Extended Day

Harlem Academy is open from 7:15 a.m. until 6 p.m. Students who arrive early are welcome to have a full breakfast in our cafe, use the play yard, or read quietly. At the end of the day, students have time to complete their homework, participate in our mentoring program, and pursue activities of interest during a choice block for primary and elementary students and an electives block for middle schoolers.

Students in grades 2-5 have the option to participate in enrichment, which offers a chance to discover new interests and deepen their exploration of areas they already enjoy. Led by our full-time teachers, each day will focus on a different enrichment option: STEM, art, Spanish, sports/games, and chess club or academic support. 

Enrichment is followed by study hall, which is a quiet time for students to complete their homework. Students are welcome to work with lead teachers during this period if they need extra help, but we encourage independence and the development of strong organization and time management skills. 

Fun Fridays are a new privilege for elementary and middle school students. Held from 5-5:45 p.m. for elementary school and 4:35-5:45 p.m. for middle school, students end the week with special games and other choice activities in their classrooms. Activities are announced each week, and can include anything from ping pong tournaments to kickball games.

Middle schoolers are encouraged to join our after-school clubs, which include chess, math, Spanish, and STEM or to take advantage of study hall as a quiet place to complete homework independently or work with our lead teachers if they need extra help. 

Students have the option to work with a mentor, generally an adult or recent alumnus working as a volunteer, on a weekly basis either before or after school. Mentors are assigned based on teacher recommendations and parent interest and can offer academic extension activities and additional engagement around writing or independent reading.