Jose MartinezHunting down the right school in El Paso often feels like the educational version of The Hunger Games, where parents are fighting against confusing districts and limited spots to find that one perfect fit.
Most people assume that a high test score is the ultimate finish line, but in a city that sits on an international border, a standard education is actually a disadvantage.
Today, if a child isn’t learning to navigate different cultures as naturally as they breathe, they are being left behind in a global economy that doesn’t care about state lines. We went through the effort of vetting these specific campuses for you.
How much does it cost to go to an international school in El Paso?
It costs at least $10,000 a year to go to a private international school in El Paso.
This is just an estimate. The actual cost is dependent on the school’s tuition fees and more.
1. Alicia R. Chacón International School
Address: 920 Burgundy Dr
Contact Details: +1 915-434-9200
Alicia R. Chacón International School is for parents seeking quality education who want their children to master languages.
We love that they incorporate a bilingual model, where Spanish and English speakers learn side-by-side to achieve total fluency. Parents like the bilingual model because it helps prepare them for the real world.
What also makes them a top school in El Paso is that most of their students pick up a third language, like Chinese, German, or Japanese, starting in the early grades.
Students we interviewed told us that the campus is diverse with vibrant fine arts programs that celebrate cultures.
The teachers don’t just lecture, but they explain in-depth the curriculum for students to understand what they are learning.
One downside is that because it is such a popular international school in El Paso, their enrollment process can take a while. A few parents we spoke to complained about the numerous forms that they needed to complete before their child could attend.
Teachers who are active and care about their students
“On behalf of a proud explorer, I am honored I get to call this my school. Great learning mechanisms, teachers who are active and care about their students, and students who grow together and form a bond like no other.”
- Alum, Reviewer from Niche
The school has a great environment,
‘I was a student at this school and I loved it! Faculty and staff are really nice to students, very supportive. The school has a great environment, it’s really a great school. The students have the great opportunity to learn a third language and they are well prepared for high school/college.”
- Student, Reviewer from Niche
2. Eastwood Knolls International School
Address: 10000 Buckwood Ave
Contact Details: +1 915-434-4400
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Eastwood Knolls International School (EKIS) is popular for their Home Access Center. Parents love that the school provides an online grade book where parents can view their kids attendance, classwork, and test scores.
Several parents we interviewed said it allowed them to easily communicate with their child’s teacher about anything going on in the classroom.
The school itself is often the first choice for expat families looking for a K-8 experience that bridges the gap between local community and global standards.
They’ve integrated a modern international curriculum with a heavy emphasis on STEM, preparing kids for the 21st-century workforce. Their career and technical education program allows students to gain real life experience through tailored career training.
We like that the instructors focus on honesty, empathy and integrity. Parents told us their children cultivate qualities that’ll help them in the long run. The staff pushes for well-rounded development.
One gripe we have though is that sometimes the school parking can be a nightmare. Several parents complained that they often end up stuck in the line for at least 30 minutes.
Her grades and understanding has gone way up.
“This school is great. My daughter switched from Alicia Chacon to Eastwood Knolls and she is doing so much better. The stress level has gone down and her grades and understanding has gone way up. This school is not easier but more effective. The class work is not so paper based and students actually enjoy class. Mr. Medrano is a great teacher.”
Reviewer, GreatSchools.org
EKIS has exceeded my expectations
Very pleased with the staff and teachers at EKIS! My child came from a charter school and I was skeptical about sending her to a public school but EKIS has exceeded my expectations of what a public school has to offer. I’ve witnessed much more growth in my child since switching schools!
- Parent, Niche
3. REL Washington International School
Address: 3505 Lee Trevino Dr
Contact Details: +1 915-434-5900
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
REL Washington International School is for parents seeking quality education at the elementary level. This school specializes in the PK-5 journey, offering a gifted program that ensures high-achievers are never left bored.
We found that it is one of the top schools in El Paso for individual attention. Parents raved to us that they nearly have a student-teacher ratio of about 13 to 1.
Others praise the school for its wonderful and positive environment. We like that the school excels at making the international curriculum feel accessible and fun for younger children.
Children get hands-on with activities in class and the easy instructions keep students engaged. Parents like that the foundation the curriculum sets is a fantastic choice for students pursuing international curriculum in middle school and beyond.
That said, this school is strictly for younger kids, meaning families will eventually have to navigate a school change once their child finishes 5th grade.
The staff and teachers are skilled thoughtful
“All three of my daughters attended Rel Washington and we could not be more pleased with the school. The staff and teachers are skilled thoughtful and truly care for the students. Mr. Cano the principal is a true professional, and very courteous.”
- Parent, GreatSchools.org
The administration is always welcoming,
“This is an outstanding school. The administration is always welcoming, and as a parent I would highly recommend this school to anyone I know. Every time I walk through the school doors it is a wonderful and positive environment. I only wish my kids could experience this their entire education. Way to go faculty and staff at R.E.L. Washington!!”
- Parent, Greatschools.org
4. Edgemere International School
Address: 10300 Edgemere Blvd
Contact Details: +1 915-434-4700
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Edgemere International School draws in expat families with its warm, “small-town” feel inside a larger district.
Parents we interviewed appreciate that the administration and teachers often go out of their way to recognize every family. They do this by having collaborative school events that involve supportive families and motivated students.
They maintain high standards, with student-teacher ratios around 14 to 1 to keep learning personalized.
Other parents rave about their dual language international program. The school’s approach focuses on making every student feel like they belong, while teaching in both English and Spanish.
We think it’s cool that they also have a Chinese program where students learn to be fluent in Chinese.
The main gripe is that this school is also strictly up to fifth grade.
That aside, they do have tons of cool after-school programs. Students we spoke with love that they have fun dance teams, martial arts clubs, esports and even robotics.
Administration is amazing & the teachers truly care!
“This school is amazing! From the moment you walk in the front door & are treated with respect & a genuine desire to help, to walking out the back door at the end of the day. Administration is amazing & the teachers truly care! I love the new safety upgrades they have made & the fact that they enforce them ALL the time. Parent volunteers are amazing, the special things they do for the community is wonderful. The school is always looking for more volunteers! Any student struggling is offered many opportunities to succeed. If they simply are not understanding with one teacher, there is an entire secondary team willing to step in. They offer after school tutoring, Saturday school as well as teachers are willing to come in early &/or give up their lunch period to help a student. There is a ZERO tolerance for Bullying! Students are encouraged to reach out to the counselor for any reason.”
- Parent, Greatschools.org
They bond with students amazingly.
“I used to attend this school. I was in this school PK-5th grade. The teachers and staff are amazing! They are kind,caring and are willing to do ANYTHING to make school a fun,entertaining,and safe place. They bond with students amazingly. I truly believe that every single student cant move on without attending this school. I would’ve stayed in Edgemere if I did’nt have to move away. I miss all of you:love,Amaia Andrea Del Rio Franco.PS:Edgemere is the BEST SCHOOL IN HISTORY!!”
- Student, Greatschools.org
5. In Christ International Bible College
Address: 13921 Montana Ave Space 1
Contact Details: (915) 857-0200
In Christ International Bible College offers a path for anyone seeking private education with a spiritual focus.
This is not a traditional university, but a key destination for students pursuing international curriculum in theology and ministry in their college years.
The curriculum is designed to be good training for students who want to be global leaders in their faith. Several students praised their Bible Institute Program for helping them with their own personal spiritual growth.
We like that they offer accredited Associate and Bachelor degrees that are recognized by major ministry organizations worldwide.
Students appreciate their low tuition philosophy, which ensures that those called to leadership don’t end up with oppressive debt. They provide in-house student loans to prevent students from having to pay the full tuition at the beginning of each year.
The only downside is that their accreditation is ministerial rather than secular, so credits may not transfer to a standard state university for those looking to pivot into secular careers.
