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Ysleta ISD

Quick Facts

37,00 students.

6,000 full-time employees.

61 campuses.

Superintendent
Dr. Xavier De La Torre

The Ysleta Independent School District is one of the finest educational institutions in the city of El Paso, with origins dating back to the early 1900s. With a focus on quality and engaging instruction, YISD is a consistent leader in student achievement and employee satisfaction. It is the third-largest school district in the city with more than 37,000 students, and 5,800 full-time employees at our 55 campuses and Central Office.

YISD has a long tradition of excellence. It was the first urban school district in the state to be “Recognized” for academic performance by the Texas Education Agency. It was also a finalist for the prestigious Broad Prize in 2010 and 2011, making YISD one of the top urban school districts in the United States. In 2013, all of our schools met the state’s academic standards, while two-thirds received special distinctions in at least one of three categories: language arts, mathematics, or overall student improvement.

Our focus on high-quality programs for students, parents and employees ensures success in every aspect of the district. Ysleta ISD has launched several initiatives designed to give students a competitive edge upon graduating from high school. The district now offers five Early College High Schools, as well as college- and career-preparation courses at all of its high schools that include dual-credit, OnRamps courses, and industry certifications. We offer five international schools that provide core instruction in global academic subjects while teaching fluency in languages other than English (Russian, French, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, and German). Our district offers Universal Pre-K For All at its two pre-K centers and select elementary schools, as well as preschool opportunities for 3-year-olds. Ysleta ISD also made history in 2016 when it opened the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, El Paso’s first-ever single-gender, college-preparatory public school for girls in grades 6-12,

YISD is an excellent place for students to learn, families to grow, and employees to prosper. We are incredibly proud of the immense talent and knowledge base of our staff, faculty and administrators, as well as their ongoing efforts to improve the educational experience of all of our students. We are the home to five state athletic championships, seven state teachers of the year, several National Blue Ribbon Schools and are ranked the best school district in the El Paso area by Niche, a leading platform connecting students and families. We will continue our vision of excellence to ensure our students develop into successful and productive citizens in our community, and we thank you for your support.

Superintendent

Dr. Xavier De La Torre

“With high percentages of both English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged students, I believe the Texas Urban Council’s advocacy in these areas has a significant and beneficial impact on the Ysleta Independent School District. My own parents emigrated from Mexico with ambitious dreams of college for their young children – and they made it happen, setting us on a path toward success through the pursuit of education. With nearly 40% of YISD students entering school as English learners, it is my job as Superintendent of Schools to ensure that fluency in their native language becomes a true asset – not a liability – for them and our district, community, and state.”

Dr. Xavier De La Torre is a well-known figure in the El Paso community. Prior to joining the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) in March 2014, he served as the Superintendent of Schools in the neighboring Socorro Independent School District before relocating to California in 2012 to serve as the County Superintendent of Schools at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

During his tenure at YISD, Dr. De La Torre ushered in a new era of innovative thinking, with an ambitious agenda for all students and staff. He was instrumental in passing a $430.5 million bond in November 2015 and a $425 million bond in 2019 that is providing funds for various campus projects, including safety and security updates; new athletics and fine arts facilities; school renovations and additions; technology upgrades; and the construction of several new campuses.

Under Dr. De La Torre’s leadership, the Ysleta Independent School District has emerged as the leader in College and Career-readiness across the City of El Paso, according to the 2021 Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings.  He led the effort to launch the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in 2016 and celebrated the first graduating class in June 2022. An expansion of YISD’s highly acclaimed international schools, increased business-community partnerships, an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, math, and engineering), additional programs to help students earn college credit while in high school, and a new technology-driven initiative – “Engage Me! One Vision, Infinite Possibilities.” – have been the hallmarks of Dr. De La Torre’s time at YISD.