PS 197 JOHN B RUSSWURM

PS 197 JOHN B RUSSWURM is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 5 school district, located in NEW YORK, NY with about 307 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 26 teachers, PS 197 JOHN B RUSSWURM has a student/teacher ratio of about 11:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

P.S. 197, also known as the John B. Russwurm School, is located in the Central Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan. Named after John Brown Russwurm, a prominent 19th-century abolitionist and the first African American to graduate from an American college, the school carries a historical legacy rooted in empowerment and academic achievement. Serving students in the local community, the school focuses on providing a comprehensive elementary education that encourages both personal growth and foundational academic skills within a supportive urban environment.

The school is part of the New York City Department of Education’s District 5. As with many schools in the area, P.S. 197 emphasizes community engagement and strives to create an inclusive atmosphere that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Harlem. By fostering a collaborative relationship between educators, families, and students, the school aims to prepare its young learners for the rigors of middle school and beyond, maintaining a commitment to the spirit of its namesake, who spent his life championing education and equality.

For more information, contact PS 197 JOHN B RUSSWURM at (212) 690-5960 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.