Back to School and Programs 2026: What Harlem Children’s Zone Families Need to Know

Back to School 2026 is around the corner — and we can’t wait to welcome our Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Promise Academy Charter Schools and Zone After School Programs scholars back to the Zone!

Everything you need for a successful and safe start to the school and program year is right here in our Back-to-School Guide. It covers important dates, drop-off and pick-up information, and other key reminders. Continue reading to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year!

Step 1: Mark your calendar

Start planning by adding the first day of school or programs to your calendar:

HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools First Day of Classes — Wednesday, September 9 | Scholars can arrive as early as 7 AM. They should be in their seats and ready to learn by 8 AM. Dismissal is at 4 PM.

Zone After School Programs First Day — Tuesday, September 22

Keep reading for more important dates and schedules:

HCZ Promise Academy Back to School Nights

• HCZ Promise Academy I & II High Schools Back to School Night — Tuesday, September 15, 5-6:30 PM
• HCZ Promise Academy I & II Elementary and Middle Schools Back to School Night — Thursday, September 17, 5-6:30 PM

Zone After School Programs Schedule

A Cut Above

• Monday through Thursday: Scholars can arrive as early as 3 PM and are dismissed at 7 PM.
• Fridays: Scholars can arrive as early as 2 PM and are dismissed at 6 PM.

Peacemakers

• Monday through Friday: Scholars can arrive as early as 2 PM and are dismissed at 6 PM, depending on their school’s dismissal time. Contact your program leadership for more information.

Academy of Arts & Civic Engagement, Countee Cullen Community Center, and Employment & Technology Center

• Monday through Thursday: Scholars can arrive as early as 3 PM and are dismissed at 7:30 PM.
• Fridays: Scholars can arrive as early as 3 PM and are dismissed at 6 PM.

Step 2: Start and end the day safely

A successful school day starts and ends with safety. Review our key arrival, dismissal, and building protocols.

• Plan your commute in advance. Arrange daily travel to and from school ahead of time.
• Drop scholars off at the door of their school building.
• Limit early pick-ups. Every minute of learning counts. In the event of an extenuating circumstance, parents and guardians should call their school’s main office to coordinate an early pickup.
• Make an appointment when visiting any HCZ Promise Academy building. Families cannot enter HCZ sites without an appointment. Parents and guardians can contact their school’s main office to schedule a visit.
• Be careful crossing the street. Watch for cars, follow crossing guard directions, and be cautious when exiting a bus or a car.
• Go straight to your destination. When going to and from school and after-school programs, scholars should get there on time and without any stops in between. Parents and guardians are encouraged to establish a check-in routine with their scholars to make sure they get to their destinations safely.
• Meet our Safety Team. Our Safety Officers are stationed at sites throughout the Zone to keep your scholar safe. Don’t hesitate to say hello or to ask for help. Meet our Safety Team>
• Meet our Facilities Team. Our Facilities Team works behind the scenes to make sure our spaces are clean, safe, and ready for learning. Give them a wave or say hello when you see them. Meet our Facilities Team>

Step 3: Connect with your Promise Academy leadership

Our Superintendents, Principals, and After School Programs leaders are committed to your scholar’s success. Get to know them!

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

Shannon Benson | Deputy Superintendent, HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools

Stacy Quashie | Director, HCZ Promise Academy I After School
Nacirema Nelson | Director, HCZ Promise Academy II Teen After School
Stayon Venture | Interim Director, Promise Academy II Elementary After School
Charles Sullivan | Director, HCZ Promise Academy Athletics

Step 4: Connect with your Zone After School Program leadership

Brian McClendon | Managing Director, K-12 Zone After School Programs

Step 5: Locate your school or program

To locate a Promise Academy Charter School or Zone Program, visit our Locations page or view the Zone map below:

Step 6: Start the year feeling your best

Is your scholar feeling a little nervous about day one? The secret to a smooth start is getting back into a healthy routine.

• Rest up. Make sure your scholar gets a good night’s sleep so they’re energized for day one. Pro tip: Lay out your scholar’s outfit and pack their backpack the night before to make the morning smoother.
• Express yourself. Ask your scholar to share how they’re feeling — this can help address the first day jitters.
• Plan your schedule. Review your scholar’s class and program schedule ahead of time and coordinate with your family’s calendar so everyone’s on the same page.
• Reconnect with friends. Encourage your scholar to reach out before day one and make a plan to meet up with friends once they’re at school.
• Stay present. Have your scholar take a deep breath, shake off the nerves, and get ready to jump into another successful school year.

We’re excited to welcome you for Back to School 2026!