I Dream Big Academy and Stillman College Break Ground for Historic Charter School Partnership

I Dream Big Academy Charter School, in proud partnership with Stillman College, hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Tuesday, April 29 to celebrate the launch of the first HBCU-Charter School partnership in the state of Alabama. The event on Stillman College’s campus marks a transformative milestone in education, equity, and opportunity for families in Tuscaloosa and beyond.

Set to open in Fall 2025, I Dream Big Charter School will welcome students in grades 6th through 8th, adding a grade level each year and is already generating high community interest. While enrollment applications are currently being accepted, some grade levels are at capacity and operating on a waitlist.

As Tuscaloosa’s first and only tuition-free charter school, I Dream Big Charter offers families a free choice educational option unlike any other in the region. In addition, it is Alabama’s only Big Picture Learning school, providing a personalized, real-world learning model focused on student passions and career exploration.

“We are excited to build a school that not only serves students today but shapes the educators and leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Angela Lang, IDB Charter Founder and Executive Director. “This partnership with Stillman College reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community transformation.”

Through its groundbreaking collaboration with Stillman College, I Dream Big Charter will become a lab school, offering a pipeline for teacher development and early access to college and career opportunities for its K–12 students. This innovative model places students at the intersection of higher education, professional mentorship, and hands-on learning from day one. The new building will share a parking lot with Stillman College’s Harte Center, which is home to Stillman’s School of Education.

“Our partnership with I Dream Big Charter School will not only be a successful resource for our student educators, but also helps lay the foundation for our Cradle-to-Career Model. Ultimately, at Stillman College, we believe in helping educate tomorrow’s leaders by preparing students from their early years for future careers,” said Dr. Yolanda W. Page, Stillman College President.

Tech Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Core

At the heart of I Dream Big Charter’s mission is a bold commitment to technology and entrepreneurship. The school is launching a forward-thinking curriculum that prepares students to become creators, not just consumers, of technology. Through immersive courses in coding, digital design, and business development, students will gain real-world skills to thrive in the innovation economy. With access to mentors, startup challenges, and community-based projects, students will graduate with a deep understanding of what it takes to launch ideas, solve problems, and lead in the 21st century.

For more information about I Dream Big Charter School or to apply, please visit their website at www.idreambigcharter.com.

About I Dream Big Academy

I Dream Big Charter is a tuition-free, public charter school committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. With a focus on real-world learning, individualized instruction, tech-based entrepreneurship, and community connection, the school prepares students for college, careers, and life.

About Stillman College

Stillman College, an accredited, four-year liberal arts institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and is committed to providing a transformative educational experience. A historically black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, Stillman has a rich history of educating students from various backgrounds and promoting academic excellence. The college is dedicated to developing critical thinkers and leaders who will make significant contributions to their communities. For more information about Stillman College, visit www.stillman.edu.