Ed Neuhaus 
Budget Friendly South Austin: How Do Boone and Cunningham Stack Up?
Boone Elementary scored C with 72 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability report. Cunningham Elementary earned a B with 84 out of 100. Both are in Austin ISD, and they sit within a short drive of each other in the Austin area. The 12 point TEA gap is meaningful and worth understanding for buyers in this market.
So what explains the gap? And more importantly, what does it mean for your home search? I have been selling homes in this area for 19 years, and these are the kinds of questions I help buyers work through every week. Lets dig into the data.
Boone vs Cunningham: Quick Comparison
| Boone Elementary | Cunningham Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | C (72/100) | B (84/100) |
| Enrollment | 426 students | 345 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $460,000 | $499,900 |
| Feeds Into | Covington Middle School, Bowie High School | Bailey Middle School, Akins High School |
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 | Cunningham Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C (72/100) | B (84/100) |
| Student Achievement | C (73/100) | C (79/100) |
| School Progress | C (70/100) | B (81/100) |
| Academic Growth | C (70/100) | B (81/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | C (71/100) | A (90/100) |
| Enrollment | 426 students (EE – 05) | 345 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 34.7% | 53.6% |
| English Learners | 10.6% | 20.3% |
| TEA Distinctions | 0 of 7 earned | 0 of 7 earned |
The gap is consistent across all five TEA domains, which tells us this is a systemic performance difference rather than a one-time blip. For the full TEA breakdown on each campus, including rating history and all distinctions, visit the Boone Elementary school page or the Cunningham Elementary school page.
Boone: Campus in Austin ISD
Boone Elementary serves 426 students and earned a C rating in 2025. The campus is working to improve its standing within the district. With a median home price of $460,000 in the surrounding neighborhoods, the zone offers reasonable value for the performance level. The feeder path runs through Covington Middle School, Bowie High School.
Cunningham: Solid
Cunningham Elementary has 345 students and scored 84/100 in 2025. The median home price in the zone is $499,900. The school serves its community and the TEA data reflects the campus efforts. Students advance to Bailey Middle School, Akins High School.
The Neighborhoods
Both schools draw from Austin area neighborhoods. The similar median prices suggest the market values these locations comparably despite the TEA score difference.
Browse all homes zoned to Boone Elementary or homes zoned to Cunningham Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Boone if:
- The campus size and feeder pattern work for your needs
- The $460,000 median price point fits your budget
- The feeder path through Covington Middle School, Bowie High School is appealing
You might lean toward Cunningham if:
- The B rating (84/100) provides sufficient confidence
- The $499,900 median is a better fit for your financial plan
- The specific neighborhood character around Cunningham matches your lifestyle
At the end of the day, the numbers clearly favor Cunningham on TEA performance. I have helped buyers navigate these exact decisions for over 19 years and the right answer always depends on what matters most to you personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
School zone decisions involve real money and real trade offs. I have 19 years of experience helping buyers find the right zone for their priorities and budget. Lets connect and work through your options together.
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