P.S. 194 Countee Cullen

It has been very apparent that since we got a new principal that the school has improved considerably. The movement towards more music and arts pograms has been great. There is a renewed enthusiasm in the school and the children seem excited about what is happenning.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very glad to know that the school will not be phasing out grades k-2 next year. Last minute parent participation and with the hard work of C.O.R.E., the school will remain open. I am a parent of 2 children that attend the school, however I will not be letting my children return. The school is not academically up to par. My children will be attending a charter next year. I have chosen to better my children education instead of just letting them get by. P.S. 194M is in need of complete restructering. New teacher's, new staff, new administration. They have failed our children in the past 4 years why should we give them another year to continue to do so? Audrey Wilson, parent/ PTA Member
—Submitted by a parent

Student achievement has improved in the past few years according to standardized assessments. The school culture needs a lot of improvement. There are many behavior/ emotional issues within the student body and the school is not eqipped to deal with the volume. Many veteran teachers are resistant to change for best practices. They are burnt out. There are some great staff members that put forth much effort to build collaboration among staff community, but often burnt out due to the overwhelming lack of positive culture among students, teachers, and parent. Teacher tunover is high. A large portion of the student body is 'at-risk' academically and emotionally. The last couple of administrators have put forth much effort to improve the school. The school has improved, but it is still far below standards in many areas. This school would benefit from a complete restructure.
—Submitted by a teacher

PS 194 is one of the worst schools in Harlem. My daughter failed Math last year. My daughter attended summer school and they didn't even give her 4th grade math. It had more to do with her attendance than it did with her actually learning. At the end of the summer, her grade was still at level 1 and she was promoted to the 5th grade anyway. All they are concerned with is getting descent grades on the city's standardized tests. They don't even teach the kids penmanship. Parents don't get involved because school's a daycare service. The school's phones have been out for 3 days...emergency! 194 is definitely not most improved.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree. There needs to be better communication between parent and administration. There needs to be a better partnership between the two. This is what helps make a good and decent school.
—Submitted by a former student

the school could and would be a lot better if there was more parent partcipation and communication with the administration. overall it's a good school.
—Submitted by ora brown, a parent