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3-K and Pre-K

Starting in 2026, DREAM will offer free 3-K and Pre-K Head Start programs at all three campuses.

Children ages 3 and 4 will receive full-day early education, meals, health services, and comprehensive family support.

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Grades K-12

Join us for the 2026-27 school year lottery at 8:00am on Thursday April 2nd via zoom or at 20 Bruckner Blvd.

Our application for the 2026–27 school year is open for students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade.

DREAM serves students across three campuses in East Harlem and the South Bronx, offering a rigorous college-prep education from elementary through high school. Start your child’s journey with DREAM and apply today.

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Meet Angelica and Craig

At DREAM, we believe in the limitless potential of every child. As a free, public, and open-to-all charter school, we fill a unique gap in education by providing innovative strategies, holistic support, and year-round programming tailored to the academic and behavioral needs of each student. Our “All In For All Kids” platform highlights real stories, like Angelica and her son Craig, who found a nurturing community and individualized care at DREAM Highbridge Elementary School.

Explore All Kids Can Stories

“I have never witnessed a school full of teachers and staff who genuinely love their children like DREAM does. I will be forever grateful for responding to that welcoming email inviting my kindergartner to join DREAM Charter School. Best decision I’ve ever made.”

- Shereece, DREAM Parent

Our impact

DREAM’s model balances rigor with joy to serve the whole child. It works, and it shows.

  • DREAM scholars consistently outperform their district, city, and state peers in both ELA and Math.
  • DREAM Charter High School has a 98% graduation rate.
  • 98% of DREAM scholars who enroll in our summer programming maintain the academic gains made during the school year.
  • 94% of DREAM families reported that their child is learning what they need to succeed in college and beyond.
  • 98% of families attended at least one DREAM engagement event

“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 Parent

Discover. Learn. Enroll: Open House Opportunities

Visit our campuses, connect with our community, and see why DREAM is the right choice for your family.

Attend an Open House

explore our schools

Ready to learn more and explore our schools? You can do so below.

30k+

families supported through DREAM’s biweekly grocery distribution

99%

high school graduation rate

80+

enrichment and sports offerings available to students through after school programs

frequently asked questions

What is a charter school?
Charter schools are public schools, free and open to all, that have the autonomy and freedom to design classrooms that meet the needs of all students. Every charter school network has its own principles and practices, which can result in different outcomes for students and families. At DREAM Charter Schools, all teachers are NYS-certified and we are committed to a model that welcomes every child and serves all of their needs - academic, social-emotional, and physical.
What is DREAM's application process?
Students are selected through a lottery process, and it’s free to apply. Applications must be submitted by the lottery deadline, which is typically in early April; applications received after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist in the order in which they are received. You can apply online or by using a print application, which are available in English, Spanish, and French. You can access online and print applications by scrolling to the top or bottom of this page. We are currently enrolling for both the current and upcoming school year.
What are DREAM’s hours? Does DREAM offer afterschool programming?
Breakfast is from 7:30-7:55. The school day begins at 7:45 am and ends at 4:00 pm, with afterschool continuing until 5:45 pm. In a typical year, Friday dismissal is at 1:00 pm or 5:00 pm for scholars participating in afterschool. All DREAM scholars are guaranteed a spot in our free afterschool programming.
Where is DREAM located? Does DREAM offer busing?
DREAM has locations in East Harlem (K-8), Mott Haven (K-12), and Highbridge (K-2 and 6). Our Highbridge location will grow by one grade each year as it expands to serve PK-8. Busing is currently only available for students who have an IEP that requires transportation.
What kind of support does DREAM offer for children with IEPs and/or special needs?
At DREAM, we welcome all children and believe all kids can! Our elementary classrooms feature an integrated co-teaching model, ensuring that every class has two dedicated teachers to support students' learning. At the middle school and high school levels, an integrated co-teaching model is offered in select classes to meet diverse learning needs. We also provide a range of onsite related services, including counseling, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, hearing support, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional assistance. All IEP services are provided in person. Additionally, for students without IEPs, we offer support through Tier 2 interventions, focusing on both academics and social-emotional development.
Is DREAM accepting applications for the current school year?
Yes - DREAM fills seats as they open, so you can always apply for the current school year. To apply, you can fill out a regular application; there will be a space to indicate that you're applying for the current school year.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions or want more information?
Please email enrollment@wearedream.org - we're here to help and will get back to you as soon as possible!
Apply Online Now Access A Print Application