P.S. 197 John B. Russwurm (05M197) is a public school in District 5, Central Harlem North-Polo Grounds, Manhattan, serving grades pre-K, K–5. In 2026, 23% of tested students were proficient in reading and 38% were proficient in math (NYC DOE). Enrollment was 206 students in 2025–26 (NYC DOE). The average K–5 class size was 15 students in 2025–26 (NYC DOE).
Visit school websiteThe one thing to remember
2026 reading proficiency is 23%, lower than most NYC elementary schools, including those with similar economic need; down 19 points from 2025.
Also worth knowing: Math is up 10 points since 2023, while citywide math rose 6 points.
100%
of parents trust the principal
99%
trust their child's teachers
97%
satisfied with the education overall
NYC School Survey 2026. 98% of families answered.
Students here gain less than at most schools serving similar students
Impact score: 0.35 · 11th percentile
The DOE compares results with those of students with similar starting points and backgrounds.
View this school's official NYC DOE School Quality SnapshotReading
23%
students scored at Level 3 or 4
83 students tested
33 students tested
50 students tested
Mathematics
38%
students scored at Level 3 or 4
85 students tested
33 students tested
52 students tested
Excludes charter schools. Weighted by students tested.
New York changed its grades 3–8 tests in 2023. Compare years from 2023 onward with each other, not with earlier years.
Citywide reading scores fell sharply in 2026; NYC Public Schools is reviewing the results. Source: NYC Public Schools
| Year | Reading | Math |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 13% | 16% |
| 2019 | 18% | 9% |
| 2022 | 19% | 17% |
| 2023 | 27% | 27% |
| 2024 | 27% | 33% |
| 2025 | 41% | 31% |
| 2026 | 23% | 38% |
Proficiency means scoring at Level 3 or above. Test scores are one measure of a school, not the whole experience.
Economic need index: 94%0.4 mi away
Economic need index: >95%0.6 mi away
Economic need index: 88%0.3 mi away
Economic need index: 90%0.6 mi away
Economic need index: 92%0.7 mi away
Economic need index: >95%0.6 mi away
Economic need index: 90%0.2 mi away
Economic need index: >95%0.5 mi away
Economic need index: 93%
Economic need index: 94%0.4 mi away
Economic need index: 88%0.3 mi away
Economic need index: 90%0.6 mi away
Economic need index: >95%0.6 mi away
Economic need index: 90%0.2 mi away
Economic need index: >95%0.5 mi away
Economic need index: 93%
Economic need index: 92%0.7 mi away
Economic need index: >95%0.6 mi away
| Measure | P.S. 197 John B. Russwurm | P.S. 175 Henry H Garnet |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 reading proficient | 23% (-19 points vs 2025) | 24% (-11 points vs 2025) |
| 2026 math proficient | 38% (+7 points vs 2025) | 42% (-1 points vs 2025) |
| Average K–5 class size (2025–26) | 15.0 | 18.2 |
| Enrollment (2025–26) | 206 | 295 |
| Student–teacher ratio (2025–26) | 6.1 | 12.0 |
| Family satisfaction (2026) | 97% | 94% |
| Principal trust (2026) | 100% | 96% |
| Teacher trust (2026) | 99% | 96% |
| Leadership (2026) | 99% | 96% |
| Distance between schools | 0.2 mi | |
P.S. 197 John B. Russwurm has higher family satisfaction (2026) than P.S. 175 Henry H Garnet (97% vs 94%) and higher trust in teachers (2026) (99% vs 96%).
Enrollment
206 students
pre-K, K–5 · down 21 over five years
NYC DOE · 2025–26
Class size
15
children in the average K–5 class; about 6.1 students per teacher (2025–26)
NYC DOE · 2025–26
English learners
15%
was 16% in 2024–25
NYC DOE · 2025–26
Economic need
92% of students live in poverty (2025–26)
Economic need index: 93% — the measure we use to compare similar schools.
NYC DOE · 2025–26
Special education
39%
of students here are in special education
NYC DOE · 2025–26
Student body: 6% White, 33% Hispanic, 0% Asian, 59% Black, 2% multiracial, 47% female, 53% male.
Economic need index: 93% — the measure we use to compare similar schools. It combines measures of students’ economic circumstances; it is not a measure of school quality.
NYC DOE · 2026 survey
NYC DOE · 2024–25
Admissions for NYC public schools go through MySchools. Check the attendance zone shown above; zones can change and do not guarantee a seat.
2230 5 AVENUE
Source: NYC DOE / NYSED, 2026 · School information · View this school's official NYC DOE School Quality Snapshot
Admissions for NYC public schools go through MySchools.