Best High Schools
in Austin, Texas
We ranked the 53 high schools in Austin with real test data. The top 25 scored between 6.3 and 9.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Austin for 2026 are Westlake H S (9.1/10), Lasa H S (8.7/10), and Vandegrift H S (8.4/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 53 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Austin?
Every high 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.
Westlake H S
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Lasa H S
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Vandegrift H S
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Austin's 39 ranked high schools span a wide performance range, with composite scores running from well below average up to 9.1 out of 10 — that top mark belonging to KIPP Austin Collegiate, a charter school that leads the metro by a clear margin. Westlake HS (8.7), LASA HS (8.5), and Westwood HS (8.4) round out a competitive upper tier, while the metro average sits at 6.3 out of 10, signaling real variation across the district. Fifteen schools — 38% of those ranked — score 7 or higher, giving families in the Austin area a solid range of strong options to consider. Whether you're weighing academics, location, or school type, the table below lets you sort and compare all 39 schools on the metrics that matter most to your family.
Westlake H S
Lasa H S
Vandegrift H S
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Austin's High 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 53 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Texas education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Texas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 61 schools spanning 30 school districts, plus 21 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 high school in Austin, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Westlake H S is the top-rated high school in Austin with a composite score of 9.1/10. 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 high schools are in Austin, Texas?
Austin has 61 high schools, including 21 charter schools. Of these, 54 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Austin?
The average composite score for Austin high schools is 5.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Texas).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Austin has 21 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.