Choosing the right high school is a major milestone for your family, and we know it can feel like a heavy weight to carry. You aren’t just picking a building; you’re looking for a community where your child will grow, learn, and feel confident in who they are becoming. While test scores aren’t everything, they can be helpful tools to understand the academic rigor and college readiness of a school. We’re here to help you make sense of the data so you can focus on finding the best fit for your student.
Popular Public High Schools in Austin
To help you compare, we’ve gathered the most recent data for some of the most requested public schools in the area.
Note: The list below is an aggregation of publicly available data about schools in Austin, TX. This is not a ranking, and these schools appear in any particular order.
Westlake High School
Westlake High School in Eanes ISD is often the benchmark for academic performance in the region.
- Enrollment: ~2,810 students
- Average SAT: 1275
- Average ACT: 27.9
- Graduation Rate: 97.8%
- AP Participation: 59.7%
Westlake High School consistently challenges its students with rigorous academics and extensive Advanced Placementopportunities (nearly 60% participation).
Lake Travis High School
Lake Travis High School is a powerhouse in the area, known for balancing high-level academics with a spirited community culture.
- Enrollment: ~3,673 students
- Average SAT: 1154
- Average ACT: 25.4
- Graduation Rate: 97.7%
- AP Participation: 45.2%
Lake Travis offers extensive career-track programs alongside its traditional curriculum, making it a great choice for students who want to explore careers such as healthcare or engineering before graduation.
Bowie High School
Located in Southwest Austin, Bowie High School is one of the largest and most well-regarded campuses in AISD.
Bowie High School is known for its strong sense of community despite its size. The teachers here work hard to ensure students don’t get lost in the shuffle, boasting a high AP pass rate of 78.3%.
McCallum High School
McCallum High School is unique for being home to the Fine Arts Academy. It attracts creative students from all over the district.
- Enrollment: ~2,899 students
- Average SAT: 1136
- Average ACT: 24.2
- Graduation Rate: 96.7%
- AP Participation: 54.7%
With a distinct liberal arts vibe, McCallum High School creates a space where arts and academics intersect. The high advanced placement participation rate shows that creativity and academic rigor go hand in hand here.
Austin High School
“Loyal Forever” is the motto at Austin High School, the oldest public high school in the city.
- Enrollment: ~2,296 students
- Average SAT: 1107
- Average ACT: 26.2
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Class of 2023)
- AP Participation: 41.6%
Situated near Lady Bird Lake, Austin High School serves a diverse neighborhood and benefits from a strong alumni network. It is a fantastic option for families who want a central, history-rich school environment.
Cedar Park High School
Just north of Austin, Cedar Park High School serves the Leander ISD community with excellence.
- Entrollment: ~1,937 students
- Average SAT: 1122
- Average ACT: 23.3
- Graduation Rate: 98.6%
- AP Participation: 46.8%
Cedar Park is well-known for its athletic programs and growing STEM offerings. The graduation rate here is exceptional, reflecting a supportive environment that encourages students to cross the finish line.
Liberal Arts and Magnet Programs
For students who crave a specialized environment, Austin offers incredible magnet programs. The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) is a popular choice. Consistently ranked as a top high school in Austin and often the entire state, LASA offers a curriculum that is intense and intellectually stimulating.
Admission to a science academy or magnet program like the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders is selective. These schools look for students who demonstrate a passion for learning beyond the standard curriculum.
Popular Private High Schools in Austin, TX
If you are exploring private schools, Austin has exceptional choices, such as:
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
- St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
- St. Michael’s Catholic Academy
Unlike public schools, many private schools have moved to a “test-optional” reporting model, meaning they don’t always publish current SAT/ACT data for rankings. These schools often offer smaller class sizes, specialized college counseling, and unique campus experiences that differ from the typical public high school environment.
How to Choose the Right High School in Austin
Choosing a school is about more than just a spreadsheet of numbers. We encourage you to prioritize academic fit. Does your student thrive in a large, competitive environment or do they need the creative freedom?
- Visit Multiple Campuses: You can’t get a “vibe” from a website. Walk the halls if you can.
- Check Zoning Early: In Austin, TX, district lines can be tricky. Ensure you know which public schools you are zoned for.
- Compare Extracurriculars: If your child loves marching band, find schools with great band programs.
Resources: Districts, Rankings, and Local Tools
For the most up-to-date data, we recommend using the following resources:
- Texas Education Agency (TEA): Great for raw data on graduation rates and test scores.
- Niche.com: excellent for parent reviews and “grade” style rankings of private schools.
- GreatSchools: A good, quick-reference tool for public school ratings.
Quick Touring Checklist for Austin High Schools
When you tour a school, keep this checklist handy to make the most of your visit:
- Observe the Teachers: Do they seem engaged and supportive?
- Ask about AP/IB: What advanced placement or International Baccalaureate courses are available?
- Review Counseling: How many college counselors are on staff to help students?
- Check Commute: Traffic in Austin is real! How long is the bus ride or drive to the school?
Conclusion
Finding the right high school is a journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. We believe that with the right support, every student can succeed, regardless of where they go. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of test scores or college apps, remember that we are here to help guide you through it. You’ve got this, and we’re rooting for you!