Summary:
The 79935 zip code in El Paso, Texas, is home to two high schools serving grades 9-12: J M Hanks High School and El Paso Academy, which present a stark contrast in performance and resources despite serving similarly economically disadvantaged populations.
J M Hanks High School is the standout school in this area, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 75th percentile statewide. It serves 1,364 students within the Ysleta Independent School District (Isd) and consistently outperforms both its district and state averages in core subjects like English I Reading (63.21% proficient vs. 55.43% statewide) and U.S. History (79.11% proficient vs. 70.17% statewide). With a strong 91% graduation rate, a low 1.2% dropout rate, and a healthy 15:1 student-teacher ratio, this school demonstrates effective instructional practices and stable, positive momentum. In contrast, El Paso Academy, a small charter school with 206 students, faces significant challenges. It holds a 1-star rating, ranks in the 25th percentile, and has a 65% graduation rate alongside an 8.7% dropout rate. Its student-teacher ratio of 34.3:1 is more than double that of J M Hanks, and it spends $3,945 less per student, which likely contributes to its low test scores—particularly in U.S. History, where only 34.88% of students are proficient.
The most critical takeaway is that despite both schools serving populations with high economic disadvantage (71% and 80% free/reduced lunch respectively), the resource and staffing gap drives dramatically different outcomes. J M Hanks High School provides a stable, high-performing environment with strong academics and support, while El Paso Academy is on a concerning downward trajectory, dropping from the 38th to the 22nd percentile in recent years. For parents, J M Hanks offers a proven track record of success, while El Paso Academy requires careful consideration of its current struggles and limited resources.
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