Best Elementary Schools
in Austin, Texas
We ranked the 174 elementary schools in Austin with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.8 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Austin for 2026 are Laura Welch Bush EL (9.3/10), Canyon Creek EL (9.3/10), and Barton Hills EL (9.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 174 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Austin?
Every elementary school in Austin is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Laura Welch Bush EL
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Canyon Creek EL
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Barton Hills EL
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Austin's elementary landscape spans 147 ranked schools, with composite scores ranging from well below average to standout performers like Gullett Elementary, which leads the metro at 9.1 out of 10. The average composite score across the city sits at 5.6 out of 10, meaning strong options exist but require some digging — only 28 schools, about 19% of the ranked pool, score 7 or higher. River Ridge, Eanes, and Barton Creek Elementary all cluster near the top tier, each scoring 8.5 or above. Location, school type, and individual program offerings vary considerably across the metro, so the table below lets you sort by score, district, or other factors to narrow the field. Use the rankings as a starting point, then dig into each school's profile to find the fit that matches your child's needs.
Laura Welch Bush EL
Canyon Creek EL
Barton Hills EL
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Austin's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 174 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laura Welch Bush EL LEANDER ISD | 9.3 |
| 2 | Canyon Creek EL ROUND ROCK ISD | 9.3 |
| 3 | Barton Hills EL AUSTIN ISD | 9.2 |
| 4 | Mills EL AUSTIN ISD | 9.2 |
| 5 | Clayton EL AUSTIN ISD | 9.2 |
| 6 | Bear Creek EL AUSTIN ISD | 9.2 |
| 7 | Cedar Creek EL EANES ISD | 9.2 |
| 8 | Eanes EL EANES ISD | 9.2 |
| 9 | Forest Trail EL EANES ISD | 9.2 |
| 10 | Doss EL AUSTIN ISD | 9.1 |
| 11 | Bridge Point EL EANES ISD | 9.1 |
| 12 | Laurel Mountain EL ROUND ROCK ISD | 9.1 |
| 13 | Gullett EL AUSTIN ISD | 9.0 |
| 14 | Ridgetop EL AUSTIN ISD | 9.0 |
| 15 | River Ridge EL LEANDER ISD | 9.0 |
| 16 | Patsy Sommer EL ROUND ROCK ISD | 9.0 |
| 17 | Bryker Woods EL AUSTIN ISD | 8.9 |
| 18 | Casis EL AUSTIN ISD | 8.9 |
| 19 | Baldwin EL AUSTIN ISD | 8.9 |
| 20 | Barton Creek EL EANES ISD | 8.9 |
| 21 | Spicewood EL ROUND ROCK ISD | 8.9 |
| 22 | Brentwood EL AUSTIN ISD | 8.8 |
| 23 | Zilker EL AUSTIN ISD | 8.8 |
| 24 | Kathy Caraway EL ROUND ROCK ISD | 8.8 |
| 25 | International School of Texas | 8.8 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Texas education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Texas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Austin
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Austin's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Austin
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Austin's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 202 schools spanning 30 school districts, plus 27 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Austin, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Laura Welch Bush EL is the top-rated elementary school in Austin with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Austin, Texas?
Austin has 202 elementary schools, including 27 charter schools. Of these, 176 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Austin?
The average composite score for Austin elementary schools is 6.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Texas).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Texas, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Texas, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Austin elementary school rankings?
Yes. Austin has 27 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.