Austin Independent School District

Austin ISD has experienced a steady decline in enrollment over the past decade, losing thousands of students to surrounding suburban districts, private schools, and charter schools, even as Austin's overall population has grown. This enrollment decline, combined with rising operational costs and an aging building portfolio, has created significant budget shortfalls. The district has proposed closing and consolidating multiple campuses, particularly smaller elementary schools in central Austin neighborhoods. For relocating families, this means it is essential to verify whether a neighborhood's zoned school will remain open and to understand potential rezoning that could change your child's assigned campus.

Austin ISD operates several highly selective magnet and specialty schools that draw students from across the district. The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) is one of the top-ranked public high schools in the nation and admits students through a competitive application process based on academics and test scores. The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders is a selective all-girls STEM-focused school for grades 6-12. Other specialty programs include the Kealing Middle School magnet, dual-language immersion campuses, and the Fine Arts Academy at various grade levels. Admission to these programs is competitive and typically requires an application submitted well in advance.

Austin ISD is a mixed bag for relocating families. On one hand, the district contains some of the highest-rated individual schools in the state, and living within AISD gives access to Austin's vibrant urban neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and walkable communities. On the other hand, the district's overall rating is lower than surrounding suburban districts like Eanes, Round Rock, or Leander ISD, and the ongoing school closure process creates uncertainty. Families should research individual campus ratings carefully, as there is a wide gap between top-performing and struggling schools within the district.

Within Austin ISD, some of the strongest-rated elementary schools are found in the central and west Austin neighborhoods of Zilker, Brentwood, Allandale, Clarksville, and Tarrytown. These areas tend to have higher property values and more engaged parent communities that supplement school funding through PTA donations. The Hyde Park and Mueller neighborhoods also have well-regarded schools. However, families should verify current campus ratings and check for any planned closures or rezoning before making housing decisions, as the district's consolidation plans are actively evolving.

On the state's official Texas Education Agency A–F ratings for 2024-25, Eanes ISD (Westlake/West Austin) is the highest-rated of the three with an A, alongside consistently top-ranked schools, though homes in Eanes start around $800K. Round Rock ISD (north Austin/Round Rock/Cedar Park) earns a B with strong schools at more accessible price points ($400-600K). Austin ISD carries a C overall, with much wider variation between campuses: top magnets like LASA rival any school in the state, while some neighborhood schools underperform. For relocating families, Eanes fits academics-first buyers (if budget allows), Round Rock offers reliable quality with a suburban lifestyle, and Austin ISD suits urban living with selective school access.

Yes — Austin ISD is one of the strongest dual-language districts in Texas. The district offers two-way dual-language immersion (English/Spanish) at multiple elementary campuses, where students become bilingual and biliterate by 5th grade. Some campuses also offer one-way bilingual programs. Popular dual-language campuses include Metz Elementary, Sanchez Elementary, and Zavala Elementary. Application-based enrollment opens in January for the following school year. These programs are a significant draw for families who value bilingual education and are a unique advantage Austin ISD holds over most suburban districts.

The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) is Austin ISD's flagship magnet high school and consistently ranks among the top 20 public high schools in the United States. LASA admits approximately 500 students per class through a competitive application process based on grades, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. Acceptance rates are typically 30-40%. Students attend from across the entire Austin ISD district. LASA offers AP and IB-level coursework, nationally ranked math and science teams, and sends graduates to elite universities. For families specifically targeting LASA, living anywhere within Austin ISD boundaries qualifies your child to apply.