Ed 
A vs B in Round Rock ISD, and the Price Gap Might Surprise You
Blackland Prairie Elementary earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency (the most recent TEA accountability cycle is 2022, since ratings were paused for litigation in 2023 and 2024). Redbud Elementary scored a B in the same cycle. 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 Paloma Lake area near Blackland Prairie sees median sale prices around $525,000, while the Avery Centre and Salerno neighborhoods around Redbud trend closer to $360,000 to $400,000 ([VOW MLS trailing 12 months](https://neuhausre.com/)). For the difference between an A and a B letter grade.
That ratio of price to performance is one of the more interesting 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 (2022) | A | B |
| Enrollment | 767 students | 587 students |
| Grades | PK – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Round Rock ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Area Median Sale Price (trailing 12 months) | $525,000 (Paloma Lake) | $360,000 to $400,000 (Avery Centre / Salerno) |
| Feeds Into | Ridgeview MS, Cedar Ridge HS | Hernandez MS, Stony Point HS |
TEA School Performance Comparison
The Texas Education Agency evaluates every public school across three domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps. The most recent published ratings are from the 2022 accountability cycle. Here is how both campuses performed, per the Texas Tribune Schools Explorer.
| Performance Metric | Blackland Prairie Elementary | Redbud Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A | B |
| Student Achievement | B | B |
| School Progress | B | B |
| Closing the Gaps | B | B |
| Enrollment | 767 students (PK – 05) | 587 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 14.7% | 29.5% |
Blackland Prairie’s overall A is strong, but Redbud’s B is genuinely impressive when you consider the student demographics. Redbud serves 29.5% economically disadvantaged students, compared to Blackland Prairie’s 14.7%. Redbud is doing excellent work with a harder starting point, and the letter-grade gap reflects how TEA’s accountability formula weights raw STAAR performance.
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, including Paloma Lake and Siena. We are talking about master planned communities with model homes still being built, community pools, splash pads, and the whole suburban package. The Paloma Lake median around $525,000 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 587 students from more established and affordable neighborhoods near Ty Cobb Place, off University Boulevard. The housing stock around Avery Centre, Salerno, and the surrounding subdivisions includes a mix of 2000s era homes and some newer construction, with price points that are dramatically more accessible. With area medians in the $360,000 to $400,000 range, 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 price gap of roughly $125,000 to $165,000 between the two zones buys you newer construction and a higher TEA letter grade, 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 around the $525,000 price point
- The Cedar Ridge High School feeder path is your preference
You might lean toward Redbud if:
- A strong B rating provides sufficient academic confidence
- You want to save over $100,000 on the median and invest it elsewhere
- Established neighborhoods with more character appeal to you
I will say this plainly: the price gap between these two zones is real money to pay for a one-letter-grade difference. Redbud in the high $300s with a B rating is one of the strongest value propositions in this part 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.
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