Outstanding Top 20 Public Schools in the Austin Area

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A Guide for Newcomers

Published on: November 25, 2024

girl browses books in a school library for article Top 20 Public Schools in the Austin Area for newcomers moving to Austin.

Photo By: Becca Tapert

Considering a move and wondering about the top 20 public schools in the Austin area for your children? Look no further. Niche provides a diverse range of educational options in Austin, with several institutions consistently ranking among the best in the state. Here’s a list of the top 20 public schools in Austin, to help newcomers make informed decisions about their child’s education.

Top 20 Public Schools in the Austin Area: Ranked by Niche

1. Liberal Arts & Science Academy (LASA)

LASA is a highly selective magnet high school renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in STEM fields. It offers advanced coursework in math, science, and foreign languages. The school is known for its talented student body and dedicated faculty, who foster a challenging and stimulating learning environment for newcomers to Austin’s public school system.

2. Westlake High School

Westlake High School is a prestigious institution with a strong academic reputation. It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and fine arts. The school is known for its high college acceptance rates and strong alumni network, making it an excellent choice for families relocating to Austin.

3. Westwood High School

Westwood High School is a large, diverse high school with a strong emphasis on college preparation. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The school is known for its strong academic programs and competitive athletics. This makes it a great option for newcomers to Austin seeking a rigorous academic environment.

4. Vandegrift High School

Vandegrift High School is a rapidly growing high school with a strong focus on academics and extracurricular activities. It offers a variety of AP and honors courses, as well as a strong STEM program. The school is known for its friendly and supportive school culture, making it a welcoming environment for families moving to Austin.

5. Meridian World School

Meridian World School is a K-12 school with a unique curriculum that emphasizes project-based learning and global citizenship. It offers a strong focus on STEM and the arts. The school is known for its small class sizes and individualized attention, making it a great choice for newcomers to Austin’s public school system.

6. Chaparral Star Academy

Chaparral Star Academy is a smaller school with a unique learning environment that emphasizes creativity and critical thinking. It offers a flexible curriculum and a strong focus on experiential learning. The school is known for its supportive and nurturing community, making it a good fit for families relocating to Austin.

7. Round Rock High School

Round Rock High School is a large, traditional high school with a strong focus on academics and athletics. It offers a variety of AP and honors courses, as well as a strong STEM program. The school is known for its strong school spirit and diverse student body. This makes it a great option for newcomers to Austin seeking a well-rounded education.

8. Cedar Park High School

Cedar Park High School offers a balance of academics and extracurricular activities. It offers a variety of AP and honors courses, as well as a strong fine arts program. The school is known for its friendly and supportive school culture, making it a welcoming environment for families moving to Austin.

9. BASIS Austin

BASIS Austin is a charter school known for its rigorous academic program and focus on STEM subjects. It offers a challenging curriculum and a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school is known for its high expectations and rigorous standards. This makes it a great choice for newcomers to Austin seeking a challenging academic environment.

10. Sycamore Springs Middle School

Sycamore Springs Middle School offers a strong focus on academics and extracurricular activities. It offers a variety of academic programs, including advanced math and science classes. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a great choice for families moving to Austin.

11. West Ridge Middle School

West Ridge Middle School is a highly rated middle school with a strong focus on academics and extracurricular activities. It offers a variety of academic programs, including advanced math, science, and language arts classes. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a great option for newcomers to Austin’s public school system.

12. Hill Country Middle School

Hill Country Middle School offers a strong focus on academics and extracurricular activities. It offers a variety of academic programs, including advanced math and science classes. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a good fit for families relocating to Austin.

13. Cedar Creek Elementary School

Cedar Creek Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and character development. It offers a variety of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a great choice for newcomers to Austin.

14. Eanes Elementary School

Eanes Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and character development. It offers a variety of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a great option for families moving to Austin.

15. Forest Trail Elementary School

Forest Trail Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and character development. It offers a variety of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a good fit for newcomers to Austin’s public school system.

16. Barton Creek Elementary School

Barton Creek Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and character development. It offers a variety of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a great choice for newcomers to Austin.

17. Bridge Point Elementary School

Bridge Point Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and character development. It offers a variety of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a great option for families moving to Austin.

18. Valley View Elementary School

Valley View Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and character development. It offers a variety of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a good fit for newcomers to Austin’s public school system.

19. River Ridge Elementary School

River Ridge Elementary School is a highly rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and character development. It offers a variety of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its strong school culture and supportive teachers, making it a great choice for newcomers to Austin.

20. BASIS Austin Primary

BASIS Austin Primary is a charter school for younger students, focusing on a rigorous academic curriculum. It offers a challenging curriculum and a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school is known for its high expectations and rigorous standards. This makes it a great choice for families relocating to Austin who are seeking a challenging academic environment for their young children.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

With this comprehensive list of top-rated schools, newcomers to Austin can confidently navigate the city’s diverse educational landscape. By considering factors such as school size, academic focus, extracurricular offerings, and special programs, families can select the best school to meet their child’s unique needs and aspirations.