Ed Neuhaus 
A vs B in Round Rock ISD, and the Price Gap Might Surprise You
Blackland Prairie Elementary earned an A rating with 90 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA report. Redbud Elementary scored a B with 87. Both are Round Rock ISD campuses, both serve the growing northeast corridor of the district, and they are separated by less than three miles. But the median home price near Blackland Prairie ($675,000) is nearly $300,000 higher than Redbud’s zone ($379,990). For 3 extra TEA points.
That ratio of price to performance is one of the more extreme examples I have seen in Round Rock ISD, and it is worth unpacking for buyers who are house hunting in this area. The neighborhoods around these two schools tell very different stories about where Round Rock is growing and who is buying.
Blackland Prairie vs Redbud: Quick Comparison
| Blackland Prairie Elementary | Redbud Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | A (90/100) | B (87/100) |
| Enrollment | 785 students | 552 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | EE – 05 |
| District | Round Rock ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Median Home Price | $675,000 | $379,990 |
| Feeds Into | Ridgeview MS, Cedar Ridge HS | Hernandez MS, Stony Point HS |
TEA School Performance Comparison (2025)
The Texas Education Agency evaluates every public school annually across multiple performance domains. Here is how both campuses performed in the 2025 accountability cycle.
| Performance Metric | Blackland Prairie Elementary | Redbud Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A (90/100) | B (87/100) |
| Student Achievement | A (90/100) | B (87/100) |
| School Progress | A (90/100) | B (87/100) |
| Academic Growth | A (90/100) | B (87/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | A (90/100) | B (87/100) |
| Enrollment | 785 students (EE – 05) | 552 students (EE – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 11.3% | 34.2% |
| English Learners | 4.7% | 17.5% |
| TEA Distinctions | 0 of 7 earned | 0 of 7 earned |
Blackland Prairie’s A is strong, but Redbud’s B at 87 is genuinely impressive when you consider the student demographics. Redbud serves 34.2% economically disadvantaged students and 17.5% English Learners, compared to Blackland Prairie’s 11.3% and 4.7%. Redbud is doing excellent work with a harder starting point, and the 3 point gap reflects that. Neither school earned TEA distinctions in 2025.
For the full breakdown, visit the Blackland Prairie school page or the Redbud Elementary school page.
Blackland Prairie: Premium New Construction Territory
Blackland Prairie draws from some of the newest and most upscale neighborhoods in Round Rock ISD’s northeast corridor. We are talking about master planned communities with model homes still being built, community pools, splash pads, and the whole suburban package. The $675,000 median reflects new construction pricing as much as school quality. These are the neighborhoods where builders are putting up 2,500+ square foot homes with all the upgrades, and they sell quickly because the school zone is a powerful draw.
The feeder path runs through Ridgeview Middle School to Cedar Ridge High School, both strong campuses in their own right.
Redbud Elementary: Strong B at a Fraction of the Price
Redbud serves 552 students from more established and affordable neighborhoods in the Round Rock area. The housing stock includes a mix of 2000s era homes and some newer construction, but the price points are dramatically more accessible. At $379,990, the Redbud zone gives you a solid B rated school in Round Rock ISD at a price that many first time buyers can actually reach. The feeder path goes through CPL Robert P Hernandez Middle School to Stony Point High School.
The Neighborhoods
The contrast here is stark. Blackland Prairie’s neighborhoods are shiny and new with master planned amenities. Redbud’s neighborhoods are established and lived in, with mature trees and a neighborhood feel that takes years to develop. The $295,000 price gap buys you newer construction and slightly better TEA scores, but not dramatically better educational outcomes.
Browse all homes zoned to Blackland Prairie or homes zoned to Redbud Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Blackland Prairie if:
- New construction with modern finishes and community amenities is important
- You want the A rating and are comfortable at the $675,000 price point
- The Cedar Ridge High School feeder path is your preference
You might lean toward Redbud if:
- A strong B at 87/100 provides sufficient academic confidence
- You want to save nearly $300,000 on the median and invest it elsewhere
- Established neighborhoods with more character appeal to you
I will say this plainly: $295,000 is a lot of money to pay for 3 TEA points. Redbud at $379,990 with an 87 is one of the strongest value propositions in all of Round Rock ISD. The school is doing outstanding work and the neighborhoods are solid. Not everyone needs the newest house on the block to be happy, and my experience tells me the buyers who figure that out early tend to build wealth faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
Round Rock ISD school zone decisions involve real money, and understanding the value behind each zone can save you thousands. Lets talk through the options and find the right fit for your budget and priorities.
Be safe, be good, and be nice to people.
