(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – July 31, 2025) — El Paso ISD is proud to introduce a variety of innovative elementary academies launching in the 2025–26 school year. Designed to spark curiosity and unlock potential, these innovative programs immerse students in hands-on learning experiences that fuel creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving.
From engineering and bilingual exploration to environmental science and the arts, each academy offers young learners an exciting path to discover what they love—and who they can become.
“We’re tapping into children’s natural curiosity and giving them the space to thrive,” said Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre. “These academies are about more than learning, they’re about inspiring passion, building confidence, and laying the foundation for lifelong success.”
Crockett Elementary Fine Arts Academy
At Crockett’s Fine Arts Academy, creativity takes center stage. Students will explore music, drama, dance, visual arts, and digital media, developing both artistic skills and lifelong confidence.
Program highlights
Build confidence through performances and public exhibitions
Strengthen communication, focus, and problem-solving abilities
Boost fine motor skills and creative thinking
Enhance academic learning by integrating the arts into core subjects
Promote emotional wellness and reduce stress
Foster self-expression in a safe, encouraging environment
Through a unique partnership with the Kennedy Center, students also gain access to nationally acclaimed arts programming—bringing world-class inspiration right into the classroom.
Join the upcoming Open House on Thursday, July 31 from 3 PM - 5 PM.
Cooley Elementary STEM Academy
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math come to life through robotics, coding, hands-on experiments, and real-world problem-solving.
Program highlights
Develop critical thinking, innovation, and logical reasoning
Build collaboration and teamwork through STEM challenges
Encourage curiosity and creativity through lab and maker space activities
Prepare students for high-demand careers in science and tech
Boosts engagement with personalized, hands-on learning
Students also have opportunities to join Robotics and Girls Who Code clubs, giving them early exposure to high-tech, high-impact skills.
Western Hills Elementary Environmental Science Academy
For students who love nature, science, and the outdoors, this academy offers hands-on learning focused on the environment, conservation, and sustainability. A STEM block will include daily science lessons utilizing the STEMscopes resource. The STEM block will also include daily integrations that include math, engineering, literacy, technology, and environmental science.
Classes will visit the STEM lab once a week. In the STEM lab, students will participate in a variety of activities including hands-on science investigations, LEGO lab, STEMscopes explain stations, STEMscopes STEAM choice board, and environmental science.
Program highlights
Fosters civic responsibility and eco-conscious habits
Encourages curiosity through real-world exploration
Strengthens academic performance through project-based learning
Promotes healthy habits through outdoor learning and gardening
Supports teamwork and leadership through environmental clubs
Clubs include Gardening, Animal Science, Art, and Conservation, giving students chances to connect classroom learning to the natural world.
Western Hills Open House will be August 1, 2025. From 3:30-4:00pm WH101 for new parents and Open House from 4:00pm-5:00pm.
Clendenin Elementary STEAM Academy
Bobby Joe Hill PK-8 STEAM Academy
By blending the arts into traditional STEM subjects, this program supports well-rounded development and creative problem-solving.
Program highlights
Strengthens academic skills through integrated learning
Inspires innovation through engineering, technology, and visual arts
Encourages teamwork, communication, and hands-on exploration
Builds technical and artistic confidence through challenges and performances
Prepares students for modern careers where creativity and science meet
With access to LEGO Education, robotics, engineering kits, and reader’s theater, students can explore STEAM through both innovation and imagination.
Clendenin Open House: Friday, August 1 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Mesita Elementary Connecting Worlds/Mundos Unidos Academy
Mesita ECDC Connecting Worlds/Mundos Unidos Academy
El Paso ISD’s Dual Language Bilingual Education Program helps students become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish while mastering academic content. Students also learn through the third language of Mandarin. The Dual Language Bilingual Education Program focuses on the three pillars of Dual Language Education: High Academic Excellence, Bilingualism and Biliteracy, and Sociocultural Competence. The Dual Language Bilingual Education Programs, at Mesita Elementary and Mesita ECDC, includes the Connecting Worlds/Mundos Unidos Two-Way Dual Language Gifted/Talented (G/T) Magnet Program and the Widening Our Worlds (WOW) Dual Language Program.
Program highlights
Improved brain function, memory, and multitasking skills
Enhanced academic performance in all content areas of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies
Greater appreciation for other cultures and communities
Expanded career and college opportunities in a bilingual world
Building empathy and communication across cultures
Students don’t just learn a second language—they grow up learning in multiple languages, giving them a powerful advantage in school and life.
Mesita Elementary Open House is July 31, 4:00-5:45 p.m., and Mesita ECDC Open House is July 31, 2:00-4:00 p.m., for parents who are interested in receiving more information, or feel free to contact the campus.
These academies offer more than just classroom learning—they provide exciting opportunities for students to explore their interests, unleash creativity, and connect their education to the real world. Visit www.episd.org/register to explore your options and enroll today! For details on specific academies, visit their individual websites.