Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Public High Schools in Austin
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Public High Schools in Austin
Direct Answer
The Best Overall public high school in the Austin area is the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) in the Austin ISD, a magnet whose near-100% graduation rate, dense AP and post-AP course load, and National Merit production routinely place it among the top public high schools in Texas and the nation.
The Best Value pick is Westwood High School in the Round Rock ISD, a tuition-free comprehensive campus that delivers elite STEM and IB outcomes to a large, open-enrollment population without any application. This list is built for families and students weighing where to enroll across the Austin metro, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Texas Education Agency, U.S. News, Niche, and individual district sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families tell guidance offices they actually care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the College Board. The weighting:
- Academic performance (test scores, AP/IB): 25%
- College and post-grad outcomes: 20%
- Value and cost: 15%
- Teachers and resources: 15%
- Environment and safety: 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit: 10%
A school that posts elite scores but graduates few students, or wins on reputation but offers thin programs, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public Magnet | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: High-achieving students seeking the deepest academic magnet in the metro
Located on its own campus in northeast Austin within the Austin Independent School District, LASA enrolls roughly 1,200 students drawn by competitive admission from across the district. It posts a graduation rate at or near 100% and one of the highest AP participation and pass rates in Texas, with students commonly sitting 8 or more AP exams and taking post-AP courses such as multivariable calculus and original research.
Average SAT scores land near 1380-1430, and LASA produces a large cohort of National Merit Semifinalists every year. Matriculation skews toward selective universities including UT Austin, Rice, Stanford, and the Ivies. Its science fair, math, and quiz bowl teams are consistent state and national contenders.
Pros:
- AP participation and pass rates among the highest in Texas
- Heavy National Merit Semifinalist production
- Graduation rate at or near 100% with strong selective-college matriculation
- Post-AP courses and original research options
Cons:
- Magnet admission is competitive and application-based
- Intense workload is not the right fit for every student
Verdict: LASA wins on balance, the deepest academic programming in the Austin area with outcomes to match.
2. Westwood High School 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting elite STEM and IB outcomes through open enrollment
In northwest Austin within the Round Rock Independent School District, Westwood High School enrolls about 2,800 students and pairs a comprehensive program with a competitive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma track and a strong STEM focus. Westwood reports a graduation rate above 97%, a broad AP and IB catalog, and average SAT scores around 1290-1350.
It is a perennial powerhouse in academic decathlon, robotics, and computer science, and a high share of graduates enroll in four-year universities. Because most programming is open to zoned families with no separate magnet application, the value is exceptional.
Pros:
- Graduation rate above 97% with strong four-year college enrollment
- IB Diploma plus a deep AP catalog
- Standout robotics, computer science, and academic decathlon
- Open enrollment for zoned families means no competitive application
Cons:
- Large enrollment can feel impersonal for some students
- High academic pressure in the IB and honors tracks
Verdict: Westwood is our best value, IB and elite STEM outcomes delivered tuition-free to a large open-enrollment population.
3. Westlake High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting top comprehensive academics with elite athletics
In the Eanes Independent School District west of downtown, Westlake High School enrolls roughly 2,700 students and ranks among the best comprehensive public high schools in Texas. Westlake posts a graduation rate near 99%, average SAT scores around 1290-1340, and a deep AP catalog exceeding 25 courses.
Its affluent attendance zone funds robust arts, journalism, and athletics; the football program is a state perennial. A high share of graduates enroll at four-year colleges including UT Austin and Texas A&M.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 99%
- Deep AP catalog of 25+ courses
- Elite athletics and well-funded electives
Cons:
- Limited socioeconomic diversity in the attendance zone
- Housing costs in Eanes ISD are among the highest in the metro
Verdict: A top comprehensive campus with strong academics and standout athletics for Eanes families.
4. Vandegrift High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Leander ISD families seeking strong academics and band
In the Leander Independent School District in the northwest suburbs, Vandegrift High School enrolls about 2,700 students and reports a graduation rate near 98% with average SAT scores around 1230-1300. It offers a broad AP catalog and is nationally known for its marching band, which has placed at the Bands of America Grand National Championships.
College matriculation is strong across Texas public flagships.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Nationally ranked marching band
- Broad AP offerings and strong college enrollment
Cons:
- AP pass rates trail the top magnets
- Rapid suburban growth strains some campus resources
Verdict: A strong suburban comprehensive school with standout fine arts in Leander ISD.
5. Cedar Park High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Leander ISD families wanting a balanced, well-rounded campus
Also in Leander ISD, Cedar Park High School enrolls roughly 2,600 students and posts a graduation rate near 97% with average SAT scores around 1180-1250. It offers a solid AP catalog, strong career-and-technical programs, and competitive athletics. The campus is known for balanced outcomes and a supportive culture.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 97%
- Strong career-and-technical education pathways
- Balanced academics and athletics
Cons:
- Test scores trail the metro's top tier
- Less specialized academic programming than the magnets
Verdict: A well-rounded suburban campus with solid academics and CTE pathways.
6. Lake Travis High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in the booming southwest metro seeking strong academics and athletics
In the Lake Travis Independent School District, Lake Travis High School enrolls about 3,400 students and reports a graduation rate near 98% with average SAT scores around 1200-1280. It offers a broad AP catalog and is a Texas athletics power, particularly in football.
The fast-growing district funds modern facilities and a wide slate of electives.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Modern facilities and wide elective slate
- Statewide athletics reputation
Cons:
- Very large enrollment
- Rapid growth creates crowding pressure
Verdict: A large, well-resourced campus with strong academics and elite athletics southwest of Austin.
7. Anderson High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Austin ISD families wanting strong comprehensive academics and IB
In north-central Austin, Anderson High School in Austin ISD enrolls roughly 2,000 students and hosts the district's International Baccalaureate Diploma program. It reports a graduation rate near 96% and average SAT scores around 1180-1260, with a diverse student body and strong fine arts.
The IB track gives high achievers a rigorous, internationally recognized pathway.
Pros:
- IB Diploma program
- Diverse student body
- Strong fine arts and graduation rate near 96%
Cons:
- AP and IB pass rates trail LASA and Westwood
- Some elective access depends on the IB track
Verdict: A diverse Austin ISD comprehensive campus with a genuine IB pathway.
8. Round Rock High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Round Rock ISD families seeking a balanced, deep-program campus
In the Round Rock Independent School District, Round Rock High School enrolls about 3,000 students and reports a graduation rate near 96% with average SAT scores around 1160-1240. It offers a broad AP catalog, well-regarded CTE programs, and competitive athletics, serving a diverse suburban population with consistent four-year college enrollment.
Pros:
- Broad AP catalog and CTE programs
- Diverse suburban population
- Graduation rate near 96%
Cons:
- Test scores trail the metro's top tier
- Large enrollment
Verdict: A balanced, well-rounded Round Rock ISD campus with deep programming.
9. Bowie High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Southwest Austin ISD families wanting strong academics at scale
James Bowie High School in Austin ISD is one of the largest campuses in the metro at roughly 2,900 students. It reports a graduation rate near 96% and average SAT scores around 1170-1240, with a deep AP catalog, an acclaimed theatre and choir program, and strong athletics.
A high share of graduates enroll at Texas public universities.
Pros:
- Deep AP catalog
- Acclaimed theatre and choir
- Graduation rate near 96%
Cons:
- Very large enrollment can feel impersonal
- AP pass rates trail the top magnets
Verdict: A large, well-rounded Austin ISD campus with standout performing arts.
10. Dripping Springs High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in the southwest exurbs wanting strong academics and community
In the Dripping Springs Independent School District, Dripping Springs High School enrolls roughly 2,400 students and reports a graduation rate near 98% with average SAT scores around 1190-1260. The fast-growing district funds modern facilities, a broad AP catalog, and strong athletics and fine arts, with a tight-knit community feel.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Modern facilities and broad AP catalog
- Strong community culture
Cons:
- Long commute for families farther from the metro core
- Rapid growth strains capacity
Verdict: A fast-growing exurban campus with strong academics and a close community.
What to Look For
When choosing an Austin-area public high school, weigh these factors:
- Magnet versus comprehensive: LASA requires competitive admission; most others are open to zoned families. Match the application burden to your student's readiness.
- AP versus IB: Westwood and Anderson offer IB diplomas; the rest are AP-heavy. The right fit depends on whether your student prefers a structured diploma or a la carte rigor.
- District boundaries: Enrollment is tied to where you live. Confirm attendance zones with the district before assuming access.
- Outcomes over reputation: Look at graduation rate, AP/IB pass rates, and four-year college enrollment, not just the ranking number.
- Fit and culture: Visit campuses, talk to current families, and weigh extracurriculars, class size, and support services.
FAQ
What is the best public high school in Austin? The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) in Austin ISD is our Best Overall, a magnet with AP participation among the highest in Texas, heavy National Merit production, and a graduation rate at or near 100%.
What is the best value public high school in Austin? Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD is our best value, it delivers IB and elite STEM outcomes, a graduation rate above 97%, and open enrollment with no competitive application.
Which Austin public high school is best for STEM? LASA is the most rigorous for STEM and research, while Westwood offers strong open-enrollment STEM and robotics for families without a magnet application.
Do the top Austin public high schools require an application? LASA requires competitive magnet admission. Comprehensive schools like Westwood, Westlake, and Anderson are open to families in their attendance zones, though IB tracks may have their own application.
Which Austin-area district has the best public high schools? Austin ISD (LASA, Anderson, Bowie), Round Rock ISD (Westwood, Round Rock), and Eanes ISD (Westlake) dominate, with LASA leading on specialization and Westwood and Westlake leading comprehensive outcomes.
Is IB or AP better in Austin public schools? Both are excellent. Westwood and Anderson offer the IB Diploma, a structured internationally recognized pathway, while AP-heavy schools like LASA, Westlake, and Vandegrift let students choose individual rigorous courses. The right choice depends on the student's learning style.
Bottom Line
For Austin families, the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) is our Best Overall public high school, its dense AP and post-AP programming, National Merit production, and graduation rate at or near 100% set the standard. Westwood High School is our Best Value, delivering IB and elite STEM outcomes tuition-free to a large open-enrollment population.
If your priority is elite athletics, a structured IB diploma, or a balanced suburban campus, use the picks above to route yourself to Westlake, Anderson, or Round Rock instead. Choose on program fit, outcomes, and access, not a single ranking number, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News, Best Texas High Schools rankings
- Niche, Best Public High Schools in the Austin Area
- GreatSchools, Texas school ratings
- Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas School Report Card
- College Board, AP program data
- NCES, National Center for Education Statistics school search
- Austin Independent School District
- Round Rock Independent School District
- Eanes Independent School District
- Austin American-Statesman, Central Texas education coverage
*Public high schools in Austin review, best public high schools Austin, rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top picks for families.*