Original Research by School Decision on Burges H S
Burges High sits in Cielo Vista on the far east side of El Paso, one of four EPISD high schools spread across the city's different neighborhoods. The school serves grades nine through twelve with an enrollment drawn almost entirely from the surrounding residential area, where single-family homes and newer suburban development characterize the landscape. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, and a substantial majority qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic makeup of the east-side neighborhood.
The most recent state test results show a mixed academic picture. Students score strongest in science, where a large majority approach or meet proficiency. Social studies shows solid performance at the "approaches" level across the cohort. Mathematics and English language arts tell a different story. In math, while most students reach the "approaches" threshold, far fewer advance to the "meets" level, and the portion reaching the highest level is small. English results are lower still, with nearly a third of students not reaching even the "approaches" proficiency mark. Overall, about half the student body meets grade-level standards across all tested subjects when combined.
The data provided do not include a four-year graduation rate, chronic absenteeism figures, or information on special education and English learner enrollment. State testing data was available only for the current school year, so multi-year trends cannot be drawn. School websites and published program listings were not in the provided information, so details about course offerings, AP availability, career pathways, or extracurricular programming are not available here; a parent may want to consult directly with the school or visit the school's website to learn what specialized tracks or dual-credit options Burges offers.
The housing market near Burges reflects suburban East El Paso. Home values in the 79925 zip code are below the state average, and rents are moderate. The area is characterized by newer, spacious homes on larger lots typical of suburban expansion on the city's eastern edge, quieter than the urban core, and oriented toward families. The neighborhood supports a typical suburban lifestyle with car-dependent access to shopping and services, though the city's broader transit system and parks offer amenities for residents willing to travel.
El Paso ISD is currently in a period of significant restructuring. The district closed a first wave of elementary schools in 2025-26 and will close two more in 2026-27, part of a consolidation driven by declining enrollment and a substantial budget deficit. The district has also begun expanding specialized programs such as Montessori, STEM and Fine Arts academies, and Extended Day Learning Centers at other campuses. Additionally, the board is exploring a potential bond election for 2026 to renovate aging facilities and improve campus infrastructure. These changes affect which schools families attend, busing patterns, and tax implications. A parent considering Burges should confirm current campus conditions and any planned improvements through the district, since facility upgrades are under discussion.
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