The Austin area is know for having some of the best public schools in America. Determining which schools and school districts are the best can be subjective and based solely on your child’s current needs and plans for the future. Although experts will say the early years of your child’s education can really set your child up for success, the high school years are the ones that are responsible for producing college ready and even more important, life ready students.
Austin Has 7 of Top 500 High Schools in US in 2022
In Austin, we are lucky to have some of the best high schools in not only Texas, but in the United States. US News and World Report recognized some of these highly regarded high schools in their 2018 Best High Schools Report. US News and World Report picked their top High Schools in the United States for 2022. Austin and the surrounding areas had 7 High Schools in the top 500.
Best Austin Area High Schools with National, State and Local Rankings
Below we’ve listed the top 25 Austin Area High Schools and included their local rating, statewide rating and national rating to show you how our top schools compare.
| Austin Rating | Texas Rating | US Rating | High Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 34 | Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) |
| 2 | 16 | 122 | Chaparral Star |
| 3 | 20 | 128 | Richards School for Young Women Leaders |
| 4 | 29 | 168 | Idea Monopolist College Preparatory |
| 5 | 42 | 254 | Meridian School |
| 6 | 46 | 261 | Westlake |
| 7 | 73 | 456 | Westwood |
| 8 | 82 | 553 | KIPP Austin Collegiate |
| 9 | 90 | 623 | Vandegrift |
| 10 | 116 | 986 | NYOS Charter School |
| 11 | 122 | 1,050 | Round Rock |
| 12 | 131 | 1,135 | Lake Travis |
| 13 | 133 | 1,195 | Gateway College Preparatory School |
| 14 | 135 | 1,211 | Vista Ridge |
| 15 | 137 | 1,231 | Anderson |
| 16 | 142 | 1,293 | Bowie |
| 17 | 150 | 1,384 | Harmony Science Academy North Austin |
| 18 | 167 | 1,635 | Founders Classical Academy of Leander |
| 19 | 168 | 1,643 | Colorado River Collegiate Academy |
| 20 | 173 | 1,689 | Cedar Park |
| 21 | 179 | 1,740 | McCallum |
| 22 | 182 | 1,779 | Hendrickson |
| 23 | 230 | 2,430 | Austin |
| 24 | 233 | 2,494 | Dripping Springs |
| 25 | 235 | 2,545 | McNeil |
Source: US News and World Report Best High Schools Report 2022
How Are High Schools Evaluated?
According to US News and World Report, they use the following, weighted metrics to evaluate high schools across the US.
- College Readiness – 30%
- State Assessment Proficiency – 20%
- State Assessment Performance – 20%
- Underserved Student Performance – 10%
- College Curriculum Breadth – 10%
- Graduation Rate – 10%
You can review these criteria in more detail here.
How to Attend a Top High School in Austin
Want your child to go to one of the best Austin area high schools? You can purchase a home in each of these school districts (except for the charter schools, which take applications) to ensure they’ll get a top quality education. The links and widgets below show you what you can buy in each public high school district. Charter schools have their own entrance requirements that typically don’t depend on where you live, so we won’t include them in our breakdown below. Don’t forget to visit the links that go directly to each high school’s page where you can search every home for sale and learn more.
#6 Westlake High School
- Area of Town: West Austin
- Zip Code: 78746
- School District: Eanes ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 5.7 miles, 12-20 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 12.5 miles, 14-20 minutes
- Average Price: $2,016,567
- Median Price: $1,742,000
- Price Range: Mid $300k’s – $9.5MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
- Average Square Feet: 3,361
Westlake High School is located in the prestigious Eanes ISD, which is the top rated school district in Austin. Westlake serves the West Austin zip codes, 78746 and 78733. For more info and to search all homes for sale, visit Westlake High School Homes.
Westlake High School Homes for Sale
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#7 Westwood High School
- Area of Town: Northwest Austin
- Zip Code: 78750
- School District: Round Rock ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 16 miles, 20-26 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 22 miles, 22-26 minutes
- Average Price: $756,666
- Median Price: $720,000
- Price Range: High $200k’s – $2.75MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,368
Westwood High School, located in the highly rated Round Rock ISD serves the Northwest section of Austin. Westwood High School has been highly rated for years, which has contributed to the area’s rising home prices. For more info and to search all homes for sale, check out Westwood High School Homes.
Westwood High School Homes for Sale
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#9 Vandegrift High School
- Area of Town: Northwest Austin
- Zip Code: 78750
- School District: Leander ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 13.5 miles, 20-30 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 23 miles, 26-35 minutes
- Average Price: $1,142,090
- Median Price: $881,000
- Price Range: Mid $200k’s – $11.65MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
- Average Square Feet: 3,335
Vandegrift High School, located in the highly rated Leander ISD, serves the Northwest section of Austin, Cedar Park and Leander. The majority of the district is fed from Steiner Ranch, one of the area’s most highly sought after master planned communities. For more info and to search all homes for sale, check out Vandegrift High School Homes
Vandegrift High School Homes for Sale
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#11 Round Rock High School
- Area of Town: Round Rock
- Zip Code: 78681
- School District: Round Rock ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 19 miles, 24-40 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 25 miles, 26-40 minutes
- Average Price: $612,512
- Median Price: $590,000
- Price Range: Low $200k’s – $1.4MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,539
Round High School serves the western part of Round Rock and the eastern part of Cedar Park. If you’re looking for suburban living, but with more established neighborhoods and mature landscaping, Round Rock High School might be the best choice. Homes are more affordable than in the McCallum or Anderson High School district and the high school is rated better. For more, check out Round Rock High School Homes for Sale.
Round Rock High School Homes for Sale
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#12 Lake Travis High School
- Area of Town: Lake Travis
- Zip Code: 78738
- School District: Lake Travis ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 19 miles, 24-40 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 23 miles, 26-40 minutes
- Average Price: $1,011,043
- Median Price: $815,000
- Price Range: Mid $200k’s – $8.5MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
- Average Square Feet: 3,070
Lake Travis High School is located in the very highly regarded Lake Travis ISD. Lake Travis High School has some very unique college prep classes that are hugely popular among students and parents. For more info and to search homes for sale, visit Lake Travis High School Homes.
Lake Travis High School Homes for Sale
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#14 Vista Ridge
- Area of Town: Cedar Park
- Zip Code: 78613
- School District: Leander ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 21 miles, 24-35 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 28 miles, 28-35 minutes
- Average Price: $629,596
- Median Price: $580,000
- Price Range: Mid $200k’s – $2MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,497
Vista Ridge is one of the fastest improving high schools in the Austin area. Just a few years ago, Vista Ridge wasn’t even on the list and now it comes in at #14 in Austin. Located in Cedar Park, Vista Ridge is one of the more affordable districts in this list, so definitely worth a look if you’re looking for value. For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Homes Near Vista Ridge High School page.
Vista Ridge High School Homes for Sale
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#15 Anderson High School
- Area of Town: Northwest Austin
- Zip Code: 78759
- School District: Austin ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 9 miles, 16-22 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 17 miles, 18-22 minutes
- Average Price: $872,466
- Median Price: $750,000
- Price Range: Low $300k’s – $3.7MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,242
Anderson High School serves the section of Northwest Austin that is nearest to Downtown Austin. This area was one of the first suburban areas to develop, so you’ll find more established neighborhoods with mature landscaping. Homes are on the smaller side compared to what you’ll find in a more suburban, master planned community. But, you’re closer to everything Austin has to offer. If you’re looking for a nice home in a nice neighborhood and want to be more centrally located, check out Anderson High School Homes.
Anderson High School Homes for Sale
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#16 Bowie High School
- Area of Town: Southwest Austin
- Zip Code: 78749
- School District: Austin ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 12 miles, 14-24 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 14 miles, 16-30 minutes
- Average Price: $811,515
- Median Price: $740,000
- Price Range: High $300k’s – $4.75MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,566
Bowie High School is the closest district to Downtown Austin where you’ll find master planned communities such as Circle C and Shady Hollow. You can find brand new homes as well as homes that are 20-30 years old, giving home buyers a range of options. If you work Downtown and are looking for a top rated school in a more suburban area, check out Bowie High School Homes. Looking for a more detailed breakdown on neighborhoods? Check out our Bowie High School Neighborhoods post.
Bowie High School Homes for Sale
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#20 Cedar Park High School
- Area of Town: Cedar Park
- Zip Code: 78613
- School District: Leander ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 19 miles, 26-40 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 26 miles, 28-40 minutes
- Average Price: $627,994
- Median Price: $580,525
- Price Range: Low $200k’s – $2.3MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,519
Built in 1998, Cedar Park High School was the second high school in the Leander ISD. Today there are 6 high schools, which shows how fast this district has grown. Though the growth, Cedar Park High School remains one of the top rated. With prices where they are, it is one of the more affordable districts, making it a top choice for buyers looking for value. For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Homes Near Cedar Park High School page.
Cedar Park High School Homes for Sale
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#21 McCallum High School
- Area of Town: Central Austin
- Zip Code: 78756
- School District: Austin ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 6 miles, 10-18 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 13 miles, 14-20 minutes
- Average Price: $970,470
- Median Price: $795,000
- Price Range: Low $300k’s – $10.5MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 3/2
- Average Square Feet: 1,878
McCallum High School is located in the Austin ISD and serves North Central Austin and a small section of Northwest and Northeast Austin. McCallum is a great choice for a home buyer looking for a more centralized location in an existing neighborhood. For more info and to search all homes for sale, visit McCallum High School Homes.
McCallum High School Homes for Sale
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#22 Hendrickson High School
- Area of Town: Pflugerville
- Zip Code: 78660
- School District: Pflugerville ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 21 miles, 34-35 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 23 miles, 22-30 minutes
- Average Price: $489,784
- Median Price: $475,000
- Price Range: Mid $200k’s – High $900k’s
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,374
Coming in at the most affordable, top rated high school district in Austin is Hendrickson High School. It’s no wonder we see buyer demand in Pflugerville at much higher levels than in other areas of town. Founded in 2003, it’s not a new school for the Austin area. But, it has remained one of the top rated. For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Homes Near Hendrickson High School page.
Hendrickson High School Homes for Sale
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#23 Austin High School
- Area of Town: Central Austin
- Zip Code: 78703
- School District: Austin ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 2 miles, 7-14 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 14 miles, 14-24 minutes
- Average Price: $1,325,000
- Median Price: $997,700
- Price Range: Mid $300k’s – $10.5MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 3/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,500
Austin High School is the ideal choice if you’re looking to live a more urban lifestyle. Though Austin is not an urban city when compared to New York City or Chicago, but it does have a downtown area with top rated dining, shopping and entertainment. It’s also where some of our most popular events and festivals are held. And, with parking and traffic the way it is, it sure is a lot easier to attend these events from a few miles away versus 20. If you’re looking for a prime location in a good school district, the Austin High School district is one you should consider. For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Homes Near Austin High School page.
Austin High School Homes for Sale
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#24 Dripping Springs High School
- Area of Town: Dripping Springs
- Zip Code: 78620
- School District: Dripping Springs ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 25 miles, 30-50 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 28 miles, 30-45 minutes
- Average Price: $924,538
- Median Price: $800,000
- Price Range: Mid $200k’s – $4.5MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 3,001
Dripping Springs High School is in one of the best school districts in the Austin area, the Dripping Springs ISD. Located in Dripping Springs, families can choose rural or suburban living and still have their kids attend this highly rated school. For more info and to search all homes for sale, visit Dripping Springs High School Homes.
Dripping Springs High School Homes for Sale
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#25 McNeil High School
- Area of Town: Northwest Austin
- Zip Code: 78729
- School District: Round Rock ISD
- Distance to Downtown Austin: 16 miles, 20-30 minutes
- Distance to Austin Airport: 22 miles, 22-30 minutes
- Average Price: $585,253
- Median Price: $535,000
- Price Range: Mid $300k’s – $1.45MM
- Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
- Average Square Feet: 2,208
Rounding out our top 25 best Austin area high schools, we have one of the biggest value districts. Located in North Austin, McNeil serves residents between 35 and 183, north of McNeil Drive and Wells Branch Pky. The district also pushes up to Avery Ranch and Brushy Creek north of 45. If you’re looking to be in the city of Austin, or as close as you can be to it, but still want affordability, the McNeil High School district is one you should consider. For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Homes Near McNeil High School page.
McNeil High School Homes for Sale
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Average and Median Price and Size Data comes from ACTRIS closed sales 4/1/2021-3/31/2022.
Texas Has 78 of Top 500 Schools in US
Out of top 500 high schools in the nation, 73 are located in Texas with 10 of these located in the Austin Area. If you would like to see the numbers behind the rankings, check out the full US News and World Report article here.
Not Sure Which Austin School District is Best for You?
Our team of buyer specialists can help evaluate your options and determine what part of town might work best for you and your family. Send us an email at info@11OaksRealty.com with what you’re looking for or fill out our Austin Neighborhood Finder and one of our specialists will reach out with some suggestions.
Buying a Home in a Top High School District? We Can Help
We’ve helped many buyers just like you find the right home in the right neighborhood for their families. We take the time to help you understand the home buying process, point out potential resale difficulties and faults of a property and negotiate the best deals. If you’re looking for a Realtor who will act consultatively, not like a sleezy car salesman, we might be the right team for you. Visit our Austin Home Buyer information page and then call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out our Buyer Survey to schedule a no obligation consultation.
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