Ed 
Budget Friendly South Austin: How Do Boone and Cunningham Stack Up?
Boone Elementary earned an overall C rating on the 2024-2025 TEA accountability report ([Texas Tribune](https://schools.texastribune.org/districts/austin-isd/boone-elementary-school-austin/grade/)). Cunningham Elementary earned an overall B rating ([Texas Tribune](https://schools.texastribune.org/districts/austin-isd/cunningham-elementary-school-austin/grade/)). Both are in Austin ISD, and they sit within a short drive of each other in South Austin. The rating 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 | B |
| Enrollment | 389 students | 334 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price (ZIP) | $560,000 (78749) | $461,400 (78745) |
| Feeds Into | Covington Middle School, Bowie High School | Bedichek or Covington Middle School, Crockett Early College High School |
TEA School Performance Comparison (2024-2025)
The Texas Education Agency evaluates every public school annually across three performance domains. Here is how both campuses performed in the 2024-2025 accountability cycle, with letter grades reported by the Texas Tribune Schools Explorer.
| Performance Metric | Boone Elementary | Cunningham Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C | B |
| Student Achievement | C | C |
| School Progress | C | B |
| Closing the Gaps | C | A |
| Enrollment | 389 students (EE – 05) | 334 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 31.9% | 51.2% |
The gap shows up across multiple 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, visit the Boone Elementary school page or the Cunningham Elementary school page.
Boone: Campus in Austin ISD
Boone Elementary serves 389 students and earned a C rating in 2024-2025. The campus is working to improve its standing within the district. With a median home price of $560,000 in the surrounding 78749 ZIP, the zone reflects the southwest Austin market. The feeder path runs through Covington Middle School to Bowie High School.
Cunningham: Solid
Cunningham Elementary has 334 students and earned a B rating in 2024-2025. The median home price in the surrounding 78745 ZIP is $461,400. The school serves its community and the TEA data reflects the campus efforts. Students advance through Bedichek or Covington Middle School and on to Crockett Early College High School.
The Neighborhoods
Both schools draw from South Austin neighborhoods. The 78749 ZIP around Boone runs roughly $100K higher in median price than the 78745 ZIP around Cunningham, even though Cunningham scored higher on the TEA report. School ratings are one factor among many that drive home values in this market.
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 $560,000 median price point in 78749 fits your budget
- The feeder path through Covington Middle School to Bowie High School is appealing
You might lean toward Cunningham if:
- The B rating provides sufficient confidence
- The $461,400 median in 78745 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 favor Cunningham on TEA performance, while Boone sits in a higher-priced ZIP. 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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