The 2026-27 school year is just around the corner, and El Paso-area families are gearing up for another bustling back-to-school season. With registration deadlines, school supply drives, and tax-free shopping weekend on the horizon, campuses across the region are preparing to welcome students back to classrooms starting later this month.

This academic year begins against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and declining enrollment. Census estimates released this summer reveal that El paso county has lost nearly 12,000 school-age children since 2026, a trend that has reduced state funding for districts while leaving many with aging facilities and rising operating costs.

Districts navigate financial challenges and new opportunities

The El Paso Independent School District enters the school year with two vacant trustee seats and preparations for a possible bond election that could seek up to $450 million for campus improvements. District leaders have spent the summer addressing financial challenges and outlining a long-term recovery plan that included layoffs.

The Ysleta Independent School District has adopted a budget that nearly depletes its savings to avoid employee layoffs, though a reduction in force is likely next year. Meanwhile, the Socorro Independent School District has approved a balanced budget while continuing to satisfy state requirements tied to special education oversight before a state-appointed conservator can leave the district.

While districts address these financial and enrollment challenges, students will return to campuses with new opportunities. Girls flag football has seen rapid growth this year, culminating in Region 19’s second season and the inaugural state championship, adding momentum to efforts to make the sport a permanent UIL-sanctioned offering in Texas. Families will also see new curriculum requirements adopted by the Texas State Board of Education.

Higher education institutions adapt to changing landscapes

The changing education landscape extends beyond K-12 schools. The University of Texas at El Paso is moving forward with a $102 million dorm project while dealing with the fallout from the cancellation of a major National Science Foundation aerospace grant. The cancellation followed an inspector general report that found no wrongdoing in the university’s application.

The El Paso Community College is adjusting to a reduction in state funding, while Southwest University is launching a teacher preparation program to strengthen the region’s educator pipeline. Colleges and universities across the Borderland are preparing for students to return later this summer.

Key dates and back-to-school events for El Paso families

Here’s what you need to know about key dates, start times, and registration links for each El Paso-area school district:

Anthony ISD

First day of school Tuesday, July 28

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 7:30 a.m.-3:10 p.m.
  • Middle school 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • High school 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Important linksAcademic calendar | Registration

Canutillo ISD

First day of school Monday, Aug. 3

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 7:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
  • Middle school 8 a.m.-3:50 p.m.
  • High school 7:55 a.m.-4:05 p.m.

RegistrationAcademic calendar | Registration

Clint ISD

First day of school Monday, July 27

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 7:20 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Middle school 8:30 a.m.-3:50 p.m.
  • High school 8:30 a.m.-4:05 p.m.

RegistrationAcademic calendar | Registration

El Paso ISD

First day of school Monday, Aug. 3

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 8:15 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
  • Middle school 7:50 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • High school 8:45 a.m.-4:10 p.m.

Important linksAcademic calendar | Registration

Fabens ISD

First day of school Tuesday, Aug. 4

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 7:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
  • Middle school 8 a.m.-3:32 p.m.
  • High school 7:35 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

RegistrationAcademic calendar | Registration

San Elizario ISD

First day of school Tuesday, July 21

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 7:20 a.m.-4:05 p.m.
  • Middle school 8:05 a.m.-4:50 p.m.
  • High school 8:05 a.m.-4:50 p.m.

RegistrationAcademic calendar | Registration

Socorro ISD

First day of school Monday, July 27

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 7:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
  • Middle school 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • High school 8:30 a.m.-4:10 p.m.

Important linksAcademic calendar | Registration

Tornillo ISD

First day of school Monday, July 27

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Middle school 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • High school 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

RegistrationAcademic calendar | Registration

Ysleta ISD

First day of school Monday, Aug. 3

Bell schedule (start time/end time):

  • Elementary school 7:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
  • Middle school 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • High school 8:30 a.m.-4:10 p.m.

Important linksAcademic calendar | Registration

Back-to-school events for El Paso families

The community is coming together to support families as they prepare for the new school year. Here are some notable events:

MOB Back-to-School Event

Moms on Board will host a free back-to-school event at Bassett Place featuring backpacks, school supplies, and family resources. The event will also offer free sports physicals, haircuts, a school uniform swap, vaccines, vendor booths, and family-friendly activities.

When 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 11

Where Bassett Place, 6101 Gateway Blvd. West

Cost Free

Information

Montana Vista Backpack Giveaway

El Paso County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jackie Butler will host a free backpack giveaway to help families prepare for the new school year. Marathon will donate 400 backpacks, while the Underserved Communities Foundation will provide school supplies. The event also includes $10 sports physicals, back-to-school health information, and a chance to win El Paso Chihuahuas tickets.

When 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 10

Where Montana Vista Fire Rescue Station, 13978 Montana Ave.

Cost Free; sports physicals available for $10

InformationEl Paso County Commissioner Jackie Butler Instagram

El Paso Police Department Community Fest

The El paso police Department will host a free Community Fest featuring backpack and school supply giveaways, family activities, and opportunities to connect with local officers and community organizations. The event also includes immunizations, food trucks, music, entertainment, and community resource booths.

When 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 11

Where Ralph T. Cloud Park, 7975 Willamette Ave.

Cost Free

Information

Back-to-School Superheroes Health Fair

Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso will host a free Back-to-School Superheroes Health Fair featuring backpacks, health screenings, and family activities. The event includes sports physicals, face painting, music, door prizes, and opportunities to meet superhero characters. Free backpacks will be distributed to the first 300 children.

When 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 11

Where Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, 4801 Alberta Ave.

Cost Free

InformationTexas Tech Physicians of El Paso Instagram

Back-to-School Family Symposium

Emergence Health Network and its Child and Adolescent Clinic will host a free Back-to-School Family Symposium to help families prepare for the new school year with a focus on youth mental health and emotional well-being. The event includes school supplies while they last, community resources, hands-on activities, backpacks, parent giveaways, and information on behavioral health services available in the community.

When 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 18

Where El Paso Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive, sixth floor

Cost Free

Information

16th Annual School Uniform Swap

The Ysleta Lions Club and Five Points Lions Club will host their annual School Uniform Swap, giving families the opportunity to exchange gently used school uniforms. Complimentary eye and hearing screenings will also be available, and families can earn priority vouchers by donating uniforms at designated drop-off locations before the event.

When 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 18

Where Eastlake High School, 13000 Emerald Pass Ave.

Cost Free

InformationSocorro ISD Instagram

Back-to-School Bash 2026

The Armed Services YMCA will host a free Back-to-School Bash to help military and local families prepare for the new school year. Registered children ages 3-18 will receive free backpacks and school supplies while enjoying games, sno cones, family activities, and community resource booths.

When 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, July 24

Where Child Development Center, 7061 Comington St.

Cost Free; registration required

InformationArmed Services YMCA El Paso Facebook

KISS-FM Back-to-School Expo

KISS 93.1 FM will host its annual Back-to-School Expo at Cielo Vista Mall, bringing together vendors, fashion shows, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can shop for school essentials, enter prize drawings, and enjoy live entertainment while learning about local organizations and businesses.

When 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, July 25

Where Cielo Vista Mall, 8401 Gateway Blvd. West

Cost Free

Information

Tax-free weekend

Families can save on back-to-school shopping during Texas’ annual Sales Tax Holiday, scheduled from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9. Most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced less than $100 qualify for the sales tax exemption, whether purchased in stores or online from Texas retailers. The exemption applies only to eligible items purchased during the holiday, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items shoppers may buy.

Informationcomptroller.texas.gov

Higher education institutions prepare for fall 2026

The University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College will start fall courses on Monday, Aug. 24. Both institutions began registering students last March and remind students to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Texas Application for State Financial Aid as soon as possible to be eligible for Pell Grants, student loans, and other financial aid.

EPCC which offers 16-week and eight-week courses, wants students to pay their tuition and fees for full-term and either minimester by Friday, Aug. 7. Late registration for the full-term and minimester I runs Aug. 8-23. Courses for minimester II start Oct. 19. Late registration for the second session is Aug. 8-Oct. 18.

EPCC students with financial aid questions should contact [email protected] or 915-831-2561. If they have questions for Admissions and Registration, contact [email protected].

At UTEP registration will continue through Wednesday, Sept. 9. There will be additional fees for those who register after classes begin. Students on suspension or probation as well as those with insufficient prerequisites must clear their records by Thursday, Aug. 13.

Information Registration and Records, [email protected] or 915-747-5544.

Students should receive their financial aid by Friday, Aug. 14. UTEP will award financial aid until the funds run out.

Information Financial Aid and Scholarships, [email protected] or 915-747-5204.

Texas Tech Health El Paso operates under a different schedule. The Paul L. Foster School of Medicine began July 6 with a three-week immersion experience, followed by a white coat ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 29. The Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine classes also began July 6. Fall classes at the L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences will begin Monday, Aug. 24. The Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing classes start Tuesday, Sept. 1.

TTHEP students can direct financial aid questions to [email protected] or 915-215-4370, and their enrollment questions to the Registrar’s Office at [email protected] or 915-215-4370.