LEAP Academy University Charter School, was established in 1997 by Dr. Gloria Bonilla Santiago. It is a college-preparatory day school educating boys and girls from Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

The LEAP Academy University Charter School is located in the City of Camden, one of the poorest cities in the nation whose public schools are among the lowest achieving in the state. The School is a result of a long-term effort that grew from a commitment of the founders to provide young people in the city of Camden with skills, attitudes, and knowledge that would allow them to have productive, effective, and fulfilling adulthoods. The location of Rutgers University within the city provided opportunities for founders to interact with students and parents on a regular basis. These interactions demonstrated the potential within the children and the desire by parents for their children to have success. It became the dream of the founders to provide a holistic approach to education that would provide opportunities for students and parents and the ultimate rebirth of the City of Camden.

LEAP Vision Statement is to provide Camden City students with the knowledge and skills to pursue post-secondary education, while building and sustaining an environment where all members of the educational community are committed to continuous growth and development toward high academic standards and are partners in building a positive, collaborative and nurturing community and dynamic learning environment.