HCZ Promise Academy^® Middle Schools

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Promise Academy Middle Schools offer an enriched learning environment and an encompassing system of supports designed for the whole child.

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.

Keep scrolling to discover more about HCZ Promise Academy Middle Schools.

To help our scholars navigate their middle school years and prepare for the increased responsibilities of high school, we provide them with rigorous academic instruction, as well as wraparound supports to stay on track academically, socially, and emotionally.

Core training in math and language arts is coupled with deeper study in the humanities and sciences. Early exposure to literary classics helps scholars heighten and refine their reading and analytical skills, while fully-equipped science labs and expert instruction help them discover the rigors and rewards of inquiry and experimentation.

Activities such as Model United Nations provide opportunities for scholars to apply their coursework in the “real world” while at the same time developing confidence and communication skills.

Social-emotional learning is also an area of emphasis for all middle school scholars. Scholars engage in group discussions of issues such as peer pressure, insecurity, bullying, and conflict management. Trained social workers and guidance counselors give scholars individualized support and offer parents and staff the expertise to provide consistent, coordinated support at home and at school.

We are committed to providing our scholars an exceptional education. We promise to do this in a safe, supportive environment, where they explore their interests and come to better understand the world around them and their place and boundless potential within it.

HCZ Promise Academy Middle School Afterschool program provides additional support and learning opportunities.

All activities are thematic and project based, incorporating positive youth development and social and emotional learning. Each enrichment builds toward 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 scholars’ soft skills in order to prepare them for professional and civic responsibilities in high school and beyond.

After School Enrichment 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

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.

Athletics at HCZ Promise Academy

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

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.