At the Dream School of the Arts (DSOA), our mission goes beyond traditional K-12 education. We serve the whole person by focusing on three pillars which we believe are essential to the development of young minds: ArtsEnrichment, Healthy Living and Academic Support.
Located in Normal Heights, San Diego, CA, DSOA is a place for kids to become enriched in the arts, grow in health and excel in the academics. More than an after-school program, DSOA provides academic support and tutoring, first-hand expert guidance for healthy living, and immersive exposure to visual, literary, and musical arts. Our after-school enrichment programs serve students from the 4th through 5th grade and works to create a nurturing and inclusive community which will allow each student to develop and pursue their dreams in a safe and positive environment. Email for more information.
Arts Enrichment
At DSOA, we recognize the power of the arts to creatively give tools of self-expression, and promote both personal and community growth. Utilizing our dynamic Arts Enrichment program, students will have the opportunity to explore various artistic disciplines such as Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Music. Our hands-on instruction allows students to understand the history of art and invites them to be an active participant in the future of the arts. Accomplished artists share their expertise to help DSOA students discover new passions and refine their skills. Arts Enrichment represents a main focus of the Dream School’s plan as we recognize the dramatic impact it can have on increasing confidence, aptitude, and empathy.
more
Healthy Living
We believe that healthy living is at the foundation of preparation for our students’ success. That is why we prioritize the holistic well-being of our students by promoting healthy minds and bodies.
Physical fitness is encouraged through fun, goal-oriented and engaging activities that teach active lifestyles, teamwork and self-confidence. We help students to recognize the importance of good nutrition as fuel and medicine for their body and mind. Additionally, we not only provide nutritious after school snacks but also teach students how to prepare healthy food which will allow them to perform at their best. Through various disciplines like yoga, running, hiking, or team sports, DSOA hopes to inspire a lifelong love of physical wellness.
But we don’t stop there. The Dream School of the Arts prioritizes mental wellbeing alongside the physical and we offer resources such as directed workshops, exercises for calming, guidance on coping, and social skills that support their total well-being. We hope to bring mental health awareness to our students so that we can prepare them for whatever life brings.
more
Academic Support
Dream School of the Arts understands the role of academic success in a student’s life. A child’s mind is constantly taking in information and processing it - kids are ALWAYS learning. We provide personalized, patient, and encouraging academic support services to ensure that each student understands what they are learning and help them to turn that knowledge into usable skills both in and out of the classroom. Our experienced tutors offer personalized sessions, targeting specific areas of improvement, aimed to work in partnership with the K-12 curriculum. DSOA fosters positive relationships between students and tutors, to comfortably bridge gaps in understanding and meet the unique needs of each student.
more
ABOUT OUR DIRECTOR
KENTON REAVES HUNDLEY is an inspirational, creative, and passionate educator who’s worked with young people for years to empower them with the expectation of success, compassion, and the cultivation of faith. He has created deep and constantly evolving partnerships with a diverse array of community leaders including clergy, activists, athletes, artists, and educators throughout the San Diego region. For nearly 15 years he lent his expertise to curriculum design and supervision of the day-to-day instruction for unaccompanied minors from multiple educational and cultural backgrounds.
Kenton holds a strong belief that all children, adolescents, and young adults have the capacity to learn through collaboration, leadership development, and honest discussion and partnerships in safe spaces where all those present find themselves willing to learn, share, and grow.
As an artist, Kenton has won many awards for his socially conscious, hip hop and jazz-influenced poetry. He has been a guest lecturer/featured poet at San Diego State University, UCSD, USD, Miramar College, SD City College as well as at local schools. He’s a part of the Via International Global Education Team where he shares his Say It! Spray It! Speak Up. Be Heard. spoken word workshop for community activists.
ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & STUDENT EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR
CINDY TRUONG works closely with Kenton Hundley to create and bring the vision of the Dream School alive for children to pursue their passion in the arts, fitness, and academics. As a first-generation college graduate, Cindy completed her education at San Diego State University (SDSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development and a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Counseling. Throughout this educational journey, Cindy also focused on early childhood transdisciplinary education and mental health as well as emphasizing trauma-informed care and restorative justice.
Cindy has experience in supporting children academically, spiritually, and emotionally during her time working in the church, early childhood centers, private schools, and public schools. With this opportunity at the Dream School, Cindy hopes to give back to her community to provide a safe space for children and families to thrive in many aspects of their lives.
DREAM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Scott Caprio is a finance professional with more than 20 years of experience focused on processing efficiency and is the Director of Treasury in charge of charitable fund distribution for the largest cloud software provider to non-profits. Scott appreciates the importance of arts education to unlock the creative potential in each person so they may live out their purpose to the fullest. He believes Dream School of the Arts is an important part of touching lives that might otherwise not have the opportunity to grow artistically.
Frederick S. Cook III (Rick) is a retired Navy Hospital Corpsman and Critical Care Nurse. He’s also established a 501c3 in Pacific Beach providing a hot meal every week to more than 200 unhoused neighbors while also providing dental and medical care in partnership with local medical and dental schools. Rick looks forward to aiding the growth of DSOA’s impact to the community, as he believes in the program’s balanced approach of offering youth academic support, healthy living habits, and art expression through various modalities.
Leo Djamson has lived in San Diego for over 30 years after relocating here to pursue an MIBA in strategic management at USIU San Diego. Upon finishing his studies, he’s worked in a variety of positions within the telecommunications industry, including network operations, pharmacy processing, and supply chain. Leo was born in Ghana West Africa and his early years were split between Ghana, the Hague Netherlands, and the UK before pursuing his international business administration degree. He enjoys traveling and learning about new places and cultures and continues to spend as much time in Ghana as his schedule allows.
Rebecca Luers is a licensed California Certified Public Accountant. She is a graduate of San Diego State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting and a Master's Degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University. She has been a licensed CPA since 1987. In addition to owning and operating a CPA firm, Rebecca has been active in supporting children’s charities in San Diego, and a board member of various non-profit organizations supporting her entire professional career. Rebecca joins the Dream School board with a focus on finance and passion for helping others and supporting education.
Todd Vollstedt is a public school teacher with more than 40 years of experience and is passionate about helping kids explore what their gifts and graces are through education. He currently teaches AP Statistics at San Dieguito HS Academy in Encinitas. In addition to teaching and education, Todd is a passionate runner and is an active member of First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
HONORING OUR FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible individuals who served on our inaugural Board of Directors: Jason Tucker, Maria Silva, Ismael Avilez, and Denise Vick.
Their unwavering support, vision, and dedication helped transform an idea into a thriving reality. Long before we opened our doors in 2024, they guided Dream School through its earliest challenges, ensuring we reached the starting line with strength and purpose.
More than board members, they are friends—of Dream School and of mine—and their impact will always be a part of our foundation. Thank you for believing in this project and for helping to shape its future.
- Kenton Reaves Hundley