Back to School and Programs 2025: What Harlem Children’s Zone Families Need to Know

Back to School 2025 is upon us — and we can’t wait to see our scholars’ smiling faces in our buildings!

We’re excited to open our doors for the first day of school at HCZ Promise Academy (September 3) and the first day of Zone Programs (September 29). 

As we head into the 2025-2026 academic year, we want all our scholars and families to be ready to start school and programs on a positive and productive note. From safety tips to important dates, below is everything you need to know about Back to School 2025.

Step 1: Know your Back to School 2025 dates and times

First things first, mark these dates in your calendar:

HCZ Promise Academy Scholars

• Classes begin: Wednesday, September 3
• After-school programs begin: Monday, September 29

HCZ Promise Academy Back to School Nights

• HCZ Promise Academy I Elementary School: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5-7 PM
• HCZ Promise Academy II Elementary School: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5-7 PM
• HCZ Promise Academy I Middle  School: Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30-7:30 PM
• HCZ Promise Academy II Middle  School: Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30-7:30 PM
• HCZ Promise Academy I High School: Monday, Sept. 15, 5-7 PM
• HCZ Promise Academy II High School: Monday, Sept 15, 5-7 PM 

Zone Programs Scholars

Peacemakers, A Cut Above (ACA), Academy of Arts and Civic Engagement (ACE), Countee Cullen Community Center (CCCC), and Employment and Technology Center (ETC) will begin on Monday, September 29. Program start times vary, so please check with your program leadership for more information.

Next, find out your pick-up and drop-off times:

HCZ Promise Academy I and II

Elementary School

• Drop-off: scholars can arrive as early as 7 AM
• Pick-up: 3:30 PM for bussed scholars, 4:05 PM for independent scholars, and 4:30 PM for scholars being picked up and dropped off by parents/guardians

Middle School

• Drop-off: scholars can arrive as early as 7 AM
• Pick-up: 4 PM

High School

• Drop-off: scholars can arrive as early as 7 AM
• Pick-up: 4 PM 

Zone Programs

• Drop-off and pick-up times vary for each program — reach out to your program leadership for more information.

Step 2: Know your pick-up protocols (for HCZ Promise Academy scholars and families)

In addition to pick-up and drop-off times at HCZ Promise Academy, it’s important to know our protocols:

• All scholars must be dropped off outside, at the door of their school building.
• Scholars should not be picked up before the end of the school day unless there is an extenuating circumstance. Parents should call the school so that the main office can coordinate early pickups.
• Transportation to and from school should be arranged for your scholar in advance. For more info, please contact your school’s parent coordinator.
• Families of scholars are not allowed to enter HCZ Promise Academy buildings without an appointment. To gain access to the building, please contact your school.

Step 3: Stay safe on your way to school and programs, and enjoy well-maintained spaces

Our HCZ Safety and Facilities Teams work hand in hand to keep scholars and families safe and our spaces welcoming. As you head into the new school year, here are a few tips:

• Be careful crossing the street. Watch for cars, follow crossing guard directions, and be cautious when exiting a bus or car.
• Go straight to and from school/after-school programs. When going to and from school and after-school programs, scholars should get there on time. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check in with scholars to make sure they got to school and programs safely.
• Get to know our Safety Team. They’re stationed at sites across the Zone to keep you safe — say “hi” when you enter and ask for help anytime you need it. Discover more about our Safety Team>
• Appreciate our Facilities Team. From polished floors to repaired boilers, they work behind the scenes to make sure our buildings are clean, safe, and ready for learning. Give them a wave or hello when you see them in the hallways — they love connecting with scholars too! Meet our Facilities Team>

Step 4: Get to Know your Superintendents and Principals (for HCZ Promise Academy scholars and families)

Our superintendents and principals care deeply about all our scholars and are committed to their success. Get to know them! 

Dr. Saskia Brown | Superintendent, HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools and Early Childhood Programs

Step 5: Get to know your after-school Program Directors (for HCZ Promise Academy and Zone Programs scholars and families)

Kevin Dougherty | Interim Managing Director, HCZ Promise Academy After School

Step 6: Locate your school or program 

To locate your HCZ Promise Academy Charter School or Zone Program, see our Locations page or view our Zone map:

Step 7: Get ready for your first day of school or programs

Feeling a few first-day jitters? You’re not alone — it happens to everyone! The key is preparation. Here are some ways to start the year feeling confident and ready:

• Rest up. Head to bed early the night before so you wake up energized. Pro tip: lay out your clothes, backpack, and supplies ahead of time to make your morning smoother.
• Share what’s on your mind. Talk with a parent, sibling, or friend about how you’re feeling — especially if there’s anything you’re nervous about.
• Plan your schedule. Map out your class and activity times, and coordinate with your family’s calendar so everyone’s in sync.
• Reconnect with friends. Reach out before the first day and make a plan to meet up once you’re on campus.
• Breathe and be present. Take a few deep breaths, shake off the nerves, and get ready for an amazing start.

We’re excited to welcome you for Back to School 2025!