An Achievable Dream Academy

An Achievable Dream (AAD) is a nationally recognized K-12 program that co-operates schools in partnership with public school systems in Hampton Roads. AAD integrates an array of research-based strategies into a unique program that yields significant results in academic achievement, positive behavior, and the development of critical life skills. Students in the program have access to additional opportunities for academic success while developing Social, Academic, and Mindset Education (SAME) skills that help them succeed in school and in life. The program offers extended-day and year-round education with enrichment classes, field trips, support from community partners and mentors, and high-quality academic instruction.

AAD was founded in Newport News in 1992 and has had a 100% on-time graduation rate from that fully implemented program. In 2014, AAD expanded to Virginia Beach and started as a K-2 program at Seatack Elementary. The program expanded one grade level per year and now serves K-5th grade students at Seatack Elementary, An Achievable Dream Academy, and 6th-12th grade students at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School at Lynnhaven.

The partnership between Virginia Beach City Public Schools and An Achievable Dream Academy expanded further with the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot addition at Lynnhaven Middle School. This new addition, completed in August 2023, is now home to the Lynnhaven AAD High School Program, which serves students from 9th through 12th grade.

SAME (Social, Academic, Moral Education)
Uniforms

SAME (Social, Academic, Moral Education)

The SAME Program (Social, Academic, and Mindset Education) provides students with comprehensive instruction in the skills essential for success both in the workplace and in daily life.

● Social Component: Students participate in rotations through classes like etiquette, conflict resolution, ethics, speaking green (standard business English), and financial literacy. They also have access to 49 different clubs and various extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded development.

● Academic Component: AAD operates on a year-round schedule, with a four-week summer intersession. The school day is extended—ranging from six and a half hours at the elementary level to eight and a half hours at the secondary level—and includes opportunities for Saturday school. To assess performance, AAD conducts pre-and post-testing, using the data to tailor instruction to each student’s individual needs.

● Mindset Component: Students are taught the values needed to become responsible and engaged citizens. AAD emphasizes high expectations for both students and teachers in character development. Parents and students are also required to sign educational contracts, and each school day begins with a focus on fostering a positive school climate and culture.

American University
Art Institute of Virginia Beach
Bryant and Stratton College
Cittone Institute
Chowan College
Christopher Newport University
Concordia College
Elizabeth City State University
Ferrum University
Hampton University
Howard University
James Madison University
Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson & Wales University
Liberty University
Lincoln Technical Institute
Mary Baldwin College
Marymount College
Morehouse College
Norfolk State University
North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Central University
North Carolina State University
North Carolina Wesleyan
Old Dominion University
Radford University
Richard Bland College
Seton Hall University
Shaw University
Saint Augustine’s University
The Apprentice Scool
Thomas Nelson Comm. College
Tidewater Community College
U.S. Naval Academy
University of Richmond
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia State University
Virginia Tech
Virginia Union University
Virginia Wesleyan College
Winston-Salem State University

Uniforms

Uniforms are mandatory for all AAD students to promote a focused and respectful school environment while removing distractions and debates over what is or isn't appropriate attire.

For Elementary School:

Navy blue bottoms, AAD polo shirt or sweatshirt, black or brown belt, and all-black tennis shoes.

For Middle School:

Khaki pants or skirts, AAD polo shirt or sweatshirt, black or brown belt, and all-black tennis shoes.

For High School:

● An Achievable Dream promotes a business casual standard of dress in Grades 9-12 to prepare our Dreamers for professional careers following the completion of higher education and military service. Business casual dress is a professional-level standard that includes collared shirts, blouses, skirts, and slack-like pants.

Seatack Elementary

The School Board entered into a contract with An Achievable Dream to start a program in Virginia Beach. Seatack Elementary School was selected as the home for many reasons.

Lynnhaven Middle

Virginia Beach City Public Schools will house the middle school years program of An Achievable Dream Academy at Lynnhaven Middle School.

For more information about the program, visit www.aadream.org

In This Section

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Specialty Centers