The Ysleta Independent School District has once again earned the title of the best school district in the El Paso area, according to the 2023 Best School Districts rankings recently released by Niche, a leading platform connecting students and families with colleges and schools.

For the second consecutive year, Ysleta ISD maintained its No. 1 ranking and overall grade of A-, which is based on grades in nine categories: Academics (B+), Diversity (C+), Teachers (A+), College Prep (B+), Clubs & Activities (A), Administration (A), Sports (A+), Food (A), and Resources & Facilities (A-).

“Ysleta ISD has not only survived one of the most uncertain and difficult times in modern history – we are truly thriving,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Xavier De La Torre. “There is no doubt our students are learning, growing, and succeeding at phenomenal levels, and it is due to the heartfelt dedication of our staff, faculty, and leadership, as well as our bold and ambitious work to modernize and improve all schools.”

Compared to last year, Ysleta ISD significantly improved its nationwide standings on two lists: Districts with the Best Teachers in America (No. 418, up 71 spots from No. 499 last year) and Best School Districts for Athletes in America (No. 421, up 271 spots from No. 692 in 2022). Ysleta ISD also improved its statewide standings when compared to other El Paso-area districts on three lists:

• Districts with the Best Teachers in Texas: Ysleta ISD is No. 12 (up two spots from last year) among 1,032 districts statewide
• Best School Districts for Athletes in Texas: Ysleta ISD is No. 29  (a 21-spot increase from 2022) among 1,018 districts statewide
• Best Places to Teach in Texas: Ysleta ISD is No. 22 (up 29 spots from last year) among 1,030 districts statewide

Ysleta ISD also made its first appearance in the Best School Districts in Texas list, where it ranked No. 157 of 1,018 districts, placing it among the top 15 percent of districts in the state. By comparison, Socorro ISD is ranked No. 196 and El Paso ISD is ranked No 298.

This is the ninth year Niche has released annual rankings, which updated data for 92,743 public schools, 30,112 private schools, and 11,820 school districts nationwide. Unlike traditional school rankings, Niche officials say they provide a more personal view of a school by combining ratings from current students, alumni, and parents with data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate teachers, resources and facilities, extracurricular activity opportunities, and more.

Ysleta ISD is an “A”-rated, open-enrollment district serving about 37,000 students, including the city’s first-ever public college-preparatory Young Women’s Leadership Academy for girls in grades 6-12, and four National Blue Ribbon School award-winning campuses since 2017.

The 107-year-old Ysleta ISD is the best in El Paso in College, Career & Military Readiness, according to the Texas Education Agency, and offers four early college high school programs; five international schools; full-day pre-K programs; exceptionally talented student musicians, performers, and artists; and a high-school athletics program that has resulted in five Texas championships since 2018.

For a full list of the 2023 Niche rankings, visit https://www.niche.com/k12/rankings/.