Ed Neuhaus 
East Austin’s School Story Is Not What Most People Expect
Blackshear Elementary scored a 71 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning a C. Govalle Elementary scored a 59 and received an F. Both are Austin ISD elementary schools in east Austin, both serve communities that have been at the epicenter of the city’s gentrification story, and both face challenges that the surrounding home prices do not reflect. The median near Blackshear is $800,000. Near Govalle, it is $750,000.
Eight hundred thousand dollars for a C rated elementary zone. Seven fifty for an F. If that disconnect surprises you, you are not alone. East Austin’s real estate market has been driven by location, new construction, and proximity to downtown, while the schools serving these neighborhoods have not benefited from the same demographic shifts that pushed property values through the roof. For buyers who care about school quality, these numbers need to be part of the conversation.
Blackshear vs Govalle Elementary: Quick Comparison
| Blackshear Elementary | Govalle Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | C (71/100) | F (59/100) |
| Enrollment | 214 students | 384 students |
| Grades | PK – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $800,000 | $750,000 |
| Feeds Into | Austin ISD MS then HS | Austin ISD MS then 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 | Blackshear Elementary | Govalle Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C (71/100) | F (59/100) |
| Student Achievement | D (66/100) | F (54/100) |
| School Progress | C (74/100) | F (56/100) |
| Academic Growth | C (79/100) | D (66/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | D (65/100) | F (56/100) |
| Enrollment | 214 students (PK – 05) | 384 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 81.8% | 84.6% |
| English Learners | 38.8% | 42.3% |
| TEA Distinctions | 4 of 7 earned | Not eligible (F-rated) |
Blackshear leads Govalle in every domain, with the widest gap in School Progress (74 vs 56) and Academic Growth (79 vs 66). Blackshear’s 79 in Academic Growth is genuinely encouraging for a campus at this rating level, suggesting students are making real year over year progress. Govalle’s F rating and ineligibility for TEA distinctions indicates deeper challenges. Both schools serve extremely high percentages of economically disadvantaged students and English learners, and the 12 point overall gap reflects different campus level outcomes within similar demographic contexts.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Blackshear school page or the Govalle school page.
Blackshear Elementary: Small Campus, Forward Progress
Blackshear is one of Austin ISD’s smallest elementary schools at 214 students, and that size creates a campus where every student is known. The school sits in the heart of east Austin’s historic core, surrounded by neighborhoods that have transformed dramatically in the last decade. New construction townhomes and modern builds now share blocks with the shotgun houses and bungalows that defined this area for generations. The Academic Growth C at 79 and the 4 of 7 distinctions show a campus with real academic strengths despite the overall C rating.
Govalle Elementary: Larger Campus, Deeper Challenges
Govalle serves 384 students along the east side of Austin, in a zone where home prices have risen to $750,000 median while the school population remains largely unchanged from the pre-gentrification era. The F rating at 59 means TEA intervention is active, and the campus faces significant challenges in every domain. Buyers in this zone should plan for alternative schooling options if TEA performance is a priority.
The Neighborhoods
Both zones are deep east Austin, where the transformation from working class neighborhood to luxury enclave is visible on every block. New construction duplexes and townhomes in the $800K+ range sit next to older homes that are either being renovated or held by long time residents. The food scene, nightlife, and cultural energy of east Austin are genuine selling points, but the school performance does not match the price tag.
Browse all homes zoned to Blackshear or homes zoned to Govalle.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Blackshear if:
- Between these two, you want the stronger academic performer
- The Academic Growth trajectory at 79 is encouraging
- A small campus with 214 students appeals to your situation
You might lean toward Govalle if:
- The specific Govalle neighborhood location is non negotiable for your lifestyle
- You plan to evaluate charter, private, or Austin ISD transfer options regardless
If school quality matters, Blackshear is the clear choice here. A C at 71 is not great, but it is materially better than an F at 59, and the Academic Growth numbers at Blackshear show a campus headed in the right direction. Both zones require honest planning about educational options at these performance levels, and any buyer spending $750,000 to $800,000 on a home should know exactly what the zoned school situation looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
East Austin is one of the most nuanced markets in the city. I have been helping buyers understand these neighborhoods for 19 years, and I can make sure you go in with clear eyes about both the opportunity and the trade offs. Get in touch and lets talk honestly about what works for you.
