Best Middle Schools
in El Paso, Texas
We ranked the 35 middle schools in El Paso with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.5 and 8.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in El Paso for 2026 are Hanks Middle (8.7/10), Idea Mesquite Hills College Preparatory (8.1/10), and Del Valle Middle (7.9/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 35 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in El Paso?
Every middle school in El Paso is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Hanks Middle
El Paso, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Idea Mesquite Hills College Preparatory
El Paso, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Del Valle Middle
El Paso, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
El Paso's middle school landscape spans 35 ranked schools, with performance varying considerably across the metro. Wiggs Middle leads the field at 7.3 out of 10 — the only school in the city to clear the 7-point threshold, placing it in rare company locally. IDEA Mesa Hills College Preparatory and Riverside Middle follow at 6.9 and 6.8 respectively, rounding out a tight cluster at the top before scores drop off toward the citywide average of 4.5 out of 10. That gap between the top performers and the average reflects meaningful differences in academic outcomes across El Paso's middle grades. The table below lets you sort by overall score, specific subject performance, and other key metrics. Whether you're zoned to a particular school or have flexibility in your options, the data gives you a direct way to compare what each school is actually delivering.
Hanks Middle
Idea Mesquite Hills College Preparatory
Del Valle Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked El Paso's Middle Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 35 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanks Middle YSLETA ISD | 8.7 |
| 2 | Idea Mesquite Hills College Preparatory Charter IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 8.1 |
| 3 | Del Valle Middle YSLETA ISD | 7.9 |
| 4 | Idea Mesa Hills College Preparatory Charter IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7.8 |
| 5 | Hornedo Middle EL PASO ISD | 7.5 |
| 6 | Hurshel Antwine Middle SOCORRO ISD | 7.4 |
| 7 | Eastwood Middle YSLETA ISD | 7.3 |
| 8 | Bel Air Middle YSLETA ISD | 7.3 |
| 9 | Col John O Ensor Middle SOCORRO ISD | 7.0 |
| 10 | Wiggs Middle EL PASO ISD | 6.7 |
| 11 | Spec Rafael Hernando Middle SOCORRO ISD | 6.7 |
| 12 | Clint J H School CLINT ISD | 6.2 |
| 13 | Sun Ridge Middle SOCORRO ISD | 6.2 |
| 14 | Riverside Middle YSLETA ISD | 6.2 |
| 15 | Richardson Middle EL PASO ISD | 6.0 |
| 16 | EL Paso Leadership Academy - Middle East Charter EL PASO LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | 5.9 |
| 17 | Ysleta Middle YSLETA ISD | 5.9 |
| 18 | EL Paso Leadership Academy Charter EL PASO LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | 5.8 |
| 19 | Eastlake Middle SOCORRO ISD | 5.8 |
| 20 | Capt Walter E Clarke Middle SOCORRO ISD | 5.6 |
| 21 | Montwood Middle SOCORRO ISD | 5.6 |
| 22 | Ssg Manuel R Puentes SOCORRO ISD | 5.6 |
| 23 | William D Slider Middle SOCORRO ISD | 5.6 |
| 24 | Parkland Pre-engineering Middle YSLETA ISD | 5.6 |
| 25 | East Montana Middle CLINT ISD | 5.5 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Texas education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Texas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in El Paso
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: El Paso's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in El Paso
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. El Paso's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 35 schools spanning 13 school districts, plus 4 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best middle school in El Paso, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Hanks Middle is the top-rated middle school in El Paso with a composite score of 8.7/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many middle schools are in El Paso, Texas?
El Paso has 35 middle schools, including 4 charter schools. Of these, 35 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in El Paso?
The average composite score for El Paso middle schools is 5.9/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Texas).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Texas, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Texas, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the El Paso middle school rankings?
Yes. El Paso has 4 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.