Average
#3490 of 4,739 schools in NY
PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR
Elementary School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #10
2100 WALTON AVE, Bronx, NY 10453
Enrollment
699
Student-Teacher
10.8:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
699
Student-Teacher
10.8:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bronx
#335 of 450
public schools
New York elementary schools
#1,880 of 2,549
In district
#66 of 83
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #10
School environment
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR
PS 279 CAPT MANUEL RIVERA JR is an elementary school located in the Bronx, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. With a total enrollment of 699 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10.8:1, PS 279 offers a relatively small class size compared to many other schools. The school has 65 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to providing an educational environment in the heart of a large city.
PS 279’s academic performance reflects areas where there is room for improvement. According to MySchoolScout's rating system, PS 279 scores a 2.8 out of 10 and ranks at #4387 out of 4758 schools in New York State, placing it in the 8th percentile statewide. The school’s average proficiency rates for ELA/Reading are 35%, while Math proficiency stands at 17%.
Despite these challenges, PS 279 remains committed to fostering student development and growth. PS 279 is situated in a bustling city neighborhood, offering students a diverse range of cultural and educational experiences.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR — Students at PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 15 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.0/10.
How PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR Compares
See how PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 31% (2019) to 17% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 32% (2019) to 37% (2021).
Location
2100 WALTON AVE, Bronx, NY 10453
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PS 306 (rated 7.3/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PS 209 (rated 7.2/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PS 163 ARTHUR A SCHOMBERG (rated 6.7/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bronx, see our Bronx schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SCHOOL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CITIZENSHIP Bronx | 0.1 mi | 4.3 |
| ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR MATH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Bronx | 0.1 mi | 6.4 |
| CRESTON ACADEMY Bronx | 0.1 mi | 7.1 |
| KIPP FREEDOM CHARTER SCHOOL Bronx | 0.2 mi | 4.2 |
| PS 91 Bronx | 0.3 mi | 5.7 |
| IS 206 ANN MERSEREAU Bronx | 0.3 mi | 4.8 |
| ST MARGARET MARY SCHOOL Bronx | 0.4 mi | 5.6 |
| HOPE ACADEMY OF THE BRONX Bronx | 0.4 mi | — |
| PS 291 Bronx | 0.4 mi | 4.4 |
| PS 15 INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING Bronx | 0.4 mi | 3.8 |
| PS 28 MOUNT HOPE Bronx | 0.4 mi | 4.5 |
| PS 9 RYER AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bronx | 0.4 mi | 6.0 |
| ACADEMY FOR PERSONAL LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE Bronx | 0.4 mi | 6.1 |
| PS 306 Bronx | 0.4 mi | 7.3 |
| BRONX SCHOOL OF YOUNG LEADERS (THE) Bronx | 0.4 mi | 6.4 |
| CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR LAW AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Bronx | 0.4 mi | 4.7 |
| PS 163 ARTHUR A SCHOMBERG Bronx | 0.4 mi | 6.7 |
| IS 117 JOSEPH H WADE Bronx | 0.5 mi | 8.0 |
| YOUNG WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SCHOOL OF THE BRONX Bronx | 0.5 mi | 8.0 |
| PS 209 Bronx | 0.4 mi | 7.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 10453 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$35,482
Median Home Value
$580,100
Median Rent
$1,393/mo
Population
78,270
College Educated
14.5%
Homeownership
4.9%
Avg Commute
42.9 min
Poverty Rate
33.7%
Median Age
34.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR has a median household income of $35,482. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $580,100, with a median rent of $1,393/month. The area has a poverty rate of 33.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute in the area is 43 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ACTIVE LEARNING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (THE) Flushing, NY | 5.3 |
| ATTICA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Attica, NY | 5.3 |
| CHARLOTTE SIDWAY SCHOOL Grand Island, NY | 5.3 |
| CORDELLO AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Central Islip, NY | 5.3 |
| ELLA FITZGERALD ACADEMY Yonkers, NY | 5.3 |
| HELLENIC CLASSICAL CHARTER SCHOOL Brooklyn, NY | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR
What grades does PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR serve?
PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR?
PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR has an enrollment of approximately 699 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR?
The student-teacher ratio at PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR is 10.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR rank in NY?
PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR is ranked #3490 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR's MySchoolScout rating?
PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR has a composite rating of 5.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR has 17.1% math proficiency and 34.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR a charter school?
No, PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR a Title I school?
No, PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR?
97.6% of students at PS 279 Capt Manuel Rivera JR qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 699
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 65
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Bronx County
- Phone
- (718) 584-6004
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #10- District Enrollment
- 43,655
- Schools in District
- 83
- District Rank
- #66 of 83
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
- Best Public Schools in New York 2026: Top Districts from NYC to the Suburbsbest schools
- Best Schools in New York, NY — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
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