A new charter school is coming to Baltimore City. Arts for Learning Maryland, in partnership with Thomas Jefferson Elementary/Middle School (TJEMS), will open Dream Academy Charter School for student enrollment in Fall 2026. The school will offer an arts-integrated learning model backed by ten years of consistent academic and social-emotional impact. Arts for Learning is the first new charter operator approved in ten years.

A nationally recognized nonprofit with roots in Baltimore since 1950, Arts for Learning (formerly Young Audiences of Maryland) serves students statewide with arts-integrated learning. With this new school, Arts for Learning will bring its data-driven model to life in a year-round academic setting. “We have seen this model work for students for over a decade in after-school and summer programs,” said Stacie Sanders Evans, President & CEO of Arts for Learning Maryland. “Finally, families will have the opportunity to learn this way all year round.”

Dream Academy will feature classrooms co-led by teachers and teaching artists. This unique approach, modeled for 10 years through national award-winning summer and after-school programs, has consistently improved literacy, math, attendance, and social-emotional outcomes for students, particularly those performing below grade level.

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.

TJEMS has worked with Arts for Learning since 2014, piloting arts-integrated programs. The proposal to convert the school into Dream Academy was developed in close collaboration with the community. Over 650 Baltimore families, students, educators, and artists were consulted. A 2022 survey showed overwhelming community support, with 97% of respondents agreeing that an Arts for Learning school is needed in Baltimore, and 86% indicating they would enroll their children. 90% of the TJEMS staff voted in support of the conversion.

The planned charter directly addresses critical needs outlined by Baltimore City Public Schools and the Maryland State Department of Education to address enrollment, attendance, and academic performance at TJEMS.

“Our school has real potential, and we’re ready for change,” says Adrienne Carter, parent of four TJEMS students. “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 share this sentiment.

“Dream Academy is not just about integrating the arts–it’s about transforming how we teach,” says TJEMS middle school teacher Dr. Yvette Freter, “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.”

To stay informed of enrollment details and community engagement opportunities, sign up for the Dream Academy mailing list and follow @DreamAcademy_TJEMS232 on social media.