Best School Districts in Texas 2026: Complete Rankings
Table of Contents
- Overview of Texas Public Education
- #1 Eanes ISD (Austin Area) - Rating: 10/10
- #2 Highland Park ISD (Dallas Area) - Rating: 10/10
- #3 Carroll ISD / Southlake - Rating: 10/10
- #4 Lake Travis ISD (Austin Area) - Rating: 9/10
- Top Dallas-Fort Worth School Districts
- Top Houston-Area School Districts
- Top San Antonio-Area School Districts
- How School Districts Affect Home Values
- Choosing the Right District for Your Family
Interactive Tools to Help Your Search
Overview of Texas Public Education
Texas is home to more than 1,200 independent school districts serving over 5.5 million students, making it the second-largest public education system in the United States. The quality of education varies dramatically between districts, and for families with school-age children, the local ISD is often the single most important factor in choosing where to live. Top-rated districts consistently produce higher standardized test scores, better college placement rates, more extracurricular opportunities, and stronger community engagement.
School district quality also has a profound impact on property values. Research consistently shows that homes in top-rated school districts command a 10-20% premium over comparable homes in average districts. This premium serves as both a quality-of-life benefit and a long-term investment, as strong school districts tend to maintain property values even during market downturns. In this comprehensive guide, we rank the best school districts across Texas for 2026 and provide home price ranges, key stats, and neighborhood recommendations for each.
Our rankings consider multiple factors including state accountability ratings, standardized test performance, graduation rates, college readiness indicators, student-to-teacher ratios, extracurricular programs, and parent satisfaction surveys. We also factor in the overall community environment, including safety, amenities, and accessibility to employment centers. Whether you are relocating to Texas or moving within the state, this guide will help you find the right district for your family's needs and budget.
#1 Eanes ISD (Austin Area) - Rating: 10/10
Key Insight: Texas real estate offers exceptional opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors across four major metros. With no state income tax, strong job growth, and diverse housing options, the Lone Star State continues attracting residents from across the nation seeking value and quality of life.
Eanes ISD in West Austin and the Westlake Hills area has long been considered the top public school district in Texas. Serving approximately 8,200 students across eight campuses, Eanes consistently ranks first or second statewide in academic performance. Westlake High School, the district's flagship campus, regularly sends 95%+ of graduates to four-year universities, with significant representation at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Rice, Ivy League schools, and top liberal arts colleges. The district earned an A+ rating from the Texas Education Agency and meets all advanced performance standards.
Home prices in the Eanes ISD boundary range from approximately $800,000 for smaller older homes and condos to $10 million or more for luxury estates in Rob Roy, Westlake Hills, and Rollingwood. The median home price within the district is approximately $1.6 million in 2026. Neighborhoods like Westlake Hills, Rollingwood, and Lost Creek offer a mix of mid-century ranch homes and newer custom builds, all set against the beautiful Hill Country landscape with easy access to downtown Austin.
Beyond academics, Eanes ISD is known for exceptional extracurricular programs including nationally competitive athletics, award-winning fine arts, and robust STEM initiatives. The district's per-pupil spending is among the highest in Texas, funded by a strong local tax base and active booster organizations. For families who can afford the entry price, Eanes ISD offers a private-school-quality education in a public school setting. Contact Dwellverse to explore available homes within the Eanes ISD boundary.
#2 Highland Park ISD (Dallas Area) - Rating: 10/10
Highland Park ISD in the heart of Dallas serves the affluent communities of Highland Park and University Park, collectively known as the Park Cities. With approximately 7,100 students, this compact district consistently ranks among the top three in Texas. Highland Park High School is famous for producing National Merit Scholars, Division I athletes, and leaders across business, law, and medicine. The district's college placement rate exceeds 97%, with graduates attending elite universities nationwide.
Real estate within Highland Park ISD is among the most expensive in Texas, with home prices ranging from approximately $1.5 million for smaller homes in University Park to $20 million or more for estates on Beverly Drive, Lakeside Drive, and Armstrong Parkway in Highland Park. The median home price is approximately $2.3 million. The neighborhood is characterized by gracious tree-lined streets, Tudor and Georgian architecture, walking access to SMU, and proximity to Dallas's best shopping and dining along Knox-Henderson and the Katy Trail.
Highland Park ISD invests heavily in both traditional academics and innovative programs. The district recently completed major facility upgrades including a state-of-the-art STEAM center and renovated athletic facilities. Class sizes are small, teacher retention is high, and parent engagement is extraordinary. The trade-off is the significant financial commitment required to buy in, plus property taxes that reflect the premium real estate values. Explore the Highland Park neighborhood guide for detailed information about available homes and community amenities.
#3 Carroll ISD / Southlake - Rating: 10/10
Carroll ISD, serving the affluent community of Southlake and portions of Colleyville and Grapevine in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is one of the highest-performing school districts in the state. With approximately 8,500 students, Carroll ISD earned an A+ accountability rating and consistently places among the top five Texas districts in every major ranking. Carroll Senior High School and its feeder campuses are recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and the district's Advanced Placement participation and pass rates are exceptional.
Home prices within Carroll ISD range from approximately $600,000 for townhomes and smaller homes in the Colleyville portions to $5 million or more for luxury estates in gated Southlake communities. The median home price is approximately $1.1 million in 2026. Southlake's master-planned neighborhoods offer resort-style amenities, and the Southlake Town Square serves as a vibrant community hub with upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. The district's central DFW location provides excellent access to both Dallas and Fort Worth employment centers, plus proximity to DFW International Airport.
Carroll ISD is renowned for its athletic programs, particularly football, which has won multiple state championships and produced numerous college and NFL players. The district also excels in fine arts, robotics, debate, and academic competitions. Community investment in education is reflected in world-class facilities including a recently renovated performing arts center, competition-grade athletic venues, and technology-equipped classrooms. For families seeking top-tier education with a strong community identity, Carroll ISD is an outstanding choice.
#4 Lake Travis ISD (Austin Area) - Rating: 9/10
Lake Travis ISD serves the rapidly growing communities west of Austin along the shores of Lake Travis, including Lakeway, Bee Cave, and the Highlands. With approximately 12,000 students, the district has evolved from a small rural ISD into one of the state's premier suburban school systems. Lake Travis High School earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School designation and consistently achieves among the highest SAT and ACT averages in Central Texas. The district's A accountability rating reflects strong performance across all academic metrics.
Home prices in the Lake Travis ISD boundary are more accessible than Eanes or Highland Park, ranging from approximately $400,000 for condos and smaller homes in Bee Cave to $5 million or more for lakefront estates in Rough Hollow, The Reserve, and Flintrock Falls. The median home price is approximately $725,000 in 2026. The area offers a unique Hill Country lifestyle with lake access, scenic views, extensive trail systems, and a growing retail and dining scene anchored by the Hill Country Galleria and Bee Cave's vibrant town center.
Lake Travis ISD benefits from a rapidly expanding tax base that funds ongoing facility improvements and program expansions. The district recently opened a second high school campus to accommodate growth and has invested in advanced career and technical education programs alongside its strong college-preparatory curriculum. For families who want top-tier education combined with an outdoor lifestyle and more affordable entry points than the most exclusive districts, Lake Travis ISD offers an exceptional value proposition. Visit the Lakeway neighborhood guide for available homes and community details.
Top Dallas-Fort Worth School Districts
Beyond Highland Park and Carroll, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex boasts several outstanding school districts. Frisco ISD has emerged as one of the state's fastest-rising districts, serving over 65,000 students across a rapidly growing city that has invested billions in school facilities. Frisco ISD earned an A accountability rating and is known for its innovative career academies, strong athletics, and excellent fine arts. Home prices in Frisco ISD range from $350,000 to $2 million, with a median around $550,000, making it one of the most affordable top-rated districts in the metroplex.
Prosper ISD in the northern DFW corridor is another rising star, serving approximately 20,000 students with an A+ accountability rating. Prosper's rapid growth has brought substantial investment in new campuses and programs, and the district's test scores place it among the top 20 in the state. Home prices in Prosper range from $400,000 to $3 million. Lovejoy ISD in Lucas and Allen ISD round out the top DFW districts, each offering strong academics, competitive athletics, and family-oriented communities at various price points.
For families seeking excellent schools at the most accessible price points in DFW, consider Allen ISD (median home price $420,000), Coppell ISD (median $580,000), and Northwest ISD in the Trophy Club and Northlake area (median $450,000). Each of these districts earned A ratings and offers strong academic programs, competitive extracurriculars, and convenient access to major employment corridors. The DFW metroplex's diversity of high-quality school options is one of its greatest advantages for relocating families.
Top Houston-Area School Districts
The Houston metroplex offers several excellent school districts that combine strong academics with more affordable housing than Austin or Dallas. Katy ISD is the standout, serving over 90,000 students in the booming Katy and West Houston corridor. Despite its massive size, Katy ISD maintains an A accountability rating and consistently ranks among the top large districts in the state. Katy ISD is particularly strong in STEM education, athletics, and college readiness programs. Home prices in the district range from $250,000 to $2 million, with a median around $380,000.
Fort Bend ISD, serving Sugar Land, Missouri City, and surrounding communities, is another top Houston-area district with an A rating and a remarkably diverse student body. Fort Bend ISD's Clements, Austin, and Dulles high schools are consistently ranked among the best in the state. The district is known for its robust International Baccalaureate programs, award-winning fine arts, and strong college placement. Home prices in Fort Bend ISD range from $220,000 to $1.5 million, with a median around $350,000, offering excellent value for families prioritizing education.
Other notable Houston-area districts include The Woodlands-based Conroe ISD (A-rated, median home price $380,000), Clear Creek ISD serving the Clear Lake/League City area (A-rated, median $340,000), and Cy-Fair ISD in the northwest Houston corridor. Each offers strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, and family-friendly communities. The Houston area's combination of top-rated schools and affordable housing makes it one of the best values in Texas for education-focused families. Explore our Houston real estate guide for neighborhood-level details.
Top San Antonio-Area School Districts
Alamo Heights ISD stands as San Antonio's premier school district, serving the historic and affluent community of Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and Olmos Park. With approximately 5,000 students, this compact district earns consistent A ratings and places among the top 25 districts statewide. Alamo Heights High School is known for strong college preparatory academics, competitive athletics, and an engaged parent community. Home prices within the district range from $400,000 to $3 million, with a median around $720,000.
Boerne ISD, located in the Hill Country community of Boerne approximately 30 minutes northwest of downtown San Antonio, has emerged as one of the area's top-performing districts. Serving approximately 10,000 students, Boerne ISD earns A ratings and attracts families seeking excellent schools combined with a small-town lifestyle and stunning natural surroundings. Home prices range from $300,000 to $2 million, with a median around $480,000. The district's growth has prompted significant investment in new campuses and expanded programs.
North East ISD, one of San Antonio's largest districts, includes several high-performing campuses, particularly Reagan High School and Johnson High School. Comal ISD serving New Braunfels is another strong option with affordable housing and a charming community. San Antonio offers the most affordable entry points among Texas's four major metros for families seeking top-rated school districts, making it an increasingly popular destination for young families relocating from higher-cost markets. Review the San Antonio real estate guide for community-level insights.
How School Districts Affect Home Values
The relationship between school district quality and home values is one of the most well-documented phenomena in real estate. In Texas, homes within top-rated ISDs consistently command 10-20% premiums over comparable homes in adjacent average-rated districts. This premium is not merely anecdotal; academic studies, appraisal methodology, and MLS data all confirm that school quality is capitalized into home prices. When Niche, GreatSchools, or the TEA upgrades a district's rating, home values in that district respond positively within 6-12 months.
The school district premium also serves as a form of downside protection during market corrections. During the 2008-2010 housing downturn, homes in Texas's top-rated districts experienced smaller price declines (5-10%) compared to homes in average districts (15-25%) and recovered their values much faster. This resilience makes school-district-premium homes attractive not only for families but also for investors seeking stable long-term appreciation. Even buyers without children benefit from purchasing in strong school districts because the buyer pool is always larger when it comes time to sell.
When evaluating a home purchase based on school quality, look beyond the district-level rating to the specific campus your children would attend. Within any large district, individual campus quality can vary significantly. Verify attendance boundaries carefully, as they can change, and consider magnet programs or specialty campuses that might be available regardless of your home address. Your Dwellverse agent can provide campus-level data and help you identify homes within the boundaries of specific schools that match your family's priorities.
Choosing the Right District for Your Family
Selecting the right school district requires balancing academic quality with budget, commute, lifestyle preferences, and your children's specific needs. A district with a 10/10 rating might not be the best fit if its campus culture, extracurricular emphasis, or teaching philosophy does not align with your child's learning style. Visit campuses in person, attend school board meetings, talk to current parents, and review detailed performance data beyond headline ratings. Many excellent districts with 8/10 or 9/10 ratings offer outstanding education at significantly lower housing costs than the very top tier.
Consider your total housing budget including the impact of property taxes. Texas has no state income tax, but property tax rates vary significantly by school district. Some top-rated districts in affluent areas have lower tax rates because the underlying property values generate sufficient revenue, while fast-growing suburban districts may have higher rates to fund new construction. A home with a lower purchase price in a higher-tax-rate district may cost more monthly than a pricier home in a lower-rate district. Use the Texas property tax guide to model your total monthly costs accurately.
For families with children who have special educational needs, research each district's special education programs, gifted and talented offerings, and support services. Texas law requires districts to provide appropriate services, but the quality and comprehensiveness of those services vary widely. Some districts, including Eanes, Highland Park, and several large suburban districts, offer exceptional special education and gifted programs. Schedule a consultation with Dwellverse to discuss your family's specific requirements, and we will match you with neighborhoods and districts that align with your priorities.
Sheila Smith Oliver is the founder and principal broker of Dwellverse, with over two decades of experience in Texas residential real estate. She has personally facilitated 500+ successful transactions across Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, totaling over $250 million in sales volume. Sheila specializes in luxury properties, relocation services, and investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eanes ISD in the Westlake Hills area of Austin is widely considered the #1 school district in Texas for 2026, based on state accountability ratings, standardized test scores, college placement rates, and overall academic performance. Highland Park ISD in Dallas and Carroll ISD in Southlake are close competitors and may rank #1 depending on the specific criteria and ranking methodology used. All three districts earn 10/10 ratings from major school rating platforms.
The most affordable top-rated (A-rated) school districts in Texas include Katy ISD (Houston, median home $380K), Allen ISD (Dallas, median $420K), Clear Creek ISD (Houston, median $340K), Fort Bend ISD (Houston, median $350K), and Comal ISD (New Braunfels/San Antonio, median $320K). These districts offer excellent education outcomes at home prices well below the state median for top-rated districts. The Houston metro generally offers the best combination of school quality and housing affordability.
The top-rated school district by city: Austin — Eanes ISD (10/10); Dallas — Highland Park ISD (10/10); Houston — Katy ISD is the top large district, while Fort Bend ISD also ranks highly; San Antonio — Alamo Heights ISD (9/10). In the DFW suburbs, Carroll ISD (Southlake) and Prosper ISD are standouts. Each district has unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your budget, location preferences, and children's needs.
Texas school district rankings are based on multiple factors including Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings (A-F scale), STAAR test performance, SAT/ACT averages, graduation rates, college readiness indicators, student-to-teacher ratios, per-pupil spending, and community surveys. Third-party platforms like Niche, GreatSchools, and SchoolDigger each use slightly different weighting, which is why rankings can vary. TEA accountability ratings are the official state measure and carry the most weight in most ranking methodologies.
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Last updated: 2026-01-27