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HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools

Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy Charter Schools are where kids grow, learn, and thrive.

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Graduation photo in a gym with scholars in blue cap and gowns

Welcome to Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Promise Academy, where kids grow, learn, and thrive.

We’re proud to be Harlem’s top-performing K-12 charter network — with great teachers, strong academics, fun after-school programs, scholarship opportunities, and modern spaces where scholars can do their best learning. 

From day one, we’ve made sure our scholars have the care and wrap-around supports they need to succeed.

Dr. Saskia Brown, Deputy Superintendent, Promise Academy® Charter Schools & Early Childhood Programs

Dr. Saskia Brown

Superintendent, HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools and Early Childhood Programs

Man wearing dark grey suit and purple tie.

Shannon Benson 

Deputy Superintendent, Promise Academy Charter Schools

Our Schools

young male scholar sitting at his desk at school writing.
Three young scholars in blue uniforms standing in front of a yellow wall with positive expressions.
Female scholar sitting in a science lab focused on what is infront of her.

HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools constitute three distinct but interconnected schools in Central Harlem. 

  • Promise Academy I High, Middle, and Elementary School (245 West 129th Street)
  • Promise Academy II High School and Middle School (35 East 125th Street)
  • Promise Academy II Elementary School (70 East 112th Street)
Promise Academy Elementary Schools
Promise Academy Middle Schools
Promise Academy High Schools

Our Approach

We address the “whole child” — empowering our scholars with the resources and opportunities to get to and through college, build successful careers, and reach their potential. We offer free tuition, access to technology, uniforms, and much more.

Quality instruction

Scholars reach their full potential through a relentless focus on academic excellence. Scholars enjoy an extended school day and year, ensuring their success in core subject areas — math, language arts, history, social studies, and the sciences. Scholars are taught by leading educators in cutting-edge facilities designed for interactive learning.

Female teacher helping a female scholar with her classwork.

School Supplies

From notebooks to calculators to backpacks — and even laptops! — we provide our scholars with everything they need to be their best at school. This also includes access to top-of-the-line learning technology such as science equipment, musical instruments, and media and broadcasting tools.

Young male scholar using a laptop at school

Exceptional extracurricular and after-school activities

Scholars' experiences both inside — and outside — the classroom are key to their academic and personal growth. To that end, they enjoy a range of extracurricular and after-school activities, from athletics and the arts to civics and wellness, along with access to the vast cultural opportunities New York City has to offer.

Scholars playing basketball in the gym.

Nutritious meals

Proper nutrition is key to fueling healthy minds and bodies. That’s why our scholars enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals served up by our executive chef and exceptional Food Services team.

Young male scholar grabbing a fruit orange as a staff member watches him.

Social-emotional learning

Social-emotional learning is steeped in our school culture and drives our practices and policies. Scholars learn about self-awareness, responsible decision making, conflict management, and other critical life skills. Trained social workers and guidance counselors provide individualized support to scholars, and they share expertise with parents and staff to ensure coordinated support to scholars at home and at school.

Scholars in blue uniform seated and listening attentively.

College readiness

Our scholars leave school ready to thrive in college and their careers. From the time they’re in kindergarten, scholars learn the importance of college; as juniors and seniors, they prepare for their post-secondary journey with advanced placement courses, college exposures, and internships with leading companies. Our College Success Office provides guidance on their journey.

HCZ Promise Academy scholar in white shirt giving a presentation during an event hosted by Center for Higher Education and Career Support.

Comprehensive Services

Promise Academy exists within HCZ’s pathway of comprehensive, cradle-to-career services. As such, scholars benefit from a wide variety of programs: nutrition education through Healthy Harlem, social services, foster care prevention, and after-school support, with additional opportunities that put our scholars on the same playing field as children from more affluent communities.

Two young scholars dressed in blue t-shirts celebrate with a fist-bump.

Financial Empowerment

Through our Wealth Builds initaitve, we empower young people and families with the education and resources to build successful financial futures.

Young girl holds book about scholarships.

Data-driven approach

Data drives everything we do. Armed with real-time data on our scholars’ academic progress and social development, we design actionable plans tailored to the unique needs of each child and confront any challenges that might hinder their success.

Five young scholars dressed in their red color uniforms happily engaging in a group photo.

We will go to college. We will succeed. This is our promise. This is our creed.

Promise Academy Creed

Apply

At HCZ Promise Academy, we enroll scholars as young as 3 and all the way to age 11.

Scholars aged 3 are encouraged to apply now so that they can be guaranteed a spot in kindergarten at HCZ Promise Academy.

Scholars ages 4-11 who apply are placed on a waitlist and, if accepted, will join HCZ Promise Academy in the fall. 

There is no cost to attend HCZ Promise Academy.

For more information, visit our HCZ Promise Academy Enrollment FAQ page.

Apply to Promise Academy