(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — April 29, 2026) — Step into Mr. Adrian Jara’s fifth-grade classroom at Cooley Elementary, and you might see students carefully layering chocolate fudge and cookie crumbles. To an outsider, it looks like a snack; to these students, it’s a hands-on exploration of sedimentary rock formation.
This blend of creativity and rigorous science is the heartbeat of Cooley Elementary STEM Academy. Located in South Central El Paso and part of the Jefferson Silva feeder pattern, the Pre-K through 5th-grade campus is currently in the final stages of earning its National STEM Certification. It’s a milestone that validates the innovative work happening in its hallways every day.
“The STEM program has taught me that there are many ways to solve something,” said one fifth-grade student. “You just have to keep trying over and over and never give up.”
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The transition from traditional learning to a STEM-focused model has changed the way students view their potential. According to the American College of Education, STEM education is vital because it goes beyond the classroom, fostering critical thinking and preparing students for a workforce that increasingly demands technological literacy and complex problem-solving skills.
At Cooley, that preparation starts early. Fourth-grade teacher Jorge Lopez has watched his students’ mindsets shift as they realize science isn't just a subject, it’s a career path.
“My students never knew that STEM could go down different routes,” Lopez said. “At first, they thought it was just science, but now, they see how it falls under other career paths. It teaches them to problem solve and builds resiliency. In science, there are no wrong answers—only opportunities to learn.”
For fifth-grader Janelle Sanchez, the academy has provided a glimpse into her future. Whether she’s thinking about engineering or following in her father’s footsteps as a locksmith, she credits her teacher, Mr. Jara, for making the complex problems feel attainable.
“I like it. I feel like what we’re learning here will help us in the future and our careers,” Sanchez said. “Mr. Jara teaches us in a way that the lessons make sense. Even if we are confused, he explains everything so well. We share our ideas and come up with a solution like a team.”
To capture the spirit of his classroom, Mr. Jara emphasizes that the goal is engagement.
“When students are excited to walk through the door, the learning happens naturally,” Jara said. “By making real-world connections, like using fudge to understand geology, we take the intimidation out of science. My goal is to show them that they aren't just students; they are investigators and creators.”
As the campus nears its national certification, Program Coach Marlene Porras sees the impact across all grade levels, from the dual-language program to the fine arts.
“The journey toward National STEM Certification has been a campus-wide effort to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math into every corner of the Cooley experience,” Porras said. “Whether a student is in our orchestra program or our dual-language tracks, they are learning to collaborate and think critically. We are building a foundation that ensures every child at Cooley is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Under the leadership of Principal Jesus Mendoza Acosta, the campus continues to prove that when educators invest in "the whole child," the results are nothing short of transformative.
For Nicole, a fourth-grade student who dreams of becoming a teacher herself one day, the academy provides a simple but powerful message.
“What I like most about STEM is that it’s very encouraging,” she said. “It makes me feel like I can do anything.”
To learn more about Cooley Elementary, click here.