Thinking of relocating to Austin, Texas and wondering which school districts are best for your family? Whether you're moving from another part of Texas or crossing state lines, one of the most important decisions you'll make is where to live—and for families, that often starts with a search for good schools.

As an Austin-based realtor and local myself, I’ve helped countless families find not only the perfect home, but also the perfect community. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best school districts in Travis County and the Austin area in 2025, based on academic rankings, quality of life, and neighborhood appeal.

Let’s explore where your family’s next chapter could begin.

1. Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD)

Top Rating: A+ (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: West Austin (Westlake Hills, Rollingwood)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 99%
Website: Eanes ISD

Why Eanes ISD is a Top Choice:

Eanes ISD consistently ranks as one of the best school districts in Texas and the entire country. Known for academic rigor, high-performing extracurricular programs, and well-funded campuses, Eanes offers a private school caliber education in a public school setting.

Westlake High School is a standout, with nationally ranked academics, competitive athletics, and award-winning arts programs.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Westlake Hills: Just minutes from downtown with luxury homes, hill country views, and top-notch amenities.

• Rollingwood: A tight-knit community with parks, family events, and a walkable vibe.

• Rob Roy and Lost Creek: Gated communities with large lots, perfect for privacy and outdoor play.

Bonus Perk: Proximity to downtown Austin (10-15 minutes) without sacrificing peaceful, suburban living.

2. Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD)

Top Rating: A (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: West of Austin (Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 97%
Website: LTISD

Why Lake Travis ISD is a Top Choice:

Families flock to LTISD for its reputation of strong academics and scenic surroundings. With a focus on STEM, athletics, and college prep, Lake Travis High School boasts state championships and a dynamic Advanced Placement program.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Lakeway: A lakefront community with golf courses, hiking trails, and a strong community center.

• Bee Cave: Offers shopping (Hill Country Galleria), parks, and master-planned communities like Falconhead.

• Rough Hollow: Resort-style living with a marina, swim center, and exclusive family events.

Bonus Perk: Lake Travis itself! Perfect for boating, kayaking, and weekend fun.

3. Leander Independent School District (Leander ISD)

Top Rating: A (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: Northwest of Austin (Leander, Cedar Park, parts of Round Rock)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 96%
Website: Leander ISD

Why Leander ISD is a Top Choice:

Leander ISD is rapidly growing and continually investing in innovation. With a focus on personalized learning and career readiness, the district is ideal for families who want strong academics and opportunities in tech, arts, and trades.

High-performing schools like Vandegrift High School and Cedar Park High School are standout options, offering competitive AP programs, robotics clubs, and more.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Steiner Ranch: Known as a “community within a community” with schools, shopping, and trails built in.

• Crystal Falls: Resort-style master-planned community with golf, pools, and neighborhood events.

• Cedar Park Town Center: Walkable lifestyle close to shopping, parks, and schools.

Bonus Perk: Easy access to both nature and big-city amenities—Leander ISD is just 30 minutes from downtown Austin.

4. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD)

Top Rating: A- (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: North Austin, Round Rock, parts of Cedar Park and Brushy Creek
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 95%
Website: RRISD

Why Round Rock ISD is a Top Choice:

RRISD is large, diverse, and resource-rich. With over 50 campuses, Round Rock ISD provides access to cutting-edge tech programs, bilingual education, and robust gifted & talented options.

Schools like Westwood High School and Round Rock High School regularly earn high marks in state rankings, and the district is known for its inclusive environment and teacher quality.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Brushy Creek: Family-oriented with parks, trails, and a strong community association.

• Forest Creek: Golf course community with well-kept homes and top-rated elementary schools.

• Teravista: A sprawling, master-planned neighborhood with multiple pools and playgrounds.

Bonus Perk: Round Rock is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, with a thriving job market and family-friendly infrastructure.

5. Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD)

Top Rating: A (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: Southwest of Austin (Dripping Springs, Belterra)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 96%
Website: DSISD

Why Dripping Springs ISD is a Top Choice:

Dripping Springs ISD combines small-town charm with big-school opportunity. With newer campuses, small class sizes, and a focus on college readiness, DSISD is perfect for families looking for a slower pace of life while maintaining access to quality education.

The district’s focus on outdoor learning, innovation, and whole-child development makes it especially attractive for nature-loving families.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Belterra: A highly sought-after master-planned community with parks, trails, and its own elementary and middle school.

• Caliterra: Eco-friendly development with trails, event spaces, and river access.

• Headwaters: Modern homes, fitness centers, and strong neighborhood connectivity.

Bonus Perk: A Hill Country lifestyle just 25 minutes from Austin’s city limits.

6. Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD)

Top Rating: B+ (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: Northeast Austin, Pflugerville, and parts of Round Rock and Manor
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 94%
Website: PfISD

Why Pflugerville ISD is a Solid Option:

While not as high-profile as some districts, PfISD is known for its strong teacher support and budget transparency. Families looking for more affordable housing options without sacrificing educational quality will find great value here.

Weiss High School and Hendrickson High School are making strides in STEM, CTE (Career & Technical Education), and fine arts.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Blackhawk: Golf course community with multiple pools, parks, and an active HOA.

• Falcon Pointe: Master-planned neighborhood with a splash pad, fitness center, and scenic trails.

• Sorrento: Newer builds, affordability, and easy highway access.

Bonus Perk: Conveniently located with access to major employers like Dell, Samsung, and Tesla.

7. Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD)

Top Rating: B+ (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: Central, South, and East Austin
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 93%
Website: Austin ISD

Why Austin ISD is Worth Considering:

As the largest district in Central Texas, Austin ISD serves over 70,000 students across more than 100 campuses. What makes AISD unique is its diversity of programs: from dual-language immersion and Montessori, to fine arts academies and early college high schools.

Top-rated schools like LASA (Liberal Arts and Science Academy), Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, and Bowie High School draw attention from families all over the region.

AISD also places a strong emphasis on equity, inclusivity, and social-emotional learning.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Zilker & Barton Hills: Walkable, vibrant, and close to beloved Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and downtown.

• Tarrytown: A historic, established neighborhood with tree-lined streets and proximity to top elementary schools.

• South Austin (Circle C Ranch): A suburban gem with parks, top-rated schools, and family-centric amenities.

Bonus Perk: Access to Austin’s cultural scene—museums, festivals, tech companies, and green spaces all in your backyard.

8. Georgetown Independent School District (Georgetown ISD)

Top Rating: B+ (Niche.com, 2025)
Location: North of Austin in Georgetown, TX
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 95%
Website: Georgetown ISD

Why Georgetown ISD is a Hidden Gem:

Georgetown ISD is quickly becoming one of Central Texas’ best-kept secrets for families. The district blends academic growth with real-world readiness—offering P-TECH academies, dual credit, and robust fine arts and athletics programs.

Smaller than some other districts on this list, Georgetown ISD stands out for its tight-knit community feel, modern campuses, and steady investment in student achievement and wellness.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods:

• Wolf Ranch: A master-planned community with new construction homes, trails, and river views.

• Sun City (for multigenerational families): While primarily a 55+ community, Sun City is part of a broader area offering mixed-age developments.

• Parkside at Mayfield Ranch: Bordering both Georgetown and Round Rock ISD zones, this neighborhood is prized for green space and accessibility.

Bonus Perk: Georgetown’s charming town square is one of the most beautiful in Texas, and the community feel is friendly, walkable, and family-first.

Tips for Choosing the Right District for Your Family

• Check Academic Focus: Look at each district’s programs—are you interested in STEM? Fine arts? Dual language?

• Visit the Campuses: Attend open houses or virtual tours to get a feel for the school’s culture.

• Talk to Neighbors: Real-world insights from other parents can help guide your decision.

• Consider Commute Times: Think about your work commute and how it aligns with school start times.

• Factor in Lifestyle: Do you want urban convenience or a more rural feel? Every district on this list offers a different family lifestyle.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Family Home in Austin?

The Austin metro area is booming, and with top-rated school districts, beautiful neighborhoods, and endless family-friendly amenities, it's easy to see why families are making the move.

Looking for homes in one of these desirable school districts?
Browse available Austin-area listings at RanchesAndRealty.com

Whether you're dreaming of lakefront living in Lake Travis ISD, Hill Country charm in Dripping Springs, or high-performance academics in Eanes ISD, I’d love to help you find the right home for your family.

Let’s make your move to Austin easy—and exciting.

Sources:

• Niche.com 2025 School District Rankings

• Texas Education Agency