El Paso, Ysleta ISD open enrollment numbers show thousands of students are transferring

Early open enrollment numbers are in for both the El Paso and Ysleta school districts. Both districts are combating dwindling student populations. EPISD opted to try open enrollment to add to it’s population, something YISD has done for years.

Even EPISD wasn’t sure how many students it get this year. The district based it’s budget on having 60,775 student, including open enrollment transfers. They met that goal and past it.

“We’re pleased that so many families have chosen to come into our district and have their students education within our wonderful schools,” said EPISD Spokeswoman Melissa Martinez.

As of right now EPISD has 60,779 students, 1,800 of which came from open enrollment. These additional students bring in a total of $ 2.4 million much needed state dollars.

Out of 1,800 students, 1,300-1,400 are from military families, children of employees, or grandchildren of people who live in the district. EPISD has always allowed these types of students in.

It was the 400 students came from far east to far west to be apart of the district The schools with the highest amount of enrollment include: Mesita Elementary which offers the dual language program for gifted and talented students; Center for Career and Technology Education, Burges High which just opened their early college, MacArthur Middle,Ross Middle, and Silva Magnet High, which has always been open enrollment.

In comparison with EPISD, the Ysleta district appears to be more attractive to outsiders. Its early numbers show 3,253 students transferred in. Yet a couple thousand out of district students coming in is the norm and not the huge boost YISD falling student population could use.

“Our preliminary enrollment numbers are consistent with our projections and indicate a continued, but tempered, decline in enrollment,” Superintendent Dr. Xavier De La Torre said. “Providing our students with a superior education and a great experience in our schools will take care of the numbers.”

Right now YISD has 42,238 students, down from last year, when it had 42,918. A spokeswoman said they are still anticipating 200 more student by the end of October.

YISD’s most popular school? Alicia Chacon International with a waiting list of over 200 students, as well as Bel Air High, Del Valle High, Eastwood High Eastwood Knolls Middle, and Hanks High.

Both districts say they expect their numbers to continue to grow over the next six weeks.