DREAM provides youth with opportunities to play, learn, and grow. Our mission is to level the field by empowering all children to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. If you’re looking for a school with high expectations and a culture of care – a school you can call home – read on. If you’re ready to apply, you can do so right here.
Our Model
DREAM Charter Schools develop lifelong learners who make positive change in their communities and the world. Here’s how.
DREAM’s curriculum prepares students to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Across its network, DREAM serves 2,500 students from pre-k to pre-college, and our scholars consistently outperform city and state peers in ELA and math.
We believe a scholar is defined by more than grades. We care for every aspect of your child—physical, mental, and social-emotional—through a range of enrichment activities that include sports, arts, and wellness programming.
We embrace diversity and use multiple methods to reach every learner. We welcome scholars with special needs and IEPs as well as English Language Learners.
Our families are critical partners. They visit our classrooms and we visit their homes. We work together to provide the best for our scholars.
We offer free, nationally recognized after-school and summer programs that help our scholars become confident, competent, and caring community members.
Our Impact
DREAM’s model works, and it shows.
-
DREAM scholars have outperformed their statewide, citywide, and district peers in both ELA and Math for three years in a row.
-
DREAM scholars made larger overall gains in ELA than statewide, citywide, and district peers.
-
27% of DREAM’s population are scholars with special needs compared to New York City’s 20%.
-
DREAM special education scholars outperformed city peers and district peers on both ELA and Math.
Family Survey Results
100%
of families feel welcome at DREAM
97%
of families are satisfied with opportunities to be involved in their child’s education
98%
of families say that DREAM has high expectations for their child
97%
of families report that their child is learning what they need to succeed in college and beyond
See for yourself. This virtual tour of our Mott Haven Elementary School gives you a glimpse of what a day at DREAM looks and feels like.
Our COVID-19 Response
This year, you choose whether remote or hybrid instruction is right for your scholar. And along the way, we’re supporting DREAM families with technology, food distribution, regular check-ins, and more. Learn more, or watch our video about our phased approach to a safe reopening.
Explore our schools
Students are enrolled in DREAM through a lottery, and it’s free to apply. Here’s what you need to know.
Signed applications must be received by 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 1, 2021 to be eligible for the lottery. Applications received after this date will be placed on the waiting list in the order in which they are received.
DREAM Charter Schools’ lotteries for the 2021-22 school year will take place the following days and times, and can be streamed at the links below; no need to RSVP. We look forward to you joining us!
Ready to join the DREAM family? Let’s get started.
Online Application
Applications for the 2021-22 school year are open until April 1, 2021. Applications received after this date will be put on a waitlist in the order they are received.
- Step 1: Choose language
- Step 2: Create account
- Step 3: Fill out application
Print Application
Please mail applications to DREAM Charter School, 1991 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10029.
Questions? Contact enrollment@wearedream.org.
Want to learn more before applying?
Request info about DREAM East Harlem here.
Request info about DREAM Mott Haven here.
Join us for a virtual Open House.