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Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy High Schools prepare students to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

Alongside rigorous instruction, which includes advanced placement courses, scholars engage in community service projects, college exposures, and a variety of internships so that they build the academic, social, and professional skills needed to excel in any environment.

Ultimately, all of our scholars will be responsible, conscientious citizens — prepared both to succeed in post-graduation opportunities and make a positive impact on their communities.

Keep scrolling to discover more about our world-class Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy® High Schools.

Kaitlyn Conley

Principal, Promise Academy 2 High School

Amy Deal

Principal, Promise Academy 1 High School

Our Approach

College readiness is the cornerstone of everything we do at Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy High Schools — and a rigorous, standards-based curriculum is just the beginning.

We also provide standardized test preparation courses and one-on-one tutoring as needed in a range of subjects. Scholars also engage in team sports, community service projects, and recreation and enrichment activities aimed at developing their skill sets, fueling their passions, and strengthening their character. Events such as debates and academic competitions build on coursework, while fostering determination, resilience, and critical thinking skills.

Group of girls pose in front of NYU banner

Scholars visit college campus so they can discover schools and make informed decisions about those that will best fit their needs and career goals.


Many scholars also participate in pre-college programs over the summer to help prepare them for the responsibilities, challenges, and culture of college life. Finally, career exposure experiences — from visits to local companies to workshops with successful professionals — expand their understanding of the paths available to them in their fields of interest, as well as the practical steps required to realize their dreams.

In 2012, we celebrated the graduation of the first Promise Academy High School senior class. It was an extraordinary event — and not just because 100 percent of our seniors were accepted to college. That was only the start.

After School Program

The Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy High School After School program brings additional support and learning opportunities to scholars.

All activities are thematic and project based, incorporating positive youth development and social and emotional learning. Each enrichment offering incrementally advances students through well-defined performance standards and builds towards mastery in STEM, arts, civics, and health & wellness programming.

We encourage scholars to explore a diverse range of activities, discuss and think critically about those activities, and learn the skills necessary for college success. Our character education and leadership development components support social and emotional learning and positive relationships with adults and peers.

Ultimately, we aim to enhance students’ soft skills to prepare them for professional and civic responsibilities in high school and beyond.
 

After School Offerings

  • Leadership Offerings: Your Voice Matters, Youth Advisory Council
  • STEM: Code Busters, Robotics
  • Arts: Dance, Theater, Broadway Bound, Creative Writing, Media Arts, Culinary Arts, Chess
  • Health & Wellness: Nutrition, Fitness

 

Athletics

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

Guided by our values, 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 students to better and healthier lives.

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

High school students stand at starting line on a race track

Athletics at Promise

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

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

Promise Academy Creed

Enrollment and Lottery

Apply to Promise

Enrollment at HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools is based on a lottery system.

Our lottery gives preference to residents of our 97-block Zone to ensure that we support children and families with the greatest needs. All eligible applications submitted are automatically entered into the lottery and no further steps are needed.

If your child is not accepted during the initial lottery (as determined by his or her random lottery number), he or she will be placed on our waitlist. We update the waitlist regularly and will notify you if your child becomes accepted.

Locations and Contact