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Seven Reasons Families Choose HCZ Promise Academy

Female scholar and her mother smiling at the camera, posed for a photo in the gym.

Choosing a school for your scholar? We know this is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. From the moment your scholar walks through our doors, we empower them with the resources and opportunities to succeed in college, career, and life.

We’ll do this all at no cost to you! That’s right: tuition at HCZ Promise Academy is completely free.

Our state-of-the-art school buildings include:

  • Promise Academy I (245 West 129th Street)
  • Promise Academy II High School and Middle School (35 East 125th Street)
  • Promise Academy II Elementary School (70 East 112th Street)

Here are seven reasons Harlem families choose HCZ Promise Academy:

Your scholar will receive high-quality instruction from the best teachers in the field. They are talented, committed educators who truly care about our scholars.

Young female scholar and teacher in a classroom smiling

We believe that scholars’ experiences — both inside and outside the classroom — are key to their success. We offer an after-school program every school day from 4–7 PM, where scholars can participate in athletics, the arts, karate, chess club, and much more.

Scholars playing basketball in the gym.

From uniforms to backpacks — and even laptops! — we provide our scholars with everything they need to be their best at school.

young male scholar sitting at his desk at school writing.

Your scholar will enjoy nutritious and delicious meals for free daily. A sample of our menu includes: omelets for breakfast, Caribbean oxtails for lunch, and granola bars for snacks. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Two chefs cooking in the kitchen.

We believe that academics alone won’t make a scholar successful. Through our social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, your child will learn about self-awareness, responsible decision-making, conflict management, and other critical life skills they need to be well-rounded, thriving adults. Your scholar will also get personalized support from trained social workers and guidance counselors to overcome those challenges and become the best versions of themselves.

Teacher and pre-school scholar sharing a hi-five

We’re committed to getting our scholars to and through college. Each academic year, nearly 100% of our scholars are accepted to college. To prepare them, scholars tour college campuses, take Advanced Placement courses (if they choose), and hear from HCZ Promise Academy alumni. Through our Wealth Builds initiative, they will learn how to save for the future and gain access to investment and scholarship opportunities.

Scholars smiling and standing back to back in the hallway

Your scholar will benefit from HCZ’s free, comprehensive cradle-to-career network of programs and services, designed to help them succeed every step of the way. This includes nutrition education through our signature Healthy Harlem program, social services, and a range of youth after-school programs that level the playing field for our scholars and put them on the path to success.

Group image of scholars celebrating graduating