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.
Welcome to DREAM Charter Schools — free, public schools in East Harlem and the Bronx, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Here, your child is known, seen, and loved. When you trust us with their education, you’re choosing both academic excellence and a true sense of belonging.
Welcome home.
The DREAM way
DREAM’s unique Grow the Whole Child education model is powered by rigorous academics, social emotional learning, health and wellness, and family and community engagement. Four 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 2,600 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 Long Game: DREAM's 2025 Year-In-Review
When a community plays the long game — believing in children's unlimited potential over time — extraordinary things happen. This year, DREAM reached the highest academic proficiency in our history, served more students than ever before, and deepened our impact from early childhood through college and career. These results don't happen overnight. They're the result of years of high expectations, deep support, and intentional work. That's The Long Game. Read on to see how your support makes it possible.
We DREAM big.
DREAM ensures that all young people recognize their potential and realize their dreams. We are free, public charter schools that level the playing field for our communities by investing in the whole child — from early childhood through college support.
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We play the long game.
35
years serving students in New York City
We build community.
3,000+
students served across East Harlem and the South Bronx
We believe in all kids.
25%
of students 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
