The 30 Best High Schools in Travis County, TX
Travis County, Texas stands as one of the most academically competitive regions in the state, housing numerous high-performing public and private high schools that consistently rank among the best in Texas.
The county encompasses Austin and its surrounding communities, creating a diverse educational landscape that serves thousands of students across multiple school districts.
Parents and students seeking the highest quality secondary education will find exceptional options throughout Travis County, from specialized STEM programs to comprehensive college preparatory schools.
These institutions demonstrate strong academic performance through standardized test scores, college acceptance rates, and student-teacher ratios that support individualized learning.
The schools featured represent both traditional public high schools and specialized academies that cater to different learning styles and academic interests.
Here are the 30 best high schools in Travis County, TX:
1. Liberal Arts and Science Academy
Liberal Arts and Science Academy stands as Austin’s premier magnet high school. Founded in 2002, LASA operates within Austin Independent School District and serves 1,518 students in grades 9-12.
The school ranks #32 nationally and #4 in Texas according to U.S. News & World Report. LASA places in the top 1% of all Texas schools for overall test scores, with both math and reading proficiency reaching top 1% levels.
LASA maintains selective admission requirements. Students must submit applications, provide academic records, and complete the Cognitive Abilities Test. The school charges no tuition but serves Austin residents exclusively.
The academy offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. Students participate in rigorous instruction with hands-on learning opportunities across liberal arts and science disciplines.
2. Westlake High School
Westlake High School stands as the sole high school serving Eanes ISD. The school opened in 1970 after being established in 1969.
The comprehensive four-year public institution focuses on college preparatory curriculum. Students from West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, parts of Southwest Austin, and unincorporated Travis County areas attend this school.
Eanes ISD earned recognition as the top school district in Texas according to Niche.com rankings. The district also placed seventh nationally in the same study.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Westlake High School 293rd among American high schools in 2021. The school consistently appears among top-performing institutions in Austin and Travis County.
Westlake High School competes with other elite schools like Lake Travis High School and LASA High School for top academic recognition in the region.
3. Hill Country Middle School (Grade 9)
Hill Country Middle School serves 975 students in grades 6-9 in Austin, Texas. The school operates as part of the Eanes Independent School District, which maintains high academic standards throughout the district.
The school consistently ranks among the top middle schools in Texas. Students demonstrate exceptional academic achievement across all subject areas and grade levels.
Hill Country Middle School provides a comprehensive learning environment focused on social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The institution recognizes that middle-level students undergo substantial developmental changes during these formative years.
The school’s location in Austin places it within Travis County’s competitive educational landscape. Academic performance data shows strong test scores that contribute to its high state ranking.
Eanes Independent School District’s reputation for excellence extends to Hill Country Middle School. The district’s commitment to quality education supports the school’s continued success in preparing students for high school and beyond.
4. Austin High School
Austin High School stands as one of the oldest continuously operating high schools in Texas, having served the Austin community since 1881. The school operates within the Austin Independent School District and maintains a central location in the heart of the city.
The campus offers a comprehensive academic program with Advanced Placement courses across multiple subjects. Students can pursue various extracurricular activities including athletics, fine arts, and academic clubs.
Austin High School’s diverse student body reflects the multicultural character of Austin itself. The school has produced notable alumni who have achieved success in various fields including politics, entertainment, and business.
The institution emphasizes both academic achievement and community involvement. Teachers and staff work to prepare students for college and career readiness through rigorous coursework and support programs.
The school’s location provides students with unique opportunities to engage with Austin’s vibrant cultural and professional community.
5. McCallum High School
McCallum High School and Fine Arts Academy serves 1,826 students in grades 9-12 in North Central Austin. The school operates as part of the Austin Independent School District.
The institution offers a comprehensive academic program with Advanced Placement courses. Students can access specialized fine arts courses through the Fine Arts Academy component.
McCallum provides competitive sports teams and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. The school features clubs that cater to diverse student interests.
The campus promotes an inclusive culture that provides equal access to challenging academic pathways. This approach allows students to explore various educational opportunities.
McCallum High School is one of 23 high schools within the Austin Independent School District. The school’s location in North Central Austin provides students with urban educational advantages.
The institution combines traditional academics with fine arts specialization, creating a unique educational environment for Travis County students.
6. Anderson High School
Anderson High School ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Texas. The school serves 2,167 students in grades 9-12 and is located in northwest Austin.
Since 1991, Anderson has operated as an International Baccalaureate school. It holds the distinction of being the oldest IB program in central Texas and the only IB high school in Austin ISD.
The school serves a diverse student population with more than 50 languages spoken in students’ homes. This diversity creates a multicultural learning environment.
Anderson offers challenging academic programs alongside a wide range of extracurricular activities. The International Baccalaureate curriculum provides students with rigorous preparation for college and career success.
The school’s location in northwest Austin provides access to the broader Austin community resources while maintaining its focused educational mission.
7. Cedar Ridge High School
Cedar Ridge High School serves students in Round Rock, Texas within Travis County. The school operates as part of the Round Rock Independent School District, which includes eight total high schools.
The campus offers Advanced Placement courses to challenge academically motivated students. Students can choose from 29 different sports programs for athletic participation.
Cedar Ridge implements Project Lead The Way curriculum. This program focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through hands-on learning experiences.
The school maintains a public school designation and serves the Round Rock community. Rankings and academic performance data are tracked annually through various educational assessment organizations.
Students at Cedar Ridge have access to multiple extracurricular activities beyond athletics. The school emphasizes preparing students for post-secondary education and career readiness through its comprehensive programming.
8. Travis High School
Travis High School serves students in the Austin area with diverse academic offerings and comprehensive extracurricular programs. The school provides multiple pathways for student success through its varied curriculum options.
The campus features strong athletics programs alongside well-developed fine arts opportunities. Students can participate in numerous extracurricular activities that support their interests and talents.
Travis High School currently performs below average compared to other public and charter schools in Texas with similar grade levels. The school continues to work on improving its academic outcomes and test performance.
The institution welcomes students from different backgrounds and challenges them through its educational programs. Travis High School maintains its commitment to providing comprehensive secondary education despite facing performance challenges in standardized assessments.
9. Akins High School
Akins High School serves 2,542 students in grades 9-12 within the Austin Independent School District. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.9 to 1.
Located at 10701 South 1st Street, Akins ranks as the 169th largest public high school in Texas. U.S. News and World Report recognizes it as one of the nation’s best high schools.
Austin Monthly named Akins among the top 40 high schools in Central Texas. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum to its students.
Akins operates as a Title I school, serving a diverse student population. The campus provides various academic programs designed to prepare students for college and career success.
The school participates in multiple sports programs and extracurricular activities. Students can access early college opportunities through specialized programs offered on campus.
10. Round Rock High School
Round Rock High School operates within the Round Rock Independent School District, serving students in grades 9-12. The school maintains a position as one of the district’s established educational institutions.
The campus offers comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare students for college and career pathways. Students have access to various course offerings that span core subjects and electives.
Round Rock ISD encompasses 10 high schools total, creating a competitive academic environment throughout the district. The district has gained recognition for strong academic performance across its campuses.
Round Rock High School participates in the district’s mission to provide diverse educational opportunities. The school focuses on developing students’ academic skills while preparing them for post-secondary success.
The institution serves the Round Rock community as part of Travis County’s educational landscape. Students benefit from the resources and support systems available throughout the larger school district.
11. Stony Point High School
Stony Point High School serves students in Round Rock, Texas as part of the Round Rock Independent School District. The school enrolls 2,598 students and maintains an 8:1 student-teacher ratio.
The school holds International Baccalaureate World School status. Students can access AP courses and participate in Project Lead The Way curriculum programs.
Stony Point High School receives a B+ overall grade for combined test performance in mathematics, language arts, and science. The student body consists primarily of Hispanic and White students.
The campus recently completed renovations to its cafeteria facility in August 2025. Round Rock ISD held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of this transformation project.
The school operates as one of eight high schools within the Round Rock Independent School District. It offers comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare students for college and career success.
12. McNeil High School
McNeil High School serves students in grades 9-12 with an enrollment of 2,809. The school is located at 5720 McNeil Drive in Austin and operates as part of the Round Rock Independent School District.
The school offers 29 Advanced Placement classes for college-bound students. Students can also participate in Austin Community College’s Early College Start program to earn college credits while in high school.
McNeil features specialized academies that allow students to explore career interests through elective courses. These academies cover business and industry, health science, public services, and STEM fields.
The school provides Project Lead The Way curriculum and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. McNeil is one of eight high schools within the Round Rock Independent School District system.
13. Del Valle High School
Del Valle High School operates as part of the Del Valle Independent School District in unincorporated Travis County. The school serves multiple communities including Austin, Creedmoor, Garfield, Mustang Ridge, and Webberville.
With 3,504 students in grades 8-12, Del Valle High School ranks as the 35th largest public high school in Texas. The student-teacher ratio stands at 17.6 to 1.
The school maintains a notable 96.8% four-year graduation rate. This performance metric demonstrates strong student retention and completion rates.
Del Valle High School serves a diverse student population across its expansive service area. The campus accommodates students from both urban and rural communities throughout southeastern Travis County.
The school operates within a district that faces ongoing budget challenges while maintaining its educational commitments for the 2025–2026 academic year.
14. Duncanville High School
Duncanville High School serves 4,607 students in grades 9-12. The school is located in Duncanville, Texas.
According to recent rankings, the school falls within the bottom 50% of all public schools in Texas. This places it among the lower-performing institutions in the state’s educational system.
The large student body represents one of the bigger high schools in the North Texas area. With thousands of enrolled students, Duncanville High School operates as a comprehensive secondary education institution.
The school participates in various academic and extracurricular programs typical of Texas public high schools. Students have access to standard high school coursework and activities.
Duncanville High School continues to serve its local community despite facing academic performance challenges. The institution remains part of the broader educational landscape in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
15. Lanier High School
Lanier High School is located at 1514 W Cesar E Chavez Blvd in San Antonio. The school operates as part of the San Antonio Independent School District.
Students at Lanier have access to Advanced Placement coursework and exams. These programs allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.
The school ranks between 1,258–1,555th within Texas according to state rankings. This places it in the middle range of Texas public high schools.
Lanier High School serves students in grades 9-12. The campus provides standard high school educational programming for its student body.
The school’s location in San Antonio puts it outside Travis County’s main urban center of Austin. However, it remains part of the broader Central Texas educational landscape.
16. Hays High School
Hays High School is located at 4800 Jack C. Hays Trail in Buda, Texas. The school serves students in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District.
The campus operates under the phone number (512) 268-2911. Students and families can reach the administration through this main contact line.
Jack C. Hays High School consistently ranks among the top 25-30% of Texas high schools. The school maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger based on academic performance metrics.
Test scores at Hays High School exceed both district and state averages. The school demonstrates strong academic achievement across multiple subject areas.
Graduation rates remain high while dropout rates stay low. These statistics reflect the school’s commitment to student success and completion.
The school outperforms many comparable institutions in the region. Academic excellence remains a defining characteristic of the campus culture.
17. Bowie High School
Bowie High School ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in Texas. The comprehensive high school serves 2,899 students in grades 9-12.
Located on 60 acres in Southwest Austin, Bowie is the largest comprehensive high school in the Austin Independent School District. The campus features 160 classrooms and labs with more than 200 faculty and staff members.
The school offers college preparatory classes and Advanced Placement coursework. Students can participate in numerous academic and extracurricular activities due to the school’s size and range of offerings.
Bowie High School provides AP courses, sports programs, and Project Lead The Way curriculum. The school is one of 23 high schools within the Austin Independent School District.
The campus is situated at 4103 West Slaughter Lane in Austin.
18. Dripping Springs High School
Dripping Springs High School serves as the sole high school within the Dripping Springs Independent School District. The school has consistently ranked in the top 14% of Texas high schools, holding the 270th position out of 1,974 schools statewide.
The institution maintains its position among the top 15-20% of Texas high schools over the past decade. This consistent performance reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence and strong educational standards.
The school serves a predominantly white student population with a significant Hispanic enrollment. Despite rapid growth in the Dripping Springs area, the school continues to maintain its distinct identity rather than becoming another Austin suburb.
The Tiger Baseball team achieved notable success, reaching the state semifinals for the first time since 1998. The high school expects to expand by 200 students in the coming year, reflecting the community’s continued growth.
19. Johnson High School
Johnson High School operates as part of the Northeast Independent School District in San Antonio. The school focuses on providing students with a comprehensive educational experience that balances academics, arts, and athletics.
The institution emphasizes student engagement through its diverse program offerings. Students can participate in various academic courses designed to prepare them for college and career success.
Johnson High School maintains athletic programs that complement its academic mission. The school’s approach aims to develop well-rounded students through multiple pathways.
The campus serves students in the San Antonio area within the NEISD system. Faculty and staff work to create an environment that supports student achievement across different areas of study.
The school’s programs are designed to meet diverse student interests and career goals. Johnson High School continues to serve its community as an established educational institution in the Northeast Independent School District.
20. Pflugerville High School
Pflugerville High School serves students in the Pflugerville Independent School District in Travis County. The school operates as a comprehensive public high school offering traditional academic programs.
Located in Pflugerville, Texas, the school provides education for grades 9-12. Students have access to various academic courses and extracurricular activities typical of public high schools in the area.
The school maintains enrollment data and participates in state testing assessments as required by Texas education standards. These assessments help measure student academic performance across core subject areas.
Pflugerville High School competes with other area schools in Travis County for academic recognition and rankings. The institution continues to serve families in the Pflugerville community as part of the district’s educational offerings.
21. Lake Travis High School
Lake Travis High School serves students in grades 9-12 within the Lake Travis Independent School District. The campus is located at 3324 Ranch Rd 620 S in unincorporated Travis County, approximately 20 miles west of Austin.
The school ranks 192nd statewide among Texas high schools and holds the 5th position among public high schools in Travis County. Students can access Advanced Placement coursework and exams as part of their academic preparation.
Lake Travis High School earned a “Met Standard” rating from the Texas Education Agency, which represents the highest campus rating available. The school performs above average compared to other public and charter schools in Texas serving similar grade levels.
The campus ranks 104th out of 1,876 among the best public high schools in Texas. For college preparation specifically, it places 111th out of 1,534 Texas public high schools.
22. Buda High School
Buda High School serves students in the growing community of Buda, Texas, within Travis County. The school operates as part of the Hays Consolidated Independent School District.
The campus provides standard high school academic programs across core subject areas. Students have access to various extracurricular activities and sports programs typical of Texas high schools.
Buda High School’s location places it in one of the faster-growing areas of Travis County. The school serves families who have moved to the Buda area seeking quality education options outside of Austin proper.
The school maintains facilities that support both academic and athletic programs. Class sizes and student-teacher ratios align with district standards for the region.
Students at Buda High School can participate in UIL academic competitions and various student organizations. The school’s programs prepare graduates for college enrollment and workforce entry.
23. Regents School of Austin
Regents School of Austin operates as a K-12 classical Christian school serving approximately 1,000 students. The institution sits on an 82-acre campus in Southwest Austin.
The school ranks within the top 20% of private schools in Texas. Students receive instruction through a classical education model combined with Christian worldview principles.
Regents offers Advanced Placement courses for college preparation. The athletic program includes 20 different sports options for student participation.
The school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade in a coeducational environment. Faculty members focus on preparing students for college and future careers using traditional educational methods.
The campus provides a comprehensive educational experience with both academic and extracurricular opportunities. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention from teachers and staff.
24. Vandegrift High School
Vandegrift High School serves 2,522 students in grades 9-12 in Austin, Texas. The school operates within the Leander Independent School District and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
The school ranks within the top 10% of all public high schools in Texas. Student test scores show 60% proficiency in math and 83% proficiency in reading according to state assessments.
Vandegrift High School is located in the 78750 zip code area of Austin. The school consistently receives high ratings and rankings among Travis County public high schools.
Academic performance at Vandegrift exceeds many state averages. The school’s reading proficiency rate of 83% significantly surpasses the Texas statewide average of 47%.
25. Steiner Ranch Elementary (K-12 feeder)
Steiner Ranch Elementary School serves as a strong foundation in the Leander Independent School District’s K-12 pathway. The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Texas.
The elementary school enrolls 481 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. It maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, supporting individualized attention.
Academic performance shows 54% of students achieving proficiency in math and 75% in reading on state assessments. The school offers a Gifted & Talented program for advanced learners.
Students from Steiner Ranch Elementary typically feed into Canyon Ridge Middle School and Vandegrift High School. This pathway provides continuity within the district’s educational system.
The school benefits from strong parent involvement and community support. Its location in Austin’s Steiner Ranch area attracts families seeking quality public education options.
26. Westwood High School
Westwood High School serves 2,792 students in grades 9-12 in Austin’s Anderson Mill neighborhood. The school operates as part of the Round Rock Independent School District.
The campus offers a comprehensive academic program featuring honors and Advanced Placement courses. Students can also access a district-level International Baccalaureate magnet program.
Westwood consistently ranks among the top high schools in Texas. The school maintains a statewide ranking between 59 and 163 according to recent evaluations.
The school ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in Texas. This performance reflects strong academic standards and student achievement across multiple measures.
Round Rock Independent School District holds a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The district ranks 235 out of 961 districts statewide, indicating above-average performance compared to other Texas school systems.
27. Stratford High School
Stratford High School offers students access to over 200 course offerings designed to prepare graduates for post-secondary success. The curriculum focuses on developing community-minded independent thinkers and problem-solvers.
Students can participate in numerous athletics teams and fine arts programs. The school also provides opportunities through student publications, service organizations, and student council participation.
Honor societies and special interest clubs give students additional ways to engage with their academic and personal interests. The diverse extracurricular offerings allow students to explore various areas beyond traditional classroom learning.
The school’s comprehensive approach combines rigorous academics with extensive co-curricular activities. This structure aims to develop well-rounded students prepared for college and career challenges.
Stratford High School maintains its commitment to providing quality education through its broad course selection and student engagement opportunities.
28. Murchison Middle School
Murchison Middle School serves 1,218 students in grades 6-8 in Austin, Texas. The school opened in 1967 and operates as part of Austin Independent School District.
The school holds distinction as the only International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme school in Austin ISD. This IB World School status provides students with rigorous, internationally recognized coursework.
Murchison ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Texas. The school maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger and places in the top 25% of Texas middle schools statewide.
The school demonstrates particular strength in special education services. It ranks in the top 10% of Texas middle schools for serving special education students.
Located at 3700 North Hills Drive, Murchison focuses on developing inquiry-driven learning and multilingual capabilities. The school prepares students for high school through balanced academic programming and global citizenship education.
29. Crockett High School
Crockett High School serves students in the Austin Independent School District at 5601 Manchaca Road. The school operates as one of 23 high schools within the district.
The campus offers Advanced Placement courses to prepare students for college-level academics. Students can participate in 25 different sports programs throughout the school year.
Crockett High School features Project Lead The Way curriculum, which focuses on STEM education and engineering concepts. This program provides hands-on learning experiences in technology and engineering fields.
The school maintains its commitment to comprehensive education through diverse academic and extracurricular offerings. Students have access to various programs designed to support different interests and career paths.
Crockett High School continues to serve the Austin community as part of the larger network of public high schools in Travis County.
30. Austin ISD Online High School
Austin ISD Online High School serves students throughout Travis County who need flexible scheduling options. The virtual campus operates under the Austin Independent School District umbrella.
Students access coursework through digital platforms from home or other remote locations. The program maintains the same graduation requirements as traditional Austin ISD high schools.
Full-time and part-time enrollment options accommodate different student needs. Some students combine online classes with traditional campus courses for hybrid learning experiences.
Certified Austin ISD teachers provide instruction through video conferencing and online modules. Students receive support through virtual office hours and digital communication channels.
The online format appeals to students with scheduling conflicts, health concerns, or those seeking accelerated completion paths. Credit recovery options help students make up previously failed courses.
Academic Excellence in Travis County: What Sets Schools Apart
Travis County high schools demonstrate strong academic performance with math proficiency at 39% and reading proficiency at 53%, both exceeding state averages. Schools offer comprehensive curricula, extensive AP programs, and specialized STEM and arts tracks.
Curriculum Offerings
Travis County high schools provide comprehensive four-year academic programs covering core subjects and electives. Students complete requirements in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages.
Most schools offer four levels of mathematics from Algebra I through Calculus. Science curricula include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science courses.
English programs emphasize literature analysis, composition, and communication skills. Social studies courses cover World History, U.S. History, Government, and Economics.
World language options typically include Spanish, French, and German. Some schools offer Latin or Mandarin Chinese programs.
Elective courses span areas like business, computer science, health sciences, and career preparation. Many schools provide specialized tracks for students interested in specific career paths.
Advanced Placement and Dual Credit Opportunities
High-performing schools in Travis County offer extensive AP course catalogs with 15–25 subject options. Popular AP courses include Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, and English Literature.
Students can earn college credit through dual enrollment partnerships with local universities. Austin Community College provides dual credit courses at many high school campuses.
Early college programs allow motivated students to complete associate degrees alongside high school diplomas. These accelerated pathways reduce college costs and time to graduation.
Schools report AP participation rates between 30–60% of eligible students. Pass rates on AP exams typically exceed state and national averages at top-performing institutions.
STEM and Arts Program Highlights
Several Travis County schools feature specialized STEM academies with engineering, computer science, and biotechnology focuses. These programs include project-based learning and industry partnerships.
Robotics teams compete in regional and state competitions. Many schools offer programming courses in Java, Python, and web development languages.
Fine arts programs include orchestra, band, choir, theater, and visual arts. Award-winning music programs regularly earn superior ratings at state competitions.
Theater departments produce multiple productions annually. Visual arts students create portfolios for college admission and scholarship applications.
Career and technical education programs prepare students for healthcare, automotive, and construction industries through hands-on training.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
Travis County high schools offer extensive opportunities for student involvement beyond academics, with strong athletic programs, diverse leadership organizations, and meaningful community service initiatives. These activities help students develop essential skills while building college applications.
Athletics and Competitive Sports
- Football programs at Westlake High School and Lake Travis High School have achieved state championship recognition.
- Basketball, soccer, and track programs provide year-round competition opportunities.
- Baseball, softball, tennis, golf, swimming, and diving are strong spring sports.
- Dance teams and cheer squads compete regionally and statewide.
Clubs and Leadership Organizations
- Student government associations organize events and foster leadership.
- National Honor Society chapters emphasize academics and service.
- Debate, Science Olympiad, math clubs, and foreign language honor societies provide academic enrichment.
- Theater, band, and choir programs excel in UIL competitions.
Community Engagement Programs
- Key Club, NHS, and other service groups coordinate volunteer projects with local nonprofits.
- Environmental clubs lead recycling drives and cleanups.
- Peer mentoring connects upperclassmen with freshmen for smoother transitions.
- Partnerships with hospitals and clinics offer hands-on experience and community service opportunities.
