P.S. 200 seen from above: the school building, its rooftop playground and the tree-lined block of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem.

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.

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 →
Class of 2026 flyer for P.S. 200 fifth graders, hand-lettered “We Are Harlem” in graffiti style above the school’s panther seal, listing senior dues, the senior trip and the graduation ceremony.

Fifth Grade Class of 2026 — Graduation & Senior Events

Our fifth graders are getting ready to celebrate their move to middle school. Here’s what’s coming up.

Senior dues
Due April 1 – May 27. Pay in full or in installments.
Senior trip — Signature Lunch Cruise
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers. Students meet at school at 8:00 AM.
Graduation ceremony
Monday, June 22, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive. Graduates must arrive by 9:00 AM.
  • 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.

  • The P.S. 200 school store, stocked with school-branded clothing.

    School Store

    Come inside to get your PS 200 S.W.A.G.

  • 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)