Ysleta ISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Valle Verde Early College High School aren’t simply the highest-performing public high schools in El Paso – they’re ranked among the 50 top high schools in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools list.
This marks the first time Ysleta ISD schools captured both the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in El Paso on the Best High Schools list, where the top-ranked schools have a high rate of students who:
· Score above expectations on state assessments in math, science, and reading
· Pass an array of college-level exams
· Graduate in four years
“We couldn’t be prouder of the extraordinary work and spirit of our high school staff, teachers, and administrators, and the amazing job they do for our students and families,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Xavier De La Torre. “Their success is about more than the final score – it’s about building the skills that prepare our students to thrive in college, career, or military service beyond high school graduation.”
Spotlighting the Best: YWLA, Valle Verde ECHS
Earning an impressive score of 98.26 out of a possible 100 in the Best High Schools rankings, the city’s first public, single-gender college preparatory Young Women’s Leadership Academy is ranked No. 1 in the city, No. 40 in Texas, and No. 312 nationwide, with 93% proficiency in reading and 95% in science. Since its inaugural graduating class in 2022, the campus has enjoyed 100% college acceptance among alumni.
With an exceptional 100% graduation rate and an Advanced Placement participation rate of 99%, Valle Verde Early College High School is ranked No. 2 in the city, No. 49 in Texas, and No. 385 in the nation on this year’s Best High Schools list. This year, the campus earned an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency and won prestigious distinction designations in five areas: English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Postsecondary Readiness.
High Schools Fuel District Success
Three other Ysleta ISD campuses were named to the city’s top 20-ranked public high schools – they are Eastwood High School (No. 13), Hanks High School (No. 15), and Bel Air High School (No. 17). Rounding out the city’s top 30 high schools were Del Valle High School (No. 22), followed by Riverside (No. 27), Parkland (No. 28) and Ysleta (No. 29) high schools.
For more details on the rankings, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools