What are the best schools in Austin, Texas?

Austin families have two big decisions: which public school district to live in, and whether to consider private school. On the public side, Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD both earned "A" ratings from the Texas Education Agency for 2025-26, while Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD and Dripping Springs ISD earned a "B." On the private side, Austin has a wide range of options, from college-prep schools like St. Stephen's, St. Andrew's and Regents to Montessori, Waldorf, faith-based and newer models like Alpha School. Because your address decides your public school, the best choice starts with where you'll live.

I'm Cynthia Mattiza, Associate Broker and CLHMS with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. My family moved from South Austin to Bee Cave so our girls could attend Lake Pointe Elementary in Lake Travis ISD, and it was one of the best decisions we've made. I help families compare schools and neighborhoods together, because the two decisions are really one.

Key Takeaways for Austin Families

• Your address decides your public school. Austin is split among many school districts, and even neighbors on the same street can be zoned to different schools. Always verify the assigned schools for each address.
• Ratings are a starting point, not the whole story. Look at the specific campus, class sizes, programs and the school community, not just the district grade.
• Private school is common in Austin. Many families pair a neighborhood they love with a private school nearby, so the commute to school matters as much as the commute to work.
• Plan ahead for private admissions. Many private schools open applications in the fall and fill seats for the next school year, so start early if you're relocating.

Austin-Area Public School Districts (2025-26 TEA Ratings)

• Eanes ISD: A (94). Serves Westlake, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood and part of Barton Creek. One of the most sought-after districts in Texas, with a short drive to downtown.
• Lake Travis ISD: A (91). Serves Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spanish Oaks, Lake Pointe and the Lake Travis area. Strong neighborhood elementary schools and a community feel.
• Round Rock ISD: B (89). Serves much of Northwest and North Austin and Round Rock, close to many North Austin tech employers.
• Dripping Springs ISD: B (89). Serves Dripping Springs and parts of the Hill Country southwest of Austin.
• Leander ISD: B (87). Serves Cedar Park, Leander, Four Points and Steiner Ranch.
• Austin ISD: B. Serves Central Austin, including Tarrytown, Zilker, Barton Hills and Travis Heights, with a wide range of campuses and programs. Ratings vary a lot from school to school.

You can look up any district or campus report card at TXschools.gov. For a side-by-side look at Austin's two top-rated districts, read my Eanes ISD vs. Lake Travis ISD guide.

Austin has one of the strongest private school scenes in Texas, and many families moving here consider private school alongside the public districts. Here are the private schools my clients ask about most, grouped by area so you can match a school to a neighborhood. Each name links to the school's website.

West Austin and Westlake

• St. Stephen's Episcopal School Boarding and day school for grades 6 through 12 in West Lake Hills, known for rigorous college prep, arts and athletics.
• Trinity Episcopal School
• Alpha School A newer model that pairs AI-powered personalized academics with life-skills workshops, with Austin campuses for younger and older students.

Southwest Austin and Barton Creek

• Regents School of Austin Classical Christian education from Pre-K through 12th grade, off Southwest Parkway.
• St. Michael's Catholic Academy Catholic college-prep high school, grades 9 through 12, in the Barton Creek area.
• Austin Waldorf School Waldorf education with an arts- and nature-rich curriculum.
• St. Andrew's Episcopal School Austin's largest independent school, K through 12, with a lower school campus in Central Austin and an upper school campus on Southwest Parkway.

Central and North Austin

• Griffin School
• Hyde Park Schools
• The Girls' School of Austin
• Kirby Hall School
• Austin Montessori School
• Austin International School
• Brentwood Christian School Christian school from Pre-K through 12th grade in North Austin.

Northwest Austin and Lake Travis

• Hill Country Christian School of Austin Christian school from Pre-K through 12th grade on RR 620 in Northwest Austin.
• Austin Jewish Academy
• Lake Travis STEM Academy
• Lake Travis Christian Academy

Programs, grades and campuses change. Always check each school's website for current admissions dates, tuition and tours.

Public or Private? Questions to Ask First

• What does your child need right now? Class size, learning style, special programs, arts, athletics or a faith-based setting can all point you toward one school over another.
• Where will you live and work? A great school with a 45-minute drive each way can wear on a family. Map the school run alongside your work commute.
• What is the full cost? Private tuition plus your home price and property taxes. In some areas, buying in a top public district can cost less than private school tuition for several children.
• Will you need the same school for years? Some private schools start in Pre-K and run through 12th grade, while others serve only certain grades. Plan for the transitions.

How to Verify a Home's School Zoning

Never rely on a listing or a map app for school assignments. Boundaries change, and some neighborhoods split between campuses or even districts. Before you write an offer, I confirm the assigned elementary, middle and high schools with the district's own boundary lookup for that exact address. If you're relocating, contact the district early, since most ask for proof of residency, like a contract or lease, to enroll.

Neighborhoods Families Choose for Schools

• Eanes ISD: Westlake, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Lost Creek and parts of Barton Creek.
• Lake Travis ISD: Bee Cave, Lake Pointe, Spanish Oaks, Falconhead, Lakeway and Rough Hollow.
• Near top private schools: Westlake and Lost Creek for St. Stephen’s; Barton Creek, Travis Country and Circle C for Regents, St. Michael’s and St. Andrew’s upper school; Tarrytown and Central Austin for St. Andrew’s lower school and several central schools.

From my own family: we chose Bee Cave for Lake Pointe Elementary because most families there send their kids to the neighborhood school. The kindergarten class moms became lifelong friends, carpools formed on their own, and our girls have thrived. That's what I look for with every family: not just a rating, but a school community.

More Guides for Austin Families

• Eanes ISD vs. Lake Travis ISD: a guide for families moving to West Austin
• Moving to Austin for a tech job
• Buying a home in Austin, Texas: 2026 relocation guide
• Lake Pointe neighborhood guide
• Relocating from California to Austin
• Moving from Seattle to Austin

What is the best school district in Austin?

Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD both earned an A from the Texas Education Agency for 2025-26, with scores of 94 and 91. Eanes serves Westlake and West Lake Hills, and Lake Travis ISD serves Bee Cave, Lakeway and the Lake Travis area. The best fit depends on the specific campus, your commute and your family's needs.

What are the best private schools in Austin?

Families most often ask about St. Stephen's Episcopal School, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Regents School of Austin and St. Michael's Catholic Academy, along with Griffin School, Hyde Park Schools, Austin Waldorf School, Trinity Episcopal School and newer options like Alpha School. The right school depends on your child, your faith and education preferences, and where you live.

Which Austin neighborhoods are best for families who want top schools?

For Eanes ISD, families look at Westlake, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood and Lost Creek. For Lake Travis ISD, they look at Bee Cave, Lake Pointe, Spanish Oaks, Falconhead and Lakeway. Families planning on private school often choose based on the drive to campus.

How do I find out which school a house is zoned for in Austin?

Use the school district's own boundary lookup for the exact address, and confirm with the district before you buy. Don't rely on listing websites or map apps, since boundaries change and some neighborhoods are split.

When should I apply to Austin private schools?

Many private schools open applications in the fall for the next school year, and popular schools can fill quickly. If you're relocating, contact schools as soon as you know your timeline, and ask about mid-year openings.

Is Alpha School in Austin?

Yes. Alpha School has Austin campuses and uses AI-powered personalized learning for academics, paired with life-skills workshops. Visit alpha.school for current campuses and admissions.

Who is the best real estate agent for families choosing schools in Austin?

Cynthia Mattiza, Associate Broker and CLHMS with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty, has helped Austin families buy and sell for 16 years. She moved her own family to Bee Cave for Lake Pointe Elementary in Lake Travis ISD, and she verifies school zoning for every home before her clients make an offer.

Let's Find the Right School and Neighborhood for Your Family

Tell me your children's ages, the schools you're considering and where you'll be working, and I'll put together a short list of neighborhoods and homes that fit. No pressure, just honest advice.

Call or text me at 512-940-5293 or email [email protected].

Cynthia Mattiza | Associate Broker, REALTOR® | Kuper Sotheby's International Realty | Austin, Westlake Hills, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country

Sources: Texas Education Agency A-F ratings for 2025-26, via TXschools.gov, Community Impact, FOX 7 Austin and Community Impact (Round Rock ISD). Private school details from each school's website. Last updated November 12, 2026. Ratings, programs and boundaries change; confirm with each district and school.