Programs

Co-curriculars & Extracurriculars

Co-curricular Programs

A Harlem Academy education extends beyond academics – it’s about nurturing the whole child. That’s why all our students enjoy daily recess in our outdoor play yard, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, and a curriculum that seamlessly integrates visual and performing arts, physical and health education, and chess. These experiences cultivate creativity, confidence, and well-being so that every child is set up to thrive.

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  • Visual and performing arts

    We guide students in developing foundational skills across arts disciplines, discovering new interests, and experiencing the joy of creating art. In partnership with our neighbor, Harlem School of the Arts, students learn from professional teaching artists in specialized dance, theater, music, and art studios. Throughout the year, showcases provide opportunities for families to celebrate their children’s artistic growth.

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  • Chess

    Chess at Harlem Academy is more than a game. It’s a dynamic tool for developing critical thinking, confidence, and personal development. With instruction woven into the weekly program for kindergarten through fifth grade, our vibrant chess culture fosters strategic thinking and perseverance. Through interactive lessons, students progress from learning the basic rules and piece movements to mastering more advanced strategies and techniques. Every student receives a subscription to ChessKid, an online platform that allows them to practice independently and sharpen their skills beyond the classroom.

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  • Physical education

    Physical education at Harlem Academy builds motor skills and fitness as well as confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. Younger students have frequent opportunities for exercise, while older students refine their skills through more in-depth training. Primary students participate in daily 35-minute sessions, while elementary and middle school students have longer sessions throughout the week. The curriculum introduces a variety of exercises and activities, with each trimester dedicated to a specific sport: tennis in the fall, fencing in the winter, and soccer in the spring.

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  • Health

    Our comprehensive K-8 curriculum develops the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and develop positive habits. Core areas of focus include emotional and mental health; personal health and wellness; safety, injury, and violence prevention; food and nutrition; physical activity; alcohol, drug, and tobacco prevention; and healthy relationships, growth and development, and sexual health (starting in fifth grade). Beyond understanding key health concepts, students develop essential skills around goal setting, decision-making, accessing information, analyzing influences, interpersonal communication, and self-advocacy.

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  • Advisory

    Character education at Harlem Academy is rooted in our School Creed and four community pillars: initiative, integrity, compassion, and determination. Students learn the Creed as kindergartners, carrying it with them as they grow. It serves as a foundation for reflection and improvement, a catalyst for discussion in advisory and community meetings, and a touchpoint for daily lessons across academic subjects.  Our advisory program guides students in building meaningful connections, developing social-emotional skills, and creating a personal understanding of how our School Creed connects to their daily decisions and aspirations.

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Extracurricular Programs

With an extended day until 5:45 p.m., students engage in a variety of extracurricular activities. Whether discovering a hidden talent or deepening an existing skill, students continue learning long after the final bell rings. The program grows with our students – starting with a choice block in kindergarten, expanding to a different option every day by second grade, and offering multiple choices each day in middle school.

Schoolwide

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  • Chess Club

    Checkmate!

    Chess is part of our core curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, but opportunities don’t stop there. Students at all grade levels can join the chess team, where they receive tailored instruction based on skill and age and compete in matches with their peers. Team members put their skills to the test in weekend tournaments against other New York City schools, and the most dedicated players have the chance to compete in the state championship. These competitions help students learn to think ahead and approach each match with a strategic mindset - skills that serve students beyond the chessboard.

  • Homework

    Finish homework.

    We encourage even our youngest learners to complete their homework independently. However, for all grades, teachers are available to answer questions and provide additional practice. The structured environment allows students to develop strong organization and time management skills, complete their work, and prepare for tests.

  • Mentor Program

    Connect with a mentor.

    Students can meet with a mentor weekly for academic extension activities, such as writing, independent reading, and habit development. Mentors are thoughtfully assigned based on teacher recommendations and parent interest, providing students with individualized support to strengthen their academic foundation and holistic growth.

Grades 2-5

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  • Art Club

    Creativity reigns.

    Our art enrichment nurtures creativity through guided projects in drawing, painting, mixed media, and music. Budding artists develop confidence, imaginative thinking, and an appreciation for the arts as they explore color, texture, and composition.

  • Stem Club

    Calling future scientists!

    In our STEM enrichment, students dive into hands-on projects that fuel their curiosity. This program advances problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration – essential skills for future scientists and engineers.

  • Spanish Club

    ¡Hola!

    Through interactive lessons, students in our Spanish enrichment explore traditions, celebrations, and notable figures from Spanish-speaking countries. This engaging approach builds an appreciation for cultural diversity and global perspectives while developing vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills.

  • Games & More

    Game on!

    Students stay active and learn sportsmanship and communication through board games, structured challenges, and sports. This program builds camaraderie, discipline, perseverance, and communication skills in a fun and engaging environment.

  • Primary Press

    Newsworthy and ready! 

    Primary Press is a weekly club where second graders create their own mini newsletter. Students contribute news updates about their classroom and school, book reviews, interviews, and fun features like comics, jokes, and weather reports. Each month, their work is compiled into a colorful newsletter shared with families, offering a special window into the students’ lives. This project encourages creativity, teamwork, and helps students find their voices while experiencing the joy of publishing their own newsletter.

Grades 6-8

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  • Track & Cross Country Team

    Go Harlem Academy!

    In the fall, our interscholastic cross-country team competes against other independent schools in a series of meets at the historic Van Cortlandt Park course. In the spring, our interscholastic track team competes in a variety of events, including sprints, distance runs, hurdles, shot put, and long jump.

  • Stem Club

    Problem solvers wanted!

    Our STEM club allows students to tackle real-world problems using trial and error, simple machine-building, and basic engineering principles. Our goal is to spark students’ intellectual curiosity by demonstrating that science is not an abstract set of concepts to memorize but an active process.

  • Theater Club

    Step into the limelight.

    Our theater club stages a winter musical, offering experience in both performing and behind-the-scenes set design. Students rehearse three times per week, building confidence and collaboration.

  • Spanish Club

    ¿Qué tal?

    Our Spanish club allows middle schoolers to develop basic vocabulary, grammar, and real-world conversational skills through engaging topics and independent practice.

  • Literary Magazine

    Seeking storytellers.

    Our literary magazine club curates and publishes student poetry, stories, and photography. Each issue centers on a theme, challenging students to present their peers’ creative work in thoughtful and visually striking ways. Students gain experience in editing, design, and collaboration as they bring each edition to life.

  • Yearbook Club

    Building skills and capturing memories.

    Yearbook Club offers students a unique opportunity to take ownership of a major school project — developing skills in photography, writing, editing, and graphic design along the way. As they document the school year, students grow as collaborators and leaders, all while creating a lasting keepsake for our community. It’s a meaningful way for students to build confidence and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

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Harlem Academy
655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030

P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org

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Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K-8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world.