Baltimore City is set to welcome a new charter school. Dream Academy Charter School, a collaboration between Arts for Learning Maryland and Thomas Jefferson elementary/Middle School (TJEMS), is scheduled to open its doors to students in the fall of 2026. The school will implement an arts-integrated learning approach, building on a decade of evidence demonstrating positive academic and social-emotional results.

Arts for Learning, a nonprofit organization with a long history in Baltimore, dating back to 1950, is known for its arts-integrated learning programs across the state. The establishment of Dream Academy will allow Arts for Learning to implement its data-driven model within a full-time academic habitat.Stacie Sanders Evans, President & CEO of Arts for Learning Maryland, stated, “We have seen this model work for students for over a decade in after-school and summer programs. families will have the prospect to learn this way all year round.”

Dream Academy’s classrooms will be led jointly by teachers and teaching artists. This method,refined over ten years through award-winning summer and after-school initiatives,has consistently improved students’ literacy,math skills,attendance rates,and social-emotional progress,particularly among those performing below grade level.

Community Collaboration and Support

Dream Academy is not just about integrating the arts-its about transforming how we teach.

TJEMS has been collaborating with Arts for Learning as 2014, piloting arts-integrated programs.The proposal to transform the school into Dream Academy was created in close partnership with the community. Over 650 Baltimore families, students, educators, and artists provided input. A 2022 survey revealed strong community support,with 97% of respondents agreeing on the need for an Arts for Learning school in Baltimore,and 86% expressing interest in enrolling their children. Moreover, 90% of the TJEMS staff voted in favor of the conversion.

The charter school aims to address critical needs identified by Baltimore City Public Schools and the Maryland State Department of Education, focusing on enrollment, attendance, and academic performance at TJEMS.

Adrienne Carter, a parent of four TJEMS students, said, “Our school has real potential, and we’re ready for change. Dream Academy is helping bring our vision to life.I’m proud that families and community members have a real voice, with seats on the board and [planning] events… We’re not just involved-we’re part of the dream Team.”

the school staff echoes this sentiment. Dr. Yvette Freter, a TJEMS middle school teacher, stated, “Dream Academy is not just about integrating the arts-it’s about transforming how we teach. It gives teachers the time, tools, and training to meet the diverse needs of our students. It gives students more ways to access learning, show what they know, and feel seen and successful.”

“It’s a dynamic academic innovation, based on research and experience, home-grown in Baltimore City for Baltimore City.”