Dear familia,

I spoke to The American Dream School's senior class about college for the first time in May of 2014. At the time, they were in fifth grade, and there wasn't technically an American Dream School as we wouldn't open our doors until that August. However, that May we had a parent orientation where the students tried on uniforms and I told them where, seven years later, they would be going: to college.

The American Dream School is fundamentally about choice: the choice to attend American Dream and learn and grow in not one but two languages, the choice to be motivated not by negative consequences but by a sense of personal responsibility and one's own potential, the choice to join the debate team, the chess club, the cheerleading squad (or all three), the choice of how to complete the capstone language project for the seal of biliteracy.

To help our students make the choice to be the first in their families to attend college, we had to first earn their and their families' trust. Then we worked together to ensure our students believed in themselves as much as we did. It was more than a "team" effort–it was a community one.

Seven years later, I am proud to note that our graduating seniors are college-bound! Led by our superstar college guidance team of Zahir Ynoa and Anna Martinez and in partnership with every faculty and family member, our students persevered through a deadly pandemic to earn 450 total acceptances. The number still amazes me.

Each acceptance is a giant leap towards upward mobility, stability and political voice for the student and their family--towards attaining the American dream. Please read on to see the complete list of where our 2021 graduates will continue their pursuit of the American dream this fall.

Thank you, as always, for your interest and support.

Melissa Melkonian
Founder and Head of School
College Reveal Party Celebrates Students' Selections
On Friday evening, ADS hosted a virtual College Reveal event, where members of the graduating class dramatically revealed which college they will attend this fall, and faculty and staff made often-tearful remarks reflecting on the students' journey and sharing words of congratulations and encouragement.

"It really takes a village," noted High School Director Glory Carrion-Gomes during the event. "From the instructional staff to our operations team, parents, former teachers, people in the community that always have our back--we're just so grateful. And to the students, you really, truly do have a village here that has your back."

CBS New York and News 12 Bronx, among others, covered the milestone event.
SAVE THE DATE: Commencement on June 26th
Please save Saturday, June 26th at 5:00pm to join us for The American Dream School's first-ever Commencement exercises. The event will be livestreamed from a very special Bronx location to be revealed in the weeks ahead.
Our Mission: The American Dream School develops academic excellence in both Spanish and English for grades 6-12, preparing students to excel in college and become leaders in their communities.