Jefferson High School

Jefferson High School in El Paso, TX, serves 998 students in grades 9-12 and is part of the El Paso Independent School District (Isd), located in a community where nearly 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Academically, Jefferson has consistently ranked in the bottom 15-20% of Texas high schools over the past decade, with proficiency rates in Algebra I (15.93%) and English I (16.77%) dramatically lower than district and state averages. While the school has a relatively low student-to-teacher ratio of 13.8:1 and per-student spending of $10,213—slightly above the district average—these resources have not yet translated into competitive outcomes. The graduation rate of 76.2% is well below the district average of 82.3%, and the dropout rate of 3.0% is nearly double the district average.

One of the most striking findings is the stark academic divide between Jefferson and nearby magnet schools. Located just 0.16 miles away, Silva Health Magnet ranks in the 97th percentile statewide, with Algebra I proficiency at 68.29% and English I proficiency at 87.58%—roughly four to five times higher than Jefferson’s rates. Similarly, Young Women's Steam Research & Preparatory Academy (2.26 miles away) achieves 75% proficiency in Algebra I and 81.13% in English I. This geographic proximity highlights a fundamental difference in educational outcomes, even though both magnet schools also serve high-poverty populations (65.99% and 60.27% free/reduced lunch, respectively). Jefferson, as a traditional neighborhood school, faces unique challenges that these specialized academies do not.

There are a few bright spots worth noting. Jefferson’s U.S. History proficiency rate of 64.09% approaches the district average of 67.24%, suggesting a particularly effective history department that could serve as a model for other subjects. Additionally, English Language Learner (ELL) students at Jefferson rank in the 34th percentile statewide—the highest-performing subgroup at the school—indicating relatively strong support for these students. However, overall trends are concerning, with Algebra I proficiency dropping from 41% in 2022-2023 to 15.93% in 2025-2026, and English I Reading falling from 22% to 16.77% over the same period. For parents considering Jefferson, it’s important to weigh these academic challenges against the school’s resource investments and the potential benefits of nearby magnet options.