Five Canutillo ISD Schools Earn "Best Schools" Designation

Five schools in the Canutillo Independent School District have been recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting the district’s growing reputation for academic excellence and innovative learning.

Northwest Early College High School, Canutillo Elementary School, Bill Childress Elementary School, Jose Damian Elementary School and Congressman Silvestre & Carolina Reyes Elementary School each earned a 2025 Best Schools designation in the annual rankings released by the national publication.

The distinction places the campuses among the top-performing schools in the United States based on student achievement, state assessment performance and equity in education. The recognition is part of U.S. News’ ongoing effort to identify schools that provide exceptional learning environments for students of all backgrounds.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Jesica Arellano said the achievement reflects the district’s commitment to student success and the strength of its teachers and leaders.

“Having half of our schools earn this national honor shows that high-quality teaching and learning are happening throughout Canutillo ISD,” Arellano said. “It’s proof that our educators are deeply committed to preparing every child to excel academically and personally.”

The U.S. News & World Report Best Schools rankings evaluate nearly 65,000 public elementary, middle and high schools nationwide. Schools are assessed on their students’ performance on state-required tests in reading and math, as well as their success in serving historically underserved students. The data is drawn from state education departments and the U.S. Department of Education’s Common Core of Data.

Each recognized Canutillo ISD school demonstrated strong results across several indicators of academic quality.

Northwest Early College High School, known for its rigorous dual-credit program and partnership with El Paso Community College, prepares students to earn both a high school diploma and college credits before graduation. The school has consistently been ranked among the top high schools in Texas and continues to post impressive results on college readiness measures.

Canutillo Elementary School earned praise for its focus on foundational literacy, numeracy and enrichment programs that promote critical thinking and problem solving. Teachers at the campus use a data-driven approach to support student growth, resulting in strong academic gains over the past several years.

Bill Childress Elementary School, located in the heart of the Canutillo community, has become a model for student engagement and family involvement. The campus emphasizes social-emotional learning alongside academic achievement, creating a supportive environment where students thrive.

Jose Damian Elementary School has built a reputation for academic rigor and innovation through programs that integrate technology and hands-on learning experiences. The school’s faculty has developed specialized instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, contributing to its sustained success.

Congressman Silvestre & Carolina Reyes Elementary School, one of the district’s newer campuses, has quickly established itself as a top-performing school. Its focus on collaboration, project-based learning and student leadership has drawn attention from educators across the region.

District officials said the recognition affirms that Canutillo ISD’s focus on high expectations, instructional quality and equity is yielding measurable results. The district has invested in professional development, curriculum alignment and student support systems that promote consistency and excellence across campuses.

The U.S. News & World Report methodology is designed to identify schools that perform well both overall and in closing achievement gaps. For elementary and middle schools, rankings emphasize performance on state assessments and the success of students from historically marginalized groups. For high schools, rankings include graduation rates and college readiness indicators such as participation in Advanced Placement or dual-credit courses.

Nationally, only a fraction of schools receive the Best Schools badge, which U.S. News describes as a symbol of academic quality and commitment to equity. For parents and communities, the recognition serves as a benchmark for educational excellence and a reflection of the hard work happening in classrooms every day.

Dr. Arellano said the recognition reinforces the district’s mission to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all students.

“This honor belongs to our teachers, students and families who work together every day to make education in Canutillo something special,” Arellano said. “It demonstrates that our vision for success is shared across the district and that our community’s support continues to make a difference.”

The announcement marks another milestone for Canutillo ISD, which has earned statewide and national attention for its strong academic programs and commitment to equity. District leaders said they will continue to use data and innovation to ensure all students receive the opportunities they deserve.

For more information about the U.S. News & World Report Best Schools rankings and criteria, visit usnews.com/education/k12.