In the heart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a transformative vision for education is taking shape. Dr. Angela Lang, the founder and Executive Director of
I Dream Big Academy Charter School, is bringing her dream to life. Opening in Fall 2025, this innovative school is already enrolling students and poised to redefine academic excellence and community engagement.
Dr. Lang’s journey to becoming a school founder is one of resilience, passion, and perseverance. A seasoned educator, she served as a classroom teacher in Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee, later transitioning to leadership roles, including Principal and Director, in school districts across three states. Despite facing two charter application denials in Alabama, Dr. Lang’s determination remained steadfast. Her pivotal moment came when she joined the School Founders Program, where she received essential support, such as:
Quality school visits to learn from successful models.
Individualized coaching to refine her vision and charter application.
Instructional development to align with her mission.
Financial and operational planning to navigate challenges effectively.
Since receiving authorization in 2024, Dr. Lang has relocated to Tuscaloosa and is fully immersed in pre-opening activities for I Dream Big Academy. The school’s mission reflects her commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for purposeful careers. The innovative curriculum will blend project-based learning, STEM, social-emotional learning, and leadership development, empowering students to excel academically and contribute to their communities.
While the journey has been rewarding, it hasn’t been without obstacles. Securing an affordable facility remains a significant challenge. Dr. Lang and her team are working tirelessly through research and partnerships to overcome this hurdle. Her dedication to creating a safe, inclusive environment for students and families underscores her commitment to a brighter future for all.
For Dr. Lang, parent engagement is at the heart of her school’s mission.
“Parent engagement means having open, transparent dialogue that creates a safe and inviting atmosphere for families and community members to share input, feedback, and resources,” she explains. I Dream Big Academy actively involves parents in policy development, instructional design, and talent recruitment, fostering a genuine partnership to support students’ learning journeys.
Looking ahead, the next two years are critical for I Dream Big Academy:
Year 1: Establish a strong foundation, secure a facility, develop an interdisciplinary curriculum, and build community awareness.
Year 2: Refine programs based on feedback, expand offerings, and strengthen community partnerships.
Dr. Lang’s advice to aspiring school founders is simple yet profound:
"Embrace the idea of becoming an entrepreneur and give yourself grace to balance the roles of an entrepreneur and an educator. It will require both."
As Dr. Lang continues to dream big, her story serves as an inspiration to others who dare to envision and create change in education.
📍 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
🌐 Website: https://idreambigacademy.org/
Click HERE to learn more about the School Founders Program.
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