DREAM’s Class of 2024 Postsecondary Commitments
Read about the Class of 2024's plans for the future, from college to career and beyond.
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All kids can.
This kid can.
Schools where your child is known, seen, and loved. A community where your family becomes our family. Welcome to DREAM Charter Schools. Welcome home.
The DREAM way
DREAM’s unique Grow the Whole Child education model is powered by four distinct yet interconnected elements that drive transformative change for youth.
Rigorous Academics
DREAM’s critically conscious curriculum prepares students to fulfill their vision of success, in the classroom and beyond. Across East Harlem and the Bronx, DREAM Charter Schools serve over 2,200 students from preschool to pre-college, and our scholars consistently outperform city and state peers in ELA and Math.
Social-Emotional Learning
We believe school should be a place to play, learn, and grow - somewhere that’s more than just grades and testing, where students can develop both critical thinking skills and compassion. DREAM’s Grow the Whole Child Model is rooted in social-emotional learning, which helps children understand and respond to emotions - aiding their development into individuals who have positive identities, healthy relationships, and the ability to manage adversity.
Health & Wellness
DREAM invests in the mental and physical health of our students. We offer robust in-school physical activity, mental health support services, and free, nationally recognized afterschool and summer sports-based programs that help our scholars become confident, competent, and caring community members who know what it means to be part of a team.
Family & Community Engagement
DREAM families are critical partners. From home visits to daily communication, families and school staff actively work together and share decision-making. We support our families outside the classroom with resources that have ranged from food distributions and clothing drives to direct financial support and case management.
The DREAM Difference: DREAM's 2024 Year-In-Review
When a community believes in the unlimited potential of children, extraordinary things happen—and this year proved it. From achieving the highest academic proficiency in our network’s history to reaching over 1,500 students through summer programs, it’s been a year of growth and achievement. We also opened our third campus in the South Bronx, a permanent home for DREAM Highbridge. These milestones show what’s possible when high expectations meet deep support. That’s the DREAM Difference. Read below to discover how your support is making a lasting impact, and learn how a one-time or recurring gift can help sustain our schools and families in 2025 and beyond.
We DREAM big.
DREAM ensures that all young people recognize their potential and realize their dreams. We level the playing field in our schools and communities by investing in the whole child from early childhood to early adulthood. Here's what that looks like
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We’re in this work for the long game.
33
years of impact
We build community.
2,600+
youth served annually
We believe in all kids.
26%
of scholars have identified special needs
the dream family
"I was struggling with my behavior and academically. Because of DREAM, my mindset was changed. Now, I want to finish school, go to college, become a doctor."
- Stephen, DREAM Student
"As a new parent, you can imagine so many fears, and one thing I am so thankful for was DREAM being able to not minimize my fears, but just hold on to the fact that we are here with you, together. That togetherness, which is one of DREAM's maxims... everyone says that, but really, DREAM is family."
- Samantha, DREAM Mott Haven mom
“DREAM graduates recognize that education is a pathway to intellectual enrichment and long-term success. But even more than that, they also know it’s a critical step toward becoming contributors to building a more just and equitable world for their communities."
- Jared Francis, Managing Director of High School and Leadership Development
“We found a great home at DREAM, and it felt right to be able to put a scholarship in place that would enable first-generation college students to have the same platform."
- Kevin Widmaier, DREAM supporter
join us on Instagram
We’re excited to share All In For All Kids—a new mini-site that hosts a collection of stories, photos, and videos that bring our maxim "All Kids Can, This Kid Can" to life! ✨
Thanks to the support of the Charter School Growth Fund, we’re able to amplify our message: every child belongs, and every child can achieve. 💪
This is just the beginning of our mission to ensure all students have the tools and opportunities to make their dreams real. Click the link in our bio to read our latest blog post and explore these inspiring stories! #AllKidsCan #ThisKidCan #BelongingAtDREAM #EducationForAll #DreamBig
Love was in the air across all three of our campuses! ❤️✨ Our scholars showed up in shades of red and pink to celebrate Valentine’s Day, filling the halls with joy and appreciation. Last Friday, students came together to celebrate by sharing love and gratitude for their peers, teachers, and the mentors who inspire them every day! 💕👏 #DREAMBig #ValentinesDay
🎤🔥 HISTORY MADE! 🔥🎤
DREAM’s debate team just made history at the @uofpenn national circuit tournament! 🙌🏾 In just one year, these trailblazers went from newcomers to serious contenders, holding their own against powerhouse teams from Bronx Science, Stuyvesant, and top NYC private schools. Their impact? They helped boost non-screened and public school representation from zero to 39% at this elite tournament! Show some v-day ❤️ to celebrate Mariam, Destiny, Madison, and Onisea as they continue crushing it on their way to state and nationals! ✨
#DREAMBig #DebateForChange #HistoryMakers
It’s time for another Staff Spotlight!🎉
Over a decade ago, Lydia Tommy left the structured world of the Department of Education in search of something more personal and mission-driven—a place where she could see, firsthand, the impact of her work on historically underserved students. She found that place at DREAM.
As Director of Finance & HR Operations, Lydia has spent the past decade ensuring DREAM’s financial strength creates transformational opportunities—free summer camps, international travel, career networking, and high-quality education. But for her, it’s more than numbers; it’s about keeping a promise to the children and families who count on DREAM. Every financial decision she makes is an investment in equity, expanding access to opportunities too often denied to marginalized communities.
This mission is deeply personal for Lydia. As a Black leader in finance and operations, Lydia knows firsthand the systemic barriers that limit access and opportunity. She has spent her career navigating those barriers with purpose and perseverance, advocating for equitable access and ensuring that financial stewardship drives real change.
When asked about her journey, Lydia is candid with young Black professionals in finance and education: “Never give up. At DREAM, ‘Fail, Persist, Exceed’ is more than a maxim—it’s a mindset. Every setback is a stepping stone to something greater.”
For Lydia, the greatest reward isn’t in financial reports—it’s in the real-world impact behind the numbers. “Every spreadsheet tells a story,” she reflects. “A student traveling abroad for the first time. A child attending free summer camp—where they develop social skills, build confidence, and create lasting friendships. A family gaining access to a life-changing educational opportunity. That’s what this work is about.”
Representation resonates deeply with Lydia, especially during Black History Month. “When students see leaders who look like them, it reinforces what we tell them every day—they belong, they are capable, and they, too, can lead.”
After more than a decade at DREAM, Lydia’s spreadsheets tell thousands of student success stories—and she’s just getting started.
Excited to announce the 2nd Annual “Black Owned” A DREAM Business Expo on Feb 27, 2025 at 10am! This pop-up event is created to support DREAM Black & Brown families with small businesses during Black History Month. A free opportunity for local entrepreneurs to network, sell, and make extra income. Don’t miss out—open to the public (ID required) & DREAM students must have a guardian present! #BlackOwned #SmallBusiness #CommunitySupport
🎉 It’s the 100th Day of School! 🎉
Today, all three of our campuses are celebrating 100 days of learning, growth, and fun—and our students are getting into the spirit by dressing up as if they’re 100 years old! 👵👴✨
Here’s to 100 days of hard work, big achievements, and even bigger dreams! 🚀 #100thDayOfSchool #DREAMBig
✨ A Legendary Visit from @mistyonpointe✨
Yesterday, our 6th graders had an unforgettable experience at DREAM, as they attended a special town hall event with Misty Copeland—the first Black Principal Ballerina at American Ballet Theatre! 🩰👏
As part of their ELA curriculum, students have been reading Misty’s inspiring memoir called Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina. Seeing her in person brought the lessons of perseverance, passion, and breaking barriers to life. She shared her journey, answered student questions, and encouraged our DREAM scholars to dream big and push past limits—just as she did.
A huge thank you to Misty for showing our 6th graders what’s possible when you believe in yourself and your dreams! 💫
#DREAMBig #MistyCopeland #LifeInMotion #AllInForAllKids
🎉 Celebrating Academic Excellence at Mott Haven Middle School!
Mott Haven Middle School recently held its first Academic Achievement Celebrations, including an Honor Roll Luncheon and Principal’s List Dinner! 🏅
👏 55 students were recognized for Honor Roll and 21 students earned a spot on the Principal’s List. Their hard work and dedication deserve to be celebrated!
Huge congratulations to all our scholars—we’re so proud of you! Keep striving for greatness! 💙📚 #AcademicExcellence #HonorRoll #PrincipalsList #DREAMBig
Congratulations to @jalenbrunson1 on receiving the @nbacares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for December! Your unwavering commitment to giving back—especially through your impactful work with DREAM—continues to inspire us all. 👏
Thank you for leading with purpose and making a difference both on and off the court. We’re so grateful for your support and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition! 🏆✨
Read more about Jalen’s incredible impact in the link in our bio!
#NBACares #BobLanierAward #DREAMBig #CommunityLeader #Inspiration
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