Guide to the Best School Districts in Austin 👨‍🏫 | What are the Best Schools in Austin, TX?

Where are the best schools in Austin, TX? 🏫 Here is a COMPLETE guide to the best school districts in Austin, TX based on test scores, graduation rates, and more.

Known for its unique culture and robust economy, Austin, TX is one of the largest cities in Texas and among the fastest growing metro areas in the US. There are many fantastic reasons to consider moving to Austin from its food and entertainment to its excellent schools.

Austin is a major hub for education with one of the best school systems in Texas, which ranks 28th in the US for education. While there are many good schools in Austin, TX, it's also surrounded by growing suburbs that offer the same level of quality (if not better), when it comes to schooling.

Choosing the right school district is an important decision if you have children or you're planning on starting a family. However, with many great choices, finding the best schools in Austin, TX, is easier said than done. To help make the decision a bit easier, here is a complete list of the best school districts in Austin, TX, and the surrounding suburbs.

Eanes ISD | West Lake Hills, TX

Eanes Independent School District is generally considered the best school district in Austin, TX. It not only ranks number two out of all school districts in Texas, it also ranks within the top 10 school districts in the nation. It serves about 7,800 students in the northwestern part of the Austin metro area, including the communities of Westlake Hills, Rollingwood, and Lost Creek. The district consists of nine of the best schools in Austin, TX, including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, as well as one adult transition services center.

Eanes ISD schools are considered some of the best public schools in Austin, TX, and consistently rank the highest in the state for SAT/ACT test scores. They also provide excellent resources to help with the college admissions process. The dropout rate is only 0.3% for the entire district, and teachers have about 12 years of experience each, on average.

It's home to Westlake High School, which not only ranks sixth out of the best high schools in Austin, TX, it also ranks fifty-third in the state of Texas. It has an advanced placement participation rate of 77% and a graduation rate of 99%. The average SAT score for students at Westlake is 1256, which is 28% higher than the statewide average. West Ridge and Hill Country also rank among the best middle schools in Austin, TX.

• Area served: West Lake Hills, most of Rollingwood, the Lost Creek neighborhood, and parts of Austin
• Enrollment: 7,834
• Number of schools: 9
• Teacher-to-student ratio: 14:1
• Report card
  

Dripping Springs ISD | Dripping Springs, TX

The Dripping Springs ISD is also a respected district that's home to some of the top Austin public schools. Based in northwestern Hays County, the district serves the suburb of Dripping Springs, as well as smaller communities like Driftwood, Bear Creek, and rural parts of the county.

It serves approximately 8,000 students across eight schools, including five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. In 2022, the district and five schools earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Thanks to its excellent schools, it's also a very fast-growing district, and enrollment nearly doubled in the last decade.

The Dripping Springs ISD is home to Sycamore Springs Elementary School, which is considered one of the best elementary schools in Austin. Dripping Springs High School also ranks among the best high schools in Austin, Texas, with a 96% graduation rate and 85% science proficiency score. It's also well known for its sports teams and marching band, which is a consistent UIL finalist.

• Area served: Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Bear Creek, and parts of Austin
• Enrollment: 8,001
• Number of schools: 8
• Teacher-to-student ratio: 15:1
• Report card

Liberty Hill ISD | Liberty Hill, TX

Liberty Hill ISD is also among the best school districts in Austin, TX. It serves the city of Liberty Hill and surrounding areas in Williamson County. The 5A District has a student population of about 6800 across 10 different schools, including 5 elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools.

The district has an A rating from the TEA and has also received recognition as a Recognized Charter Plus District. The District and all its schools have also been recognized as "No Place for Hate" campuses by the Anti-Defamation League.

It's one of the best school districts in the Austin suburbs and home to the top-rated Liberty High School. Ranked forty-second out of all Austin, TX high schools, Liberty Hill has received praise for its academic programs, which include STEM, business, and arts. It also has an A+ sports rating and is in the top 1% of all Texas high schools for athletes.

• Area served: Liberty Hills and parts of Georgetown and Leander
• Enrollment: 6,840
• Number of schools: 10
• Teacher-to-student ratio: 16:1
• Report card

Lake Travis ISD | Austin, TX

Lake Travis is also among the best school districts in Austin, TX. The District was formed in 1981 after school board members decided to split up the Dripping Springs ISD to serve students in the rapidly growing Lake Travis area. It covers several small communities in the northwest Austin area, including Bee Cave, Briarcliff, Lakeway, the Hills, and Hudson Bend.

Lake Travis ISD is a 6A district that serves over 11,500 students across 11 campuses, including 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and one high school. It's a well established district and 26.3% of teachers have 11-20 years of experience, while 13.6% have over 20 years of experience. The District has an exemplary rating from the TEA, indicating it’s home to some of the best schools in Austin, TX.

It's home to the well-respected Lake Travis High School, which has a graduation rate of 96% and an AP participation rate of 62%, ranking it 20th out of all Austin high schools. In 2022, 70 Lake Travis High School seniors were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for exceptional academic ability.

• Area served: Bee Cave, Briarcliff, Lakeway, the Hills, and Hudson Bend.
• Enrollment: 11,577
• Number of schools: 11
• Teacher-to-student ratio: 18:1
• Report card

Round Rock ISD | Round Rock, TX

The Round Rock ISD is another exceptional school district in Austin, TX and also one of the largest. Based in the Austin suburb of Round Rock, the district serves approximately 50,000 students across 56 of the best schools in Austin, TX.

It has 35 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, seven high schools, three alternative learning centers, and 15 special facilities. Teachers in the district have an average of 11 years of experience, and 30% have a master's degree. The district-wide graduation rate is 95.6%, and the average SAT score is 1145.

The district has also received numerous distinctions for its academic programs. In 2024, it was awarded its sixth consecutive District of Distinction recognition from the TEA for its visual arts program, and five Round Rock ISD high schools were recognized for their STEM programs. It's home to the Meridian World School, one of the best charter schools in Austin, TX.

Canyon Creek Elementary is also widely regarded as one of the best Austin elementary schools and ranks 12th in the state. It's also known for exceptional schools like Westwood High School, which ranks 74th out of all schools in Texas with a 99% graduation rate and 74% AP participation rate. Round Rock High School is well respected as well.

• Area served: Round Rock, southern Williamson County, northwest Travis County, and parts of Austin and Cedar Park.
• Enrollment: 47,225
• Number of schools: 56
• Teacher-to-student ratio: 14:1
• Report card

Leander ISD | Leander, TX

Leander ISD is another one of the larger school districts in Austin, TX, and also among the best. It educates about 42,000 students across 44 campuses in a district that covers nearly 200 square miles.

Teachers in the district have an average of 11.9 years of experience and the district-wide graduation rate is 97.5%. The District also maintains a College Connection partnership with Austin Community College to help students receive additional resources post-graduation.

It's home to some of the best elementary schools in Austin, TX, including River Ridge, Laura Welch Bush, and Rutledge Elementary. Vandegrift High School in the Leander ISD is also very well respected. It features a 98% graduation rate and 70% AP participation rate, ranking it 10th out of all Austin high schools and 96th in the state.

• Area served: Leander and parts of Cedar Park, Georgetown, Jonestown, Round Rock, and Austin
• Enrollment: 41,780
• Number of schools: 44
• Teacher-to-student ratio: 14:1
• Report card

Austin ISD | Austin, TX

Although it tends to be a bit more varied in terms of quality compared to some of the other best school districts in Austin, TX, the Austin Independent School District also features some fantastic schools. It's by far the largest and educates about 72,000 students across 116 schools. District-wide, Austin, TX schools feature a 93.3% graduation rate, an average SAT score of 1119, and an average ACT score of 26.1, which all exceed the state and national averages. The district has a B-rating overall with the Texas Education Agency.

The District is home to Liberal Arts and Science Academy, one of the best magnet schools in Austin, TX, which is also ranked as the sixth-best high school in Texas and 38th in the US. It has a 100% graduation rate and AP participation rate, making it one of the best public high schools in Austin, TX. Bowie High School is also very good and ranks 188th in the state.

The Auston ISD also features several top-rated elementary schools, including Gullett, Doss, and Clayton Elementary. While the quality of the schools in the district can vary depending on the neighborhood, the Austin ISD does offer plenty of fantastic educational options.

• Area served: The City of Austin, Sunset Valley, San Leanna, and unincorporated areas in Travis County
• Enrollment: 72,830
• Number of schools: 116
• Teacher-to-student ratio: 14:1
• Report card

Austin Schools FAQ

What Is the Best School District in Austin?

The Eanes Independent School District is generally considered the best school district in the Austin area, although it can depend on how you measure the quality of the schools.

What is the Best High School in Austin?

The Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin is ranked as the best high school in the Austin Texas area and sixth in the state of Texas.

Does Austin Have Good Schools?

Yes, there are many good schools in Austin, TX, although the quality can depend on where you live.

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