Ms. Francina joined Amber Charter Schools in the summer of 2007 as a teacher at the East Harlem School. She has nearly two decades of experience teaching and leading in K-8 settings. During her time with Amber Charter Schools, she served as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal in East Harlem. She recently served as the Inwood Founding Assistant Principal and was recently promoted to the principal for Inwood elementary.  As a dedicated educator, she has also acquired the expertise to best support teachers at varying levels of experience. 

Ms. Francina holds a bachelor's and master's degree from St. John’s University with a focus on Childhood Education as well as a Master’s degree in Reading Literacy. Her Post Graduate education includes a Certificate in School Leadership and Supervision from Hunter College.

She enjoys spending time with her family, including her daughter who graduated a few years ago from Amber Charter School East Harlem.

Dear Amber Community,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to our Amber community!

With the opening of our school in Inwood in 2021, throughout that school year and moving forward, I am still committed to ensuring that our school is a safe place where students can focus on developing their academic and social-emotional abilities in ways that will allow them to be key contributors to the community.  Preparing our students academically is our utmost goal as is building their character through the five character traits of the Amber Way: Achievement, CoMmunity, ResponsiBility, HonEsty, Respect

Having once been an Amber parent, I am well aware of what it means to be an Amber family and that you play a crucial role in the growth and development of your child. The partnership between our school and your family is essential to a successful experience for your child in every way possible, in which I am invested in.

We value your decision to entrust us with your child's education and development, through your choice of Amber.

Sincerely, 

Francina Yaw-Costello

Principal, Amber Charter School Inwood