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Whether you are buying or building a new home in Austin, choosing the right neighborhood goes far beyond square footage and finishes. For families with children, the quality of local schools often becomes the deciding factor in where to plant your roots. At Rivendale Homes, we understand that exceptional education is a cornerstone of family life, which is why we strategically build in neighborhoods served by Austin's most sought-after school districts.
The school district your home is zoned to impacts far more than just your child's education. Top-performing schools foster environments where students are challenged academically, supported emotionally, and prepared for college and career success. These districts typically offer robust extracurricular programs, experienced teachers, advanced coursework, and strong parent-teacher communities that enhance the overall student experience.
Beyond education, homes in highly rated school districts tend to hold their value better over time and can command higher resale prices. Properties in Austin's highest-rated school districts have consistently appreciated faster than the regional average. Homes in desirable school districts also generally have shorter days on the market, hold value more effectively during challenging market conditions, and have more buyer demand. When you invest in a Rivendale Home in a premier school district, you're not just choosing a house—you're making a strategic investment in your family's future and your property's long-term value.
Eanes ISD: Excellence in Westlake
The Eanes Independent School District, serving the Westlake area, consistently ranks among the very best school districts not just in Austin, but in the entire state of Texas. The district maintains an impressive A rating from the Texas Education Agency, scoring 94 out of 100 points. This exceptional performance reflects the district's commitment to academic excellence, innovative programs, and student success.
Eanes ISD operates nine campuses: six elementary schools, two middle schools, and Westlake High School. Each campus maintains high academic standards while fostering a supportive learning environment. Westlake High School has earned recognition as a U.S. Blue Ribbon School and received the Texas Successful Schools Award for Outstanding Performance. The school offers a comprehensive, college-preparatory curriculum that prepares students for success at the nation's top universities.
What makes Eanes ISD particularly attractive is its well-rounded approach to education. Beyond strong test scores and academic metrics, the district has earned top rankings for Best Places to Teach, College Readiness, and Best Facilities. Students benefit from modern technology integration, including district-wide iPad programs, and access to advanced coursework that challenges them to reach their full potential.
Eanes ISD Transfer Policy
While living within district boundaries guarantees enrollment, Eanes ISD does accept a limited number of transfer students from outside the district. Transfer students are accepted based on several factors including program availability, space at campuses, attendance records, academic performance, and disciplinary history. It's important to note that beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Eanes ISD implemented limitations on elementary school transfers.
The transfer application process typically opens in early March each year, with a three-week application window. All transfer students are subject to annual review and approval, and the district does not provide transportation services for transfer students. Families interested in transferring should visit the Eanes ISD website early to understand current policies and deadlines, as these can change based on enrollment capacity.
Austin ISD: Urban Excellence and Specialized Programs
Austin Independent School District, the city's largest school district, offers families an impressive array of educational opportunities. While AISD serves diverse neighborhoods across the city, several areas stand out for their exceptional schools and strong community support.
The Northwest Hills neighborhood is served by some of AISD's finest schools, culminating at Anderson High School. Anderson is designated as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the prestigious IB Diploma Programme to students seeking a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum. The IB program at Anderson challenges students with higher-level coursework, encourages critical thinking and global awareness, and provides a pathway to college credit and advanced standing at universities worldwide.
Students in Northwest Hills benefit from a complete educational pathway that emphasizes academic excellence. The neighborhood's schools are known for engaged parent communities, strong arts and athletics programs, and a focus on preparing students for competitive college admissions.
Tarrytown and Casis Elementary
The historic Tarrytown neighborhood is home to Casis Elementary, one of AISD's most beloved and high-performing elementary schools. Casis has built a reputation for academic excellence, innovative teaching, and a warm, inclusive community atmosphere. The school offers a well-rounded education with strong emphasis on core academics while also supporting students' creative and social-emotional development.
Families in Tarrytown appreciate Casis Elementary not only for its academic performance but also for its walkable neighborhood location, active PTA involvement, and sense of community. The school exemplifies what makes Austin's central neighborhoods so attractive to families seeking urban living without compromising educational quality.
Allandale: A Family-Friendly Neighborhood
The Allandale neighborhood, located in North Central Austin, offers families an excellent combination of affordability, walkability, and strong schools. Students in Allandale attend schools known for their strong academics, dedicated teachers, and supportive communities. The neighborhood itself features tree-lined streets, nearby parks, and convenient access to shopping and dining, making it an ideal location for families seeking the quintessential Austin lifestyle.
Brentwood and Crestview: Academic Excellence with a Fine Arts Academy
Families in the Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods benefit from access to highly rated Austin ISD schools that prioritize both academic excellence and student development. Brentwood Elementary School serves these neighborhoods with strong academic performance, where 82% of students are at least proficient in reading and 69% in math, placing it among the top elementary schools in Texas. The school emphasizes Social and Emotional Learning and the Creative Learning Initiative, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse voices. Students then progress to Lamar Middle School, which houses one of Austin ISD's Fine Arts Academies, offering robust programs in visual arts, dance, band, orchestra, choral music, drama, classical guitar, piano, digital arts, and media. Lamar is highly rated, with 72% of students proficient in reading and 55% in math. The educational pathway continues to McCallum High School, which hosts Austin ISD's Fine Arts Academy with programs in choral studies, classical guitar, and performance theatre, providing students with exceptional opportunities to develop both academically and artistically throughout their K-12 journey.
Austin ISD offers several specialized programs that attract high-achieving students from across the district, providing options for families who want more than traditional neighborhood schools can offer.
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA)
LASA, located on the LBJ High School campus, stands as one of the most competitive and prestigious public high schools in Texas. This magnet program focuses on STEM education while also emphasizing humanities and liberal arts. Students must apply for admission to LASA, with acceptance based on academic performance, test scores, and other factors. LASA graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities, and the program is renowned for its rigorous coursework, exceptional teachers, and tight-knit student community.
Kealing Middle School
Kealing Middle School offers a magnet program that serves as a feeder school to LASA, providing accelerated and advanced coursework for grades 6-8. Students at Kealing benefit from a challenging curriculum, diverse student body, and programs designed to develop critical thinking and leadership skills. The school's magnet program attracts motivated students from AISD, creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
Both LASA and Kealing accept applications during AISD's Priority Enrollment period, typically running from November through early February. Families interested in these programs should plan and understand the competitive application process.
At Rivendale Homes, we recognize that choosing where to buy or build your new home is one of the most important decisions your family will make. That's why we carefully select locations in neighborhoods served by Austin's top-performing school districts. Whether you're drawn to the suburban excellence of Eanes ISD in Westlake or the diverse opportunities within Austin ISD's premier neighborhoods, we build homes where your family can thrive.
Our commitment goes beyond construction quality and design. We partner with you to find the perfect location where your children will receive an outstanding education, where your property investment will appreciate, and where your family will feel at home for years to come.
Ready to explore new home opportunities in Austin's best school districts? Contact Rivendale Homes today to learn about our current and upcoming communities. Let us help you build not just a house, but a foundation for your family's success in one of Austin's exceptional school districts.
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