Aerial view over Harlem: the Harlem River and Harlem River Drive in the foreground, the towers and streets around P.S. 200, and the Manhattan skyline on the horizon.

Home of the Panthers

Where the search
for knowledge begins
and never ends

P.S. 200 The James McCune Smith School is a 3-K through Grade 5 New York City public school in Harlem.

November 2026 calendar for P.S. 200. Monday, Nov 2: OmniLearn After School begins, Grades 1–5 (selected students). Tuesday, Nov 3: Remote Instruction (Google Meet), 8:30 AM. Thursday, Nov 5: Half Day, dismissal at 11:30 AM; virtual parent-teacher conferences 1:00–3:00 PM and 4:30–7:30 PM. Friday, Nov 6: Picture Day for 3K, 4K, Kindergarten, Ms. Thompson’s class and all 3 AIMS classes. Wednesday, Nov 11: Veterans Day, no school. Friday, Nov 13: Picture Day for Grades 1 and 2, Ms. Dume’s class and Ms. Santiago’s class; PTA Meeting, 10:00 AM. Wednesday, Nov 18: SLT Meeting (School Leadership Team). Friday, Nov 20: Picture Day for Grades 3–5 and Ms. Lawrence’s class. Wednesday, Nov 25: No After School (OmniLearn). Thursday and Friday, Nov 26–27: Thanksgiving Recess, no school. Attendance Reward: all classes that have 100% attendance all five days (Monday in school, Tuesday present remotely, Wednesday in school, Thursday half day with 11:30 dismissal, Friday in school) will receive a pizza and donut party. School hours: 8:00 AM – 2:20 PM. After School Dismissal: 5:00 PM sharp.

We are Harlem.Limitless potential.

Our vision at PS 200 is to support the whole student—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. We aim to cultivate a passion for learning and equip students with the necessary tools and experiences to thrive. By integrating technology and implementing innovative practices, we are committed to preparing our students to become successful, engaged, and contributing members of their community and the world.

The P.S. 200 panther, the school’s mascot.

Painted on our wall

By any meansnecessary

The school’s community mural: the words “By Any Means Necessary” hand-painted in large cyan letters across a magenta, orange and purple wall, with painted figures of basketball and tennis players, a boxer, a gymnast and a dancer, and a man in a suit reading a book titled “Safe Harlem” to a young girl. The words Love, Family, Peace, Harlem, Community and Hope are lettered in the spaces between them.
The school’s “We Are Harlem” artwork: the words WE ARE HARLEM in bubbled orange and yellow graffiti lettering beside the round P.S. 200 panther seal, both painted on a brick wall covered in dense cobalt, vermilion, amber and lime paint spatter.
“We Are Harlem” — the spattered brick wall this site takes its colours from.

Our students walk past these walls every morning. The names of the people on them change with who is looking — but the words painted between them do not.

  • Love
  • Family
  • Peace
  • Harlem
  • Community
  • Hope

News & Announcements

All news →
  • A grade 2 classroom supply list posted by the school.

    2026-2027 Supply List (3-K to 5th Grade)

    Please take a moment to check the supply list for each grade.

  • The school’s arrival and dismissal notice for families.

    Arrival & Dismissal Notice

    Updated arrival and dismissal procedures for families.

  • Notice announcing the citywide distraction-free schools cell phone policy.

    New Cell Phone Policy

    NYC Public Schools are going distraction-free this year. Under a new citywide policy, students may not use personal cell phones or internet-enabled devices — smartwatches and tablets included — during the school day, bell to bell. Devices may still be brought to school, but must be stored securely. The school provides a safe place to store them, and a way for families to reach students if needed.

  • A colour-coded mood meter used with students at the school.

    Welcome to our wonderful community

    How are you? Our mood meter helps every student name how they feel and ask for what they need.

Desiree LaFontaine, Principal of P.S. 200 The James McCune Smith School.

Principal’s Corner

“Make good choices.”

One of the things you will hear me say often is, “Make good choices.” It is a simple phrase, but it carries a powerful message.

Making good choices means showing kindness, working hard, taking responsibility, learning from mistakes, and doing what is right even when no one is watching. These are the qualities that help our students become successful not only in school, but in life.

I believe every child deserves a school where they feel safe, valued, challenged, and loved.

Desiree LaFontainePrincipal

Read the full message

Upcoming Events

Full calendar →

  • Sep11

    Attendance Assembly — Invitation Only

    8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Oct9

    Attendance Assembly — Invitation Only

    8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Oct12

    Indigenous Peoples’ Day

    School closed

  • Oct31

    Halloween

  • Nov11

    Veterans Day

    School closed

  • Nov13

    Attendance Assembly — Invitation Only

    8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Nov26

    Thanksgiving Holidays

    School closed

  • Nov27

    Thanksgiving Holidays

    School closed

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a positive, nurturing, and safe learning environment that activates students’ academic strengths and supports emotional well-being by providing rich learning experiences that develop and foster high academic achievements, incorporate student interests, and voice that builds self-confidence.

Where the Search for Knowledge Begins and NEVER Ends

Mission & vision

Panther Links

Stay connected@harlemsps200 on Instagram (opens in a new tab)