DREAM

✨ The first day of school at DREAM ✨

On August 25th, 2,600 students walked through the doors of our East Harlem, Mott Haven, and Highbridge campuses. For some, it was their very first day of school ever; for others, it was a continuation of their DREAM journey. No matter where they started, each child was met with open arms, high expectations, and a community ready to cheer them on.

The day was filled with proud parents, fresh uniforms, new backpacks, bright bulletin boards, and the excitement that comes with new beginnings. Our classrooms buzzed with energy, curiosity, and joy — the heartbeat of DREAM.

At DREAM, school is more than a place to learn. It’s a place where students are seen and supported, where families are partners, and where every child is encouraged to dream big about what’s possible.

Here’s to a year full of growth, discovery, and belonging. 💙
We can’t wait to see all that our DREAM students will accomplish this year.

We’re celebrating a big win for ALL KIDS at DREAM. New York State test results are out and we couldn’t be more proud.

For the third consecutive year, DREAM students are raising the bar:

→ 75% proficient in Math — 20 points above NYS and 18 points above NYC
→ 69% proficient in ELA — 16 points above NYS and 13 points above NYC
→ 70% proficient in 5th grade Science — 25 points above NYS

While the results are astounding, the story behind the numbers makes them all the more impressive.

Last year, 33% of our students in grades 3-8 were brand new to DREAM, many arriving well below grade level. The proficiency of new-to-DREAM students grew +21 percentage points in ELA and +22 percentage points in Math!

Additionally, 25% of DREAM students have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or special needs. These students with IEPs gained ground and narrowed their performance gap to their general education peers by 9 percentage points in ELA and by 8 percentage points in Math.

The countdown is on!! In less than a month, we’re bringing the block party vibes back with Vecinos, DREAM’s annual celebration of community, culture, and connection.
On September 13, our Mott Haven, Highbridge, and East Harlem schools will unite for an unforgettable day filled with local eats, live performances, family fun, and plenty of surprises.
You don’t want to miss this. Everyone’s invited, and everyone’s family here.

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson spent the day at DREAM Mott Haven—reading to elementary students, cooking ratatouille flatbread with our culinary club, and sharing guidance with high schoolers about life on and off the court.

Through a $328,000 donation from Jalen's Second Round Foundation, DREAM is expanding its Scratch Food Program to serve over 2,400 students across seven schools—providing free, chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day.

At DREAM, we know that students need more than strong academics to thrive. With support from the Second Round Foundation we’re nourishing our students—mind, body, and spirit—and ensuring they’re fueled to dream big.

Thank you, Jalen Brunson and Second Round Foundation, for investing in what matters most: the next generation. 💙

🎉 A huge congratulations to our Pre-K, 5th grade, 8th grade, and high school graduates from all of our campuses!

From first steps in Pre-K to final walks across the graduation stage, our students have grown in every way — academically, emotionally, and beyond. These milestones wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of our staff, who show up every day to support, uplift, and guide our young people.

Here’s to new adventures for all our graduates, big dreams, and their bright futures ahead! 💫

Our DREAM cheer team brought the energy to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade! Invited by a proud DREAM parent, they walked the route and performed their routine for the crowd — repping spirit, pride, and community every step of the way. ❤️

By the time today’s sixth graders enter the workforce, AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading comprehension.

At DREAM, we’re preparing our educators and our students for that future. We’re integrating AI with care and purpose, supporting teachers, fostering critical thinking, and empowering students to use these tools ethically.

In this article we break down how DREAM is embracing AI innovation across classrooms and operations, without compromising the human connections that define a DREAM education.

Read the full post here: https://blog.wearedream.org/ai-at-dream/

HUGE shoutout to our DREAM Debate Team for making history and showing out with excellence, brilliance, and pride! 🗣️🏆

Sophomore Onisea Meredith took FIRST PLACE at The New School tournament—her first time breaking to finals and earning a half-qual for states! Just one year ago, she was new to debate and didn’t qualify for finals, but she never gave up. With support from DREAM Debate Coach Marie Connor and her own unstoppable drive, Onisea made a powerful comeback that reminds us all what resilience can do. 💪✨

And on April 5, Destiny Adams became the first DREAM student ever to break at the New York State Congressional Debate Championships, advancing to the semi-final round and ranking #11 out of 108 of the best debaters in the state. Even more incredible—Destiny is also the first student from a Title I school to reach elimination rounds at the NY State Congressional Championships since digital records began in 2014.

We also celebrate Madison Wheeler and Onisea again for making their presence known as standout legislators, earning ballots that praised their impact, questioning, and insight in every round. 🙌

To Coach Marie Connor: thank you for your leadership, dedication, and belief in our students. Your work continues to open doors and inspire greatness. 💙

Let’s give it up for our debaters—true examples of what it means to DREAM big!

DREAM is redefining how schools work - from classrooms to front office to leadership. We’re harnessing AI to eliminate bottlenecks, speed up decisions, and create space for what truly matters: meaningful human connections throughout our school community. Share which innovations you’d like to see in your workplace!

💙 Happy National Principals Day! 💙

Today, we celebrate the extraordinary school leaders who shape DREAM into the powerful, joyful community it is — a place where every student is known, loved, and pushed to reach their fullest potential.

To Alex Brown Santoyo (Mott Haven Elementary), Monee Young (Mott Haven Middle), Ja’Keel Daniels (DREAM Charter High School), Lexis White (East Harlem Elementary), Chanel Simpkins (Interim, East Harlem Elementary),Alison Browne (East Harlem Middle), Shannel Richardson (Highbridge Elementary), and Cora Neville (Highbridge Middle), thank you for your bold vision, unwavering dedication, and boundless heart. You don’t just believe that all kids can — you live it, breathe it, and light the way for what’s possible every single day.

We’re so lucky to have you leading the DREAM family — today and every day.

We’re excited to share All In For All Kids—a new mini-site that hosts a collection of stories, photos, and videos that bring our maxim "All Kids Can, This Kid Can" to life! ✨

Thanks to the support of the Charter School Growth Fund, we’re able to amplify our message: every child belongs, and every child can achieve. 💪

This is just the beginning of our mission to ensure all students have the tools and opportunities to make their dreams real. Click the link in our bio to read our latest blog post and explore these inspiring stories!

We're thrilled to announce we've received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Healthy Meals Incentives award! 🎉 Big thanks to Action for Healthy Kids, Chef Ann Foundation and RMC Health for recognizing our work bringing nutritious, student-approved meals to our schools. So proud of our team making wellness part of every day! 🥗💪 Check out our bio for more details!

Learn more about the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards here: https://healthymealsincentives.org/recognition-awards/