east harlem
elementary school

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Currently enrolling for Grades K-5

1991 2nd Ave, New York NY, 10029

Welcome to
East Harlem Elementary School

At DREAM East Harlem Elementary School, everything we do is guided by our Whole Child model: the belief that every child needs and deserves not only rigorous academic instruction, but also social-emotional support, physical health and wellness, and the strength of a community behind them. When children are known, seen, and loved, that’s when they have the space to grow into the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.

At a glance

14:1

student/teacher ratio

2

teachers in every classroom

4

years in a row of our scholars outperforming their city and state peers in testing

voices from our community

“DREAM has changed my family for the better and my boys love it there. I remember when Jonathan first started. He was being bullied at his current school; his grades were low and so was his confidence. DREAM helped him build that confidence in wanting to push forward and do better. Now he’s in high school and on a great path.”

- Vanessa Castillo, DREAM Mom

Meet Principal
Renee Canales

Renee holds a Masters Degree in Special Education from Hunter College - and that’s the passion that led her to DREAM. She’s been a member of the DREAM family since 2008.
read her bio

Renee Canales

Elementary School Principal

Renee Canales, DREAM East Harlem Elementary School Principal, joined DREAM in 2008 as a REAL Kids Summer Coach. Renee fell in love with the mission and vision of DREAM and has called DREAM “home” for 13 years. Renee taught 1st and 2nd grade and served as Grade Team Lead. She moved into the Academic Dean role in 2016, and in 2019, she became EHES Principal. Renee holds a Masters Degree in Special Education from Hunter College. She is a graduate of Bucknell University, where she studied Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Renee also has a a certification in reading instruction from Lesley University and completed the New Leaders Program in 2017. Renee’s passion for special education is what drew her to DREAM.

place matters

At DREAM, we believe that every child deserves a beautiful space to play, learn, and grow. East Harlem Elementary School is located at 1991 2nd Avenue, our flagship location and headquarters.

Built in 2015 as part of the East Harlem Center for Living and Learning, the space features a playground and park, window walls, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and even an outdoor classroom.

And of course, just beyond the walls of 1991 sits the Field of Dreams, the ballfield where DREAM was born three decades ago and where our scholars play, learn, and grow to this day.

our curriculum

Rigorous Academics:

  • Literacy: Guided Reading, Interactive Read Aloud, Phonics Instruction, Shared Text, and Close Reading
  • Math: Cognitive Guided Instruction (CGI) Math Routines, and Math Workshop
  • Art: Visual and Performing Arts
  • Music: Theory of Music and Instrumental Music
  • Physical Education: Sports, Health, and Games

Social Emotional Learning:

  • Explicit SEL Instruction: RULER (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
  • SEL Skills: Small Group Instruction, and embedded SEL Instruction, Responsive circles & Morning Meeting

All DREAM students have access to our free afterschool and summer programming as part of our extended-day, extended-year model.

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