Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. If you’re living in El Paso, Texas, or planning to move there soon, you’re in luck. The city has several top-rated schools that offer excellent academics, extracurriculars, and student support.
Whether you’re looking for public, private, or charter options, this list will help you find some of the top schools in El Paso for the 2025 academic year.
Top Public High Schools in El Paso
Public high schools in El Paso are known for their strong academic programs, sports, and college prep courses.
1. Coronado High School
Part of El Paso Independent School District (EPISD), Coronado offers AP classes, strong athletic programs, and a wide range of clubs. It’s known for its competitive academic environment and high graduation rate.
2. Franklin High School
Franklin is another standout in EPISD, with strong academics, a highly active student body, and plenty of college readiness programs. It’s popular for its STEM courses and robotics teams.
3. Eastwood High School
Located in the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD), Eastwood has a great reputation for academics and leadership programs. The school consistently ranks high for student performance.
Why choose public high schools in El Paso:
Access to Advanced Placement (AP) programs
Strong sports and arts programs
College and career counseling
Top Charter Schools in El Paso
Charter schools offer a mix of traditional and innovative teaching methods, with a focus on academic achievement.
1. Harmony Science Academy – El Paso
Harmony offers a strong STEM-focused curriculum and small class sizes. Students get access to robotics, coding, and science competitions.
2. IDEA Edgemere College Preparatory
Part of the IDEA Public Schools network, IDEA Edgemere focuses on preparing students for college. Their strict academic standards and structured environment help students excel.
3. Paso del Norte Academy
This school focuses on individual learning paths and helps students at different academic levels find success. It’s ideal for students who benefit from a more flexible approach.
Why choose a charter school:
Innovative teaching styles
Emphasis on college readiness
Smaller class sizes for focused attention
Top Private Schools in El Paso
Private schools in El Paso provide personalized learning, strong discipline, and a values-based education, often with religious affiliations.
1. Loretto Academy
This all-girls Catholic school is one of the oldest and most respected in the city. It offers strong academics, spiritual guidance, and leadership training.
2. Cathedral High School
A private Catholic boys’ school, Cathedral is known for academic excellence and shaping young men into community leaders.
3. Radford School
An independent private school offering education from Pre-K to 12th grade. It focuses on small class sizes, critical thinking, and individualized attention.
Why choose a private school:
Faith-based or value-driven education
Strong student-teacher relationships
Excellent college prep programs
Best Middle and Elementary Schools in El Paso
El Paso also has excellent options for younger students, with schools offering bilingual programs, gifted education, and strong family engagement.
Top Elementary Schools:
Polk Elementary School (EPISD)
Vista Hills Elementary (YISD)
IDEA Rio Vista Academy (Charter)
Top Middle Schools:
Wiggs Middle School
Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy
IDEA Mesa Hills College Prep
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School
Before making your final decision, here are a few key points to think about:
Academic performance and test scores
Class size and student-teacher ratio
Extracurricular activities
College readiness programs
School culture and values
Location and transportation options
Many schools in El Paso offer campus tours, open houses, and informational sessions to help parents and students make the right choice.
El Paso continues to invest in quality education across all school types. Whether you’re looking for strong academics, a focus on science and technology, or values-based learning, there’s a great school waiting for your child in 2025.
Start early, do your research, and choose a school where your child will thrive not just academically, but personally too.
SOURCES
- (https://www.greatschools.org/texas/el-paso/)
- (https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-elementary-schools/c/el-paso-county-tx/?page=3)
- (https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/education/2025/07/31/el-paso-district-lands-top-10-spot-in-texas-for-best-teachers/85357748007/)
