Dream Academy

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Dream Academy is a program sponsored by Montgomery County Recreation, in conjunction with Montgomery County Public Schools, to benefit children in low-income areas of the county. It was created to deliver academic and recreation programs to elementary school children that did not have access to affordable after-school enrichment. The Dream Academy program hires certified teachers to help with homework, review concepts in math, and work with students on their reading and social skills. Students receive a meal to help them settle down and focus, and which carries them into the evening as many experience food insecurity. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring a variety of recreation programs including art, music, fitness, sports, science and technology. Children interact with their peers in a positive and supportive way during this time; something that is often a challenge to kids from different cultural backgrounds or with learning challenges. There are requirements for a student’s attendance and for parent volunteering hours, to ensure the family unit is engaged. Dream Academy staff is trained to be able to recognize behavior, social or health issues and guide families toward additional county and state services. The parents and teachers of Dream Academy students see improvements in school attendance, behavior, and schoolwork including reading levels and math concepts. Parent are pleased their children are not at home alone after school and the students enjoy making friends, exposure to new topics, and activities that get them excited about learning.