The history of Thomas Jefferson High in El Paso, Texas started before World War II when citizens in the vicinity of Burleson Elementary began to talk about the need for a secondary school. Little was done until after the war. In 1946, the educational facilities in El Paso were overcrowded. Spatial limitations were particularly evident at Bowie High School, El Paso High School, and Austin High School. These three establishments offered secondary education to students throughout the entire city. Many meetings and petitions led to the board’s decision to construct a new high school on the grounds of Burleson Elementary, 4700 Alameda Avenue, and surrounding property, which amounts to nearly seven and one-half acres. J.M. Whitaker was appointed principal of both Burleson Elementary School and Burleson High School. With the school board’s approval in 1948, Mr. Whitaker and the Parent Teacher Association decided to name the high school after Thomas Jefferson. In the process of ordering football and band uniforms, Mr. Whitaker and the Parent Teacher Association chose silver and scarlet as the school’s colors. On September 6, 1949, the school opened its doors to hundreds of students for the very first time. Many traditional activities were started in the initial years; the selection of a ROTC queen, the annual ball, a senior prom, the awarding of “J” sweaters, and other activities have become customary. With each passing year, Jefferson High School reminds us,

“Once a Fox-Always a Fox.”

Principal
Yong Vega

ysvega@episd.org

Assistant Principals

Catherine Costanzo Granados - Administrator of Guidance & Instruction: ctcostan@episd.org 

Isabel White - A-L  Discipline: irwhite@episd.org 

Robert Padilla - M-Z  Discipline: rxpadill@episd.org

Sara Luna - Silva Magnet  Discipline: sckarlsr@episd.org 

Important Numbers

Main Line 915-236-7400

School Fax 915-532-2033

Principal's Secretary 915-236-7418

Attendance Office 915-236-7401

Discipline 915-236-7400

PEIMS Office 915-236-7407

Registrar 915-236-7419

Registrar Assistant 915-236-7420

Student Records engonzal@episd.org

Student Records Fax 915-532-2033