North Houston’s City Place continues to evolve and is fast approaching its next major milestone as tuition-free Texas charter system Harmony Public Schools prepares to welcome approximately 430 students to the community’s inaugural school – Harmony Science Academy – City Place – on August 13.
Construction of the first phase with classrooms initially assigned to Pre-K through sixth grade students is mostly complete with punch list items anticipated to be finalized in the next month. Future development on the 28.9-acre tract – acquired from City Place master developer CDC Houston in 2022 – include an adjacent middle and high school campus with construction commencing again in 2027. Phased openings with the addition of a new grade level each year will culminate in Harmony Science Academy – City Place’s first high school graduating class and a total enrollment of 800 students across all classes in 2032.
Harmony Science Academy – City Place is currently accepting applications for both students and team members. Interested families and individuals can apply online at www.hsacityplace.harmonytx.org or reach out to registrar Ms. Podio at [email protected]. School tours are now underway.
According to CDC Executive Vice President Warren W. Wilson, “The addition of Harmony Public Schools, a proven leader in STEM education and character development, is an exciting step in our evolution as a community.”
At the helm of this new chapter is Founding Principal Elyse Pravel, whose journey with Harmony Public Schools is a full-circle story of passion, purpose and leadership. A proud Harmony alumna, Pravel has served as an intern, teacher, assistant principal, and most recently, principal resident before stepping into her current role.
With 25 years of experience and 76 campuses statewide, Harmony is Texas’ largest and one of its longest-standing charter systems, known for a strong focus on STEM, project-based learning and character development. Harmony students consistently outperform state averages on STAAR, NWEA MAP and other key assessments, and they maintain a 100% college acceptance rate. By fostering a culture of ethical, civic-minded and compassionate behavior, Harmony supports students’ social-emotional growth alongside their academic success. As of 2024, more than half of all Harmony campuses have been designated State Schools of Character – more than any other school system in the nation.
The new City Place campus is part of Harmony’s “A”-rated Houston North District, which has earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and Character.org. Situated in a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly community at the axis of the Grand Parkway, I-45, and Hardy Toll Road, the campus offers students and families a vibrant, accessible environment surrounded by trails, green space, and LEED-certified infrastructure.
