2026 American Legion Oratorical Contest, held on February 7 at the Rochelle Park Post. They joined students from New Milford, Northern Valley Old Tappan, and the Academy of the Holy Angels for an evening centered on public speaking and constitutional scholarship.

We are especially proud of junior Chris Lau, who earned the silver medal for his outstanding performances. Chris delivered two thoughtful presentations, one exploring “The Constitution and Artificial Intelligence” and another offering an in depth analysis of the Third Amendment. His preparation, poise, and command of complex ideas were impressive.

Thank you to Mr. Steve Hutnick, Leonia resident and substitute teacher, for directing this event and supporting our students throughout the process. Opportunities like this allow our students to engage deeply with civic issues while developing confidence and skill as speakers.

In celebration of World Read Aloud Day on February 4th, students across all grade levels at ACS enjoyed a special virtual visit with published authors. Hearing stories read aloud by the authors themselves, and learning about their creative journeys made reading and writing come alive. Students asked thoughtful questions and left inspired by powerful messages about perseverance, creativity, and finding their voice. 

Some special moments we loved:

What’s the big idea? Fourth-grade students are strengthening their literary analysis skills by identifying theme. After reading Ron’s Big Mission, Mrs. McQuade’s class worked together to write a collaborative essay, using text evidence to support their thinking and deepen their understanding.

On Thursday, February 12, our middle school students had the opportunity to participate in a powerful and engaging presentation led by Life Changing Experiences NJ. The team brought their Free 2 Be Violence & Bullying Prevention 3D Program to our 7th and 8th graders, delivering an interactive experience focused on empathy, accountability, and positive decision-making.

Through immersive 3D visuals, relatable real-life scenarios, and guided discussion, students explored the real impact of bullying and violence while learning practical strategies for managing conflict in respectful and constructive ways. The program strongly reinforced our district’s commitment to social-emotional learning and fostering a safe, inclusive school community where kindness and respect are at the forefront.

We are proud to continue providing meaningful experiences that empower our students to make thoughtful choices and positively influence those around them. Our 5th and 6th graders will be attending the Free 2 Be assembly in March.

LHS Biology Students recently brought their learning to life during a hands on DNA extraction lab. Using simple household ingredients like soap and salt, they created an extraction buffer and successfully pulled DNA from bananas right in the classroom.

As they broke down the cell wall and nucleus, students were able to watch translucent strands of DNA form and precipitate before their eyes. It was an exciting moment that turned an abstract concept into something visible and tangible. Experiences like this give students a deeper understanding of the science behind the structure of life and remind us how powerful hands on learning can be.

Our second-grade students recently braved the "winter weather" on stage with a wonderful performance of the musical Flakes! This winter-themed production was a delightful treat for the families in attendance, showcasing the incredible hard work and creativity of our young performers. From memorizing lines to mastering choreography, the students demonstrated remarkable confidence and teamwork. It was a heartwarming experience for everyone involved, and we are so proud of the talent and spirit our second graders brought to the stage!

In February, the Korean Culture Club brought energy and excitement to the Little Theater with its Lunar New Year celebration. Students participated in three interactive activities and were split into two teams for some friendly competition. Laughter filled the room as students worked together, and prizes were awarded at the end of the night to celebrate their efforts. The celebration was a wonderful showcase of culture, teamwork, and school spirit.

Members of the LHS STEM, Engineering, and Physics Clubs joined forces for a mission with a message: "Blasting Off to a Future Where No One Is Hungry." Participating in a contest sponsored by the Bergen County Office of Food Security, our students were one of only seven teams invited to build a massive structure entirely out of canned goods.

Starting construction at 9:00 PM and working straight through until after midnight, the team demonstrated incredible grit and creative problem-solving to bring their "rocket" to life. The project was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Market Basket, which provided all 650 cans of food used in the build. We were also honored to have Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur join us to cheer on the team during the event.

Most importantly, every single can used in the project was donated to local food pantries, turning a night of engineering and teamwork into a meaningful contribution to our neighbors in need.

Our 8th graders were recently treated to an outstanding performance by the talented student musicians of the LHS Music Program! Each year, this special concert serves as a showcase of the incredible opportunities awaiting our students at the high school level—and this year’s performance did not disappoint.

The LHS Orchestra captivated the audience with its rich, expressive sound and impressive precision. The Chorus followed with powerful harmonies and beautiful tone, demonstrating both technical skill and heartfelt musicality. The energy in the room soared as the Jazz Band took the stage, wowing our students with dynamic rhythms, bold solos, and infectious enthusiasm.

Beyond the remarkable talent on display, the concert offered our 8th graders a meaningful glimpse into the vibrant music community that awaits them next year. Seeing former LMS students performing at such a high level was both inspiring and motivating.

Mark your calendars for the annual Senior Class Fundraiser!

On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Class of 2026 invites the community to the LHS Gymnasium for a Card Party Raffle Trick Tray. Starting at 6:30 pm, guests can enjoy an evening filled with great prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and light refreshments available for sale.

Admission is just $10 to enter, and both raffle and 50/50 tickets will be available for purchase throughout the event.

We hope to see you there!

Leonia Public Schools faculty, staff, living, dead, and undecided...

the frightfully talented Leonia Limelights hereby summon you to the Leonia High School Little Theater on March 27th at 7:00 pm or March 28th at 1:00 pm or 7:00 pm for "The Addams Family: School Edition."

This terrifyingly terrific musical tells the story of family over everything with a hilarious cast.

Join us as we sing and dance on the Addams Ancestors' graves.

Every day counts! We want all of our students to show up to school, every day, and we are committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. We are here to help you.

👉 Visit our Attendance Page for more school procedures.