
DREAM Highbridge elementary school
Currently enrolling for Kindergarten & Grade 1
1501 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY, 10452
Moving to 360 E 168th St, Bronx, NY 10456 in Fall 2023
Welcome to
DREAM Highbridge Elementary School
At DREAM Highbridge 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
2
teachers per classroom as part of our unique integrated co-teaching model
4
years in a row of DREAM scholars outperforming their city and state peers in testing
voices from our community
- Sheerece Claxton, DREAM Parent


Meet Principal
Shannel Richardson

Shannel Richardson
Elementary School Principal
Shannel Richardson, founding Principal of DREAM Highbridge Elementary School, began her career as an elementary school teacher in a high performing charter school in Harlem. There, Shannel served as a K-2 teacher for 7 years and an Assistant Principal for 2 years. Shannel then transitioned to Harlem Village Academy, where she served for 3 years as an ELA Instructional and Cultural Director for Grades 3-5. Shannel was drawn to DREAM because of its deep commitment to the community and to developing the whole child. At DREAM, Shannel chose to return to the classroom as a 5th grade teacher to gain the perspective of the a DREAM teacher before moving back into leadership.
Part of Shannel’s vision for Highbridge is to provide an equitable opportunity for all students and for families and staff to work collaboratively to ensure the success of the school community. Shannel holds a Master’s Degree in Early Education from Columbia University Teachers College.

place matters
At DREAM, we believe that every child deserves a beautiful space to play, learn, and grow. The power of place – including being deeply embedded in a community – is critical to our education model.
The current home of DREAM Highbridge Elementary School is 1501 Jerome Avenue, where our scholars have access to the following state-of-the-art facilities and features, and more:
- A pool where students receive swimming instruction
- A rooftop garden where students help grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- An onsite food pantry for families
- A movement and dance studio
- Easy access to the 4 and D trains
DREAM Highbridge’s current home at 1501 Jerome Avenue is a temporary incubation space. DREAM will remain there through the 2022-23 school year, and will relocate to 360 E 168th St, Bronx, NY 10456 for the 2023-24 school year.

our curriculum
DREAM’s curriculum ensures rigorous, culturally responsive and critically conscious instruction that teaches children to engage in critical thinking about complex and socially relevant ideas. Our curriculum provides opportunities to build student independence and access their creative expression. Students collaborate with peers across content areas that include:
Literacy
- Shared Reading
- Interactive Read Aloud
- Guided Reading
- Phonics Instruction
- Writing
STEM
- Cognitively Guided Instruction
- Problem Solving
- Math Workshop
- Science
The Arts
- Art
- Music
Physical Education
- Sports
- Recess
Social-Emotional Learning
- Taught explicitly during Morning Meeting and Ruler
- Reinforced through the components above
Free Afterschool & Summer Programming
Once your child is enrolled for the fall, they can get a head start on their DREAM journey that summer; all incoming students are guaranteed a spot in our summer programming.
