the ion difference

Ion Public Schools is a new non-profit charter school organization. We are founded and led by experienced educators and social entrepreneurs, unified by vision and purpose to serve all our stakeholders, especially the students and adults who guide them.

Our Whole Student Approach is unique for the public school industry. We care about the emotional and mental health of our students and take the necessary steps to ensure they're ready to learn in a safe and caring environment.

Our Team

The Ion Team

Founder &

Chief Visionary

Salim

Lalany

Salim Lalany is a social entrepreneur with extensive experience in education, government contracting, and large commercial real estate projects. From crafting sovereign guaranteed housing to disrupt the status quo of autism education, Salim seeks to improve the world by leveraging public resources for the benefit of children.

Salim's success in education includes a series of Montessori schools in Texas and Illinois. He now has the vision to bring the Montessori mindset to STEM learning

Co-Founder &

Head of Education

Afreen Merchant

Afreen Merchant strives to cultivate leadership in other members of the team and has been a mentor to many new educators. Afreen’s leadership philosophy recognizes the need to serve underserved communities with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Under her leadership, her schools have soared to great heights and ranked in the top 10 percent.

Her work as a community leader and philanthropist does not go unnoticed as she has been appreciated for her work with the Fort Bend Exchange Club, Child’s advocate, Women’s Shelter, ambassador for adult literacy, and more.

Afreen is an educator at heart and believes education opens up the mind, is the soul of our society, and our passport to the future.

ACADEMICS

OUR VISION