Ed Neuhaus 
Boone Scored a 72. Casey Scored an 83. Both Cost About the Same.
Casey Elementary earned a B with an 83 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating. Boone Elementary landed a C at 72. Both are Austin ISD elementary schools in south Austin, and the median home prices are remarkably close: $460,000 near Boone and $417,000 near Casey. For buyers comparing these two zones, Casey is the clear academic leader, and it actually comes in at a lower price point. That kind of combination does not happen often in this market.
South Austin has always attracted buyers who want character and affordability without leaving the city limits, and both of these school zones deliver on that promise. But the 11 point TEA gap is meaningful, and understanding what drives the difference matters if schools are part of your buying criteria. Lets walk through what makes each campus tick.
Boone vs Casey Elementary: Quick Comparison
| Boone Elementary | Casey Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | C (72/100) | B (83/100) |
| Enrollment | 426 students | 544 students |
| Grades | PK – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $460,000 | $417,490 |
| 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 | Boone Elementary | Casey Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C (72/100) | B (83/100) |
| Student Achievement | D (69/100) | B (82/100) |
| School Progress | C (74/100) | B (84/100) |
| Academic Growth | C (78/100) | B (86/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | D (66/100) | C (79/100) |
| Enrollment | 426 students (PK – 05) | 544 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 73.7% | 50.6% |
| English Learners | 40.6% | 14.0% |
| TEA Distinctions | 4 of 7 earned | 6 of 7 earned |
Casey outperforms Boone in every domain, and the gap is widest in Student Achievement where Casey’s 82 eclipses Boone’s 69. The demographic profiles help explain some of this difference: Boone serves 73.7% economically disadvantaged students with 40.6% English learners, while Casey is at 50.6% and 14.0% respectively. Boone’s Academic Growth score of 78 is actually the school’s strongest domain and suggests students are making progress, even if the baseline achievement numbers are still catching up. Casey’s consistency across all domains with 6 of 7 distinctions makes it a well rounded performer.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Boone Elementary school page or the Casey Elementary school page.
Boone Elementary: South Austin Character at an Accessible Price
Boone sits in the Manchaca Road corridor of south Austin, an area known for its unpretentious character and steadily improving amenities. The neighborhoods here offer a mix of older ranch style homes, updated bungalows, and some newer infill that has changed the look of several blocks over the last five years. At $460,000 median, you are still firmly in Austin ISD at a price that many buyers can manage without stretching into uncomfortable territory.
The school has a strong bilingual program given its 40.6% English learner population, and the small campus feel at 426 students means teachers develop genuine relationships with the kids they serve. The C rating is not where anyone wants to stay, but Boone’s community is invested in improvement and the Academic Growth numbers suggest forward momentum.
Casey Elementary: The Quiet Overachiever of South Austin
Casey does not get the attention that some Austin ISD schools receive, but the numbers tell a compelling story. An 83 overall, B grades across the board, and 6 of 7 distinctions from a campus that serves a student body with over 50% economically disadvantaged students. That is real performance, and it is happening at a median home price of $417,000, which is one of the most competitive price points in all of Austin ISD.
The school zone pulls from south Austin neighborhoods that have maintained their authenticity even as the city has grown around them. For buyers who want genuine Austin character with solid school performance at a budget friendly price, Casey is one of the best kept secrets in the district.
The Neighborhoods
Both zones share the south Austin vibe: local businesses, taco joints, neighborhood bars, and a pace of life that feels distinctly different from the suburban communities north of the river. The Boone zone runs along the Manchaca corridor where older homes predominate. Casey’s zone covers a slightly broader swath of south Austin with more variety in housing age and style.
Browse all homes zoned to Boone Elementary or homes zoned to Casey Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Casey Elementary if:
- School performance is a significant factor and you want the stronger TEA scores
- You are budget conscious and the sub $420,000 median works for your finances
- You want a campus with consistent B level performance and strong distinctions
You might lean toward Boone Elementary if:
- The specific Manchaca corridor location fits your commute or lifestyle
- Bilingual programming for your student is a priority
- You see value in the school’s Academic Growth trajectory
If I am keeping it real, Casey is the better value play on almost every metric. Stronger scores, lower price, and a campus that is performing above what you would expect given its demographics. Boone has things going for it, but for most buyers comparing these two zones, Casey makes more sense on paper and in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
South Austin is full of hidden gems, and the right school zone can save you money while putting your student in a strong campus. I have been doing this for 19 years and I know which zones punch above their weight. Lets sit down and find yours. Reach out to me and lets get started.
