El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) just kicked off a promising academic year with an impressive overall "B" rating from the Texas Education Agency, a significant jump from their previous standings. According to a recent announcement by Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre, 15 EPISD schools attained an "A" rating this time around, which marks a notable increase from the four that did so last year. The upward trend also manifested itself in the rise of campuses earning a "B," going from 22 to 24, as noted by El Paso ISD.
In Aguirre's message, it's evident that the district is celebrating not just numerical ratings, but also the distinction designations that four schools achieved across all available categories. Among those are Charles Middle School, Hawkins Elementary School, Milam Elementary School, and Young Women’s STEAM Academy. Elevating the district's academic profile, these distinctions call out performance in critical subjects and arenas such as Math, Science, Social Studies, and Academic Growth. Meanwhile, the strides in "Closing the Gaps" underscore the steps taken to ensure that all students, regardless of background, are making progress.
The accolades don't halt at institutional achievements. The district highlighted the individual accomplishments of its students and staff, serving as testaments to how personal drive and professional dedication foster success. For instance, Young Women’s STEAM Academy senior, Catherine Cardenas, earned a rare opportunity to intern at NASA after being selected from a competitive pool of over 3,000 applicants, as per El Paso ISD. Cardenas represents the kind of ambition EPISD fosters, having worked with NASA scientists to study urban environmental challenges.
Recognition also extends to EPISD's educators. John Gable, a Delta Academy welding instructor, has been lauded for accomplishing a 100% certification rate with his students in the Challenge Program. Sandra Iglesias and Mary Bejarano, teachers at Cielo Vista Elementary and Hornedo Middle School, respectively, are contenders for Region 19 Teacher of the Year after being named EPISD’s top teachers for 2024–25. Their innovation and dedication in teaching will be on display at the upcoming Starlight Event Center.
