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From day one, our promise to all our scholars is to help them get into college, earn their degrees, and build successful careers.

College may be several years away for our Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Promise Academy Elementary School scholars. However, we believe it’s critical to instill the importance of a college degree early on.

With this in mind, HCZ Promise Academy Elementary Schools focus on building strong foundational skills enhanced by character development, social-emotional supports, and real-world experiences.

Keep scrolling to discover more about our top-performing HCZ Promise Academy Elementary Schools.

Lakiesha George

LaKiesha George

Principal, Promise Academy I Elementary School

Kiana Morris, Promise Academy II Elementary School, wears a brown blazer and smiles

Kiana Morris

Principal, Promise Academy II Elementary School

Our Approach

To keep our scholars progressing toward college and career, HCZ Promise Academy Elementary Schools focuses on building strong foundational skills.

Scholars engage in rigorous instruction in math, language arts, history, social studies, and the sciences. These subjects, combined with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, prepare them for the state’s Common Core standards.

Beyond academics, character development is a central component of our curriculum. Scholars learn about and cultivate key traits such as integrity, empathy, confidence, and determination. Scholars also engage in regular physical and nutritional education and enjoy exposure to the arts, music, and the vast cultural opportunities that New York City has to offer.

Scholars leave Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy Elementary School with a strong love of learning and a deep appreciation for community engagement. They leave ready to thrive in HCZ Promise Academy Middle Schools.

HCZ Promise Academy Elementary School scholars raises hand in a classroom.
HCZ Promise Academy Elementary School teacher and scholars read in a classroom.
HCZ Promise Academy Elementary School teacher and scholars read in a classroom.

After School

HCZ Promise Academy Elementary After School augments scholars’ academic, personal, and social development.

Holistic and multidisciplinary, our after-school program focuses on high-quality arts, civics, and wellness. All activities are thematic and project based, incorporating positive youth development along with social and emotional learning.

After School Offerings

  • Enrichments & Arts: Dance, Arts & Crafts, Theater, Media Arts, Step, Creative Lab
  • Leadership: Team Building, Character Education, Student Government
  • Wellness: Fitness, Nutrition, Family Fit

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

Promise Academy Creed

Athletics

Participation in athletics helps our scholars grow, learn, and develop key cognitive and non-cognitive abilities.

We design sports programs that foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and ethical and responsible behavior both on and off the field. Our coaches instill behaviors that will lead scholars to better and healthier lives.

Winning is not the be all end all. Rather, we encourage scholar athletes to be their best, which prepares them for achievement throughout their lives.

Young girls preparing to run a race

Athletics at HCZ Promise Academy:

  • Boys Basketball
  • Girls Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Co-ed Flag Football
  • Soccer
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
  • Yoga

Enroll

HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools enrolls children in grades K-8, with preference given to those living in our 103-block – and growing — Zone. There is no cost to apply to or attend the schools.

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.

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

Locations and Contact

HCZ Promise Academy Middle School scholar reads in library.

Learn More

HCZ Promise Academy® Middle Schools

Middle school is a critical time for scholars, full of change and growth. Our approach ensures they will be prepared with the advanced skills needed to excel academically, socially, and emotionally in high school.