A new charter school will open in West Baltimore, focusing on arts-integrated learning.
The nonprofit Arts for Learning Maryland will convert Thomas Jefferson Elementary/Middle School into Dream Academy Charter School.
Located at 605 Dryden Drive in West Baltimore’s Hunting Ridge neighborhood, the charter school will offer student enrollment starting in fall 2026.
“We have seen this model work for students for over a decade in after-school and summer programs,” said Stacie Sanders Evans, president and CEO of Arts for Learning Maryland, in a statement. “Finally, families will have the opportunity to learn this way all year round.”
The school will integrate arts into its educational model, with classrooms co-led by teachers and teaching artists. Arts for Learning argues this approach will not only benefit students artistically, but will also improve their literacy, math, attendance, and social-emotional skills.
“Dream Academy is not just about integrating the arts — it’s about transforming how we teach,” said Dr. Yvette Fretter, a middle school teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary/Middle School, in a statement. “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.”
Fretter added, “It’s a dynamic academic innovation, based on research and experience, home-grown in Baltimore City for Baltimore City.”
Arts for Learning, formerly Young Audiences of Maryland, provides art education to more than 185,000 students across Maryland each year.
The nonprofit is Baltimore’s first new charter school operator approved in 10 years.
“Our school has real potential, and we’re ready for change,” said Adrienne Carter, parent of four students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary/Middle School, in a statement. “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.”
Does this mean they are no longer an International Baccalaureate school??