Glen Cove Elementary and Presa Elementary are among the 25 public schools recognized as 2026 Lone Star Ribbon Schools, according to the Texas Education Agency’s published honoree list. Both campuses are part of Ysleta ISD.
The TEA says the program recognizes schools for high academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps. Its published eligibility standards include an overall A rating, strong results across accountability areas and consistent student achievement on state assessments. The agency also says the selection process considers performance in reading and mathematics, results among student groups and measurable improvement in achievement gaps.
A sustained record in Ysleta ISD
The campuses’ recent record includes five consecutive years with an A rating from the TEA, KTSM 9 News reported. The station also reported that both earned all six 2026 TEA distinction designations: reading and language arts, math, science, academic growth, closing achievement gaps and postsecondary readiness.
The same KTSM report said the schools regularly appear on the Texas Honor Roll and have been ranked among El Paso’s top schools in the annual Texas School Rankings from Children At Risk.
A snapshot of Glen Cove’s student and assessment data
The available data provide a recent snapshot of Glen Cove rather than a five-year series. According to the Texas Tribune Schools Explorer, the school’s most recent state enrollment data show that 96.6% of students were Hispanic and 77.7% were economically disadvantaged. The same source reports that 74% of students met grade level in reading, 79% in math, 81% in science and 77% across all subjects.
Part of a new state program
Gov. Greg Abbott established the Lone Star Ribbon Schools program in 2025, and it replaced the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools program, according to the TEA. KTSM reported that Glen Cove and Presa are the first El Paso schools to receive the state designation.
The 2026 honorees include elementary, middle and high schools from districts across Texas. For Ysleta ISD, the designation adds a statewide recognition to the two campuses’ established record of academic performance.
