SRQ Magazine | May/June 2025: RocketKids Private Schools - Dreamers Academy

RocketKids: Guide to Schools

PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS IN SARASOTA + MANATEE COUNTIES

DREAMERS ACADEMY

“A HAPPY CHILD IS A CHILD THAT LEARNS” is oft-repeated by Dr. Cathy Rodriguez, who leads Sarasota’s innovative bilingual K-8 school. “When children feel loved and challenged they are happier and more engaged. Learning then happens naturally –creating a positive and invigorating school environment,” she said.

Dreamers Academy, a nonprofit public charter school in North Sarasota County, follows a rigorous Dual Language Immersion (DLI) instructional model. DLI increases student engagement and academic proficiency across all subject areas. Not only do children learn grade-level content exceeding Florida’s B.E.S.T. standards, but they do it in and through two languages – English and Spanish.

A middle school is being developed on adjacent land to create a beautiful campus spanning 18 acres, custom-designed to maximize student learning and collaboration. With a new high-tech building, the Middle School seeks to develop future leaders with the communication and academic skills to succeed in high school and beyond.

Each student has two certified teachers, who plan and co-teach across two languages. “This is a distinct pedagogical advantage,” says Dr. Rodriguez, “and provides substantial cognitive benefits unique to DLI.” Intentionality and cohesion in the structure, curriculum, teacher selection, and continuous professional development differentiates Dreamers Academy from traditional English-only schools.

Children can excel academically from kindergarten through 8th grade and gain the lifelong advantage of bilingualism. The bilingual brain is more flexible, with enhanced executive function and self-regulation. Studies show that bilingualism delays the onset of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s – while bilingual professionals command competitive jobs and higher salaries.

School’s Mission

Dreamers Academy develops bilingual, biliterate, and cross-cultural leaders of character within a caring environment that encourages family engagement and celebrates America.

DREAMERS ACADEMY | 2146 MYRTLE ST, SARASOTA, FL 34234 | P: 941-888-4000 | DREAMERSACADEMY.ORG

Facebook: @dreamersacademysrq

Instagram: @dreamersacademysrq