School District Guide
Leander Independent School District is one of the fastest-growing and highest-rated school districts in Central Texas. Serving over 42,000 students across 46 campuses, LISD is a top choice for families moving to the Austin suburbs.
District Overview
Leander ISD has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, mirroring the rapid development of Leander, Cedar Park, and surrounding communities in Williamson County. With approximately 42,600 students across 46 to 51 campuses, LISD is one of the largest school districts in the Austin metro area. The district includes 30 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 6-10 high school campuses.
LISD holds a TEA accountability rating of B and a Niche overall grade of A, ranking it #2 among the Best School Districts in the Austin metro area. The district boasts a 96% graduation rate, a 13.6:1 student-teacher ratio, and multiple schools ranked among the best in Texas and the nation.
What makes Leander ISD truly exceptional is its ability to maintain high academic standards while growing rapidly. New schools are opening regularly to accommodate the influx of families, and each new campus is built to the same high standards as the established ones. The district's commitment to innovation, STEM education, and fine arts creates a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for top universities and careers.
Top-Rated Schools
Grades 9-12 · ~2,500 students
Grades 9-12
Grades PK-5
Elementary Schools
Leander ISD's elementary schools consistently earn top marks. Laura Welch Bush Elementary ranks #2 in the district and #117 in Texas (US News) with 78% math and 86% reading proficiency, placing it in the top 5% statewide. River Ridge Elementary is ranked #1 in LISD by US News. Monta Jane Akin Elementary earns a Niche A rating with 872 students and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio.
At the middle school level, Florence W. Stiles Middle School is ranked #31 of 2,344 Texas middle schools by SchoolDigger, and Leander Middle School is the highest-performing middle school in Leander proper with a composite score of 8.0/10.
Laura Welch Bush Elementary
#2 in LISD · #117 in Texas · Top 5% statewide
Florence W. Stiles Middle School
#31 of 2,344 Texas middle schools (SchoolDigger)
River Ridge Elementary
#1 elementary in LISD (US News)
Programs & Athletics
Leander ISD is nationally recognized for its STEM programs. The district offers robotics, coding, engineering, and computer science pathways that begin at the elementary level and continue through high school. Vandegrift High School's robotics team has competed at the world championship level.
The fine arts programs in LISD are award-winning. Vandegrift and Cedar Park High Schools have marching bands, choirs, and theater programs that consistently earn top ratings at UIL competitions. The district's athletic programs compete in UIL 6A, with football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track programs that regularly advance to state playoffs.
The feeder patterns in LISD are well established. Students from Deer Creek Elementary typically feed into Stiles Middle School and then Vandegrift High School, creating a seamless K-12 pathway in some of the district's highest-performing attendance zones.
Why Families Move to Leander
Leander ISD is one of my top recommendations for families relocating to Williamson County. The district has managed its explosive growth exceptionally well, opening new schools that match the quality of the established ones. When a family tells me they want top-tier academics, strong STEM programs, and a community feel, LISD is often the answer.
What I appreciate most is the variety of housing options across the district's attendance zones. Whether you are looking at the luxury homes near Vandegrift High, the established neighborhoods feeding Cedar Park High, or the new construction communities in north Leander, there is a price point and lifestyle for every family. And because LISD is so highly rated, homes in these zones hold their value exceptionally well.
If you are moving to the Austin area with school-aged children, Leander ISD deserves a serious look. The combination of Vandegrift and Cedar Park High Schools alone makes it one of the strongest districts in Texas. Let me help you find the right home in the right attendance zone.
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Contact Lisa Copeland — Central Texas's leading real estate expert. With deep knowledge of Leander ISD attendance zones, housing markets, and community amenities, she can help your family find the perfect home near top-rated schools.
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