The first charter schools in the nation opened in Minnesota in 1992, and they continue to be a popular choice for students seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. Currently, there are 168 charter schools in operation in Minnesota serving approximately 63,000 pre-K through grade 12 students.  Charter schools are open to all students and offer a unique educational program where students can expect to receive a quality education based on results. The primary purpose of charter schools in Minnesota is to improve learning achievement for all students and strive for the world’s best workforce.

In Minnesota, charter schools are tuition-free independent public schools that are open to and welcome all students, no matter ability or need, and are governed and operated jointly by licensed teachers, parents, and community members.  Charter schools are also overseen by an authorizer. The Technical Academies of Minnesota district is authorized by Innovative Quality Schools (IQS), visit www.iqsmn.org for more information.

Nothing!  DREAM is a tuition-free, public charter school open to all students in the state of Minnesota through the open enrollment process. 

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. PBL is built on the idea that there are better ways for some students to learn and grow. The focus of PBL is to help shape students into self-reliant learners with a mastery of 21st Century Skills. Advisors work alongside students to aid them in the learning process and encourage them to focus on what sparks interest or questions. Instead of the students being compared to a number, students are awarded credit based on their ability level, the quality of their project, and the amount of time they spent on the project.

Students create projects which earn them credit in all the content areas (social studies, English Language Arts, Science, Reading, Math, etc.)  Students do not receive grades for the projects they complete.  However, all projects are expected to be completed at least "B" or "A" level work in order to receive the full credit. Don't worry, colleges and universities are accepting and enrolling students from DREAM and many other schools in Minnesota that offer Project-Based Learning.  In fact, our students say DREAM helped prepare for college and life beyond high school.  

Yes, upon graduation, students receive a traditional high school diploma before continuing on their life's journey. 

DREAM partners with Community Christian School in Willmar, so students are able to participate in their athletics.  Students are welcome to start clubs on-site and participate in chapters of larger organizations such as Key Club, D&D, Speech, GSA. . . etc. 

At this time, DREAM Technical Academy provides limited transportation to those who live within the city of Willmar only. We currently have two 9 passenger vans. The CCT Bus brings several of our students every day from Olivia.  Some of our families are willing to carpool from other towns.  If you need help with transportation, please contact us at willmar@technicalacademies.org.

DREAM does not have a hot lunch program so students bring their own lunch every day or can order food to be delivered.  DREAM has several microwaves, refrigerators, and an oven. 

Yes, we love to give tours to prospective families and show you around our awesome school.  We even encourage students to spend a half-day with us to see DREAM students in action!

Click on the "Apply" button on the home page to tell us a little about yourself and then someone will be in contact to set up a tour with you.