Serving 638 students in grades Kindergarten-8, P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 638 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior's student population of 638 students has declined by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 60 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
638 students
Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
School Rankings
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior is 0.34, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3171 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
10%
Hispanic
80%
31%
Black
16%
15%
White
1%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior's ranking?
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior is ranked #3171 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior?
638 students attend P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior?
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior offer ?
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior part of?
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior is part of New York City Geographic District #10.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior located?
P.s. 279 Capt Manuel Rivera Junior is located in the Fordham Heights neighborhood of Bronx, NY. There are 11 other public schools located in Fordham Heights.
School Reviews
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