The top reported proficiency rate is 60% in English language arts. The lowest is 38% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Kohlberg El
Kohlberg Elementary is a small school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in El Paso's east-side suburbs, an area characterized by newer homes on larger lots and a family-oriented, quieter residential feel. The school enrolls a substantial share of students, with about two-thirds eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a small percentage of white and other students.
State assessment results show a mixed academic picture. In English language arts across grades three through five, proficiency is in the low-to-moderate range, hovering around three-fifths across the upper elementary grades. Fourth grade leads at a slightly higher proficiency rate, while fifth grade trails slightly. In math, the school shows a notable spread by grade: fourth graders are at less than half proficiency, while fifth graders reach just over half. Science proficiency in fifth grade falls to just over one-third, the school's weakest performance across tested areas. Collectively, when all tested subjects are counted, about four-fifths of students meet at least the "approaches" level, the lowest performance tier; roughly half meet the "meets" standard; and about one-fifth reach "masters" level.
This means roughly one student in two tests at proficiency on STAAR, and one in five demonstrates mastery. For a parent evaluating the school's academics, these numbers suggest the school is a place where about half of students are meeting grade-level expectations, and the other half are approaching or falling below them. Science is noticeably weaker than ELA and math, worth exploring further with school staff.
Within El Paso County's districts, Kohlberg's overall proficiency index places it above the midpoint of comparable schools, a strength relative to its immediate context. That said, the school is also caught in a major district-wide shift. El Paso ISD voted in late 2024 to close eight elementary schools as part of a financial reorganization tied to declining enrollment and budget pressures. While Kohlberg is not on the initial closure list (closures began in 2025-26 and more are planned for 2026-27), the broader pattern of school consolidation is reshaping the district's landscape. Families considering this school should understand that EPISD is in the midst of a multi-year redesign, which may affect staffing, resources, and the school's long-term footprint.
At the same time, EPISD is expanding specialized programs: Montessori education, STEM and Fine Arts academies, Extended Day Learning Centers with before- and after-school care, and an Accelerated Campus Excellence program are rolling out across district campuses. The extent to which Kohlberg will benefit from these initiatives is not yet clear from available data.
The school's neighborhood sits within El Paso's suburban expansion zone on the east side, part of a broader growth pattern that has shaped the city's residential development. Housing values in the 79912 zip code are modest by national standards, and rents are reasonable. The area reflects the city's character as a binational gateway on the U.S.-Mexico border, with deep cultural and economic ties across the Rio Grande.
For a parent seeking a solid elementary school in a quiet family neighborhood with moderate-performing academics and room for growth, Kohlberg fits that profile. For a parent looking for above-average test performance or a school with a long-term growth agenda, the district's consolidation plans and Kohlberg's middling academic profile may warrant closer conversation with school leadership about how the school is positioned within EPISD's redesign and what supports exist for students working toward proficiency.
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