Principal's Message
A Message From Our Principal
Welcome to P.S. 83 Luis Munoz Rivera — a school where every child is known, valued, and challenged to reach their highest potential. I am incredibly proud to serve as the principal of this extraordinary community, and I am grateful every day for the students, families, and staff who make P.S. 83 such a special place to learn and grow.
Our school's results speak for themselves. With a 77% math proficiency rate and a 74% ELA proficiency rate — both more than 20 points above the New York State average — P.S. 83 stands as one of the highest achieving elementary schools in all of District 4. But behind every number is a child who worked hard, a teacher who believed in them, and a family that showed up. That is what we are most proud of.
At P.S. 83, excellence is not reserved for a few — it is the standard for every single student. Through our Ladder of Support and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), we identify what each child needs early and respond with the right level of help, whether that means enrichment, intervention, or something in between. No child falls through the cracks here.
Our teachers are exceptional — experienced, dedicated professionals who bring creativity and rigor into every classroom, every day. They build relationships with students that go beyond academics, helping children that will serve them for a lifetime.
To every family considering P.S. 83: we would love to welcome you into our community. Come visit us. Walk our halls, meet our teachers, and see for yourself what makes this school extraordinary. I promise you will feel it the moment you walk in the door.
Frances Castillo, Principal
Maria Baldanza, Assistant Principal
Every Child Is Known
Small class sizes and strong relationships mean no student is anonymous here. Every child has a name, a story, and an adult who shows up for them daily.
High Expectations
We believe in what every student can achieve — and we set the bar accordingly. Excellence is the standard for all, not a privilege for few.
Real Support
MTSS and our Ladder of Support ensure every learner gets exactly what they need — whether that means enrichment, intervention, or something in between.
Mathematics Proficiency: Grades 3-5
77%
#1 in District 4 Open-Enrollment
ELA Proficiency: Grades 3-5
74%
+21 pts above NYS average
Science Proficiency: Grade 5
72%
+27 pts above NYS average
Grades Served
3K–5
East Harlem, New York
Explore Our School
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Frances Castillo, Principal
Leading P.S. 83 with an unwavering commitment to equitable excellence — ensuring every student, every day, in every classroom, reaches their potential.
Maria Baldanza, Assistant Principal
Partnering with teachers, families, and students to build the academic systems and school culture that make exceptional outcomes possible.