Ed Neuhaus 
Why Do Buyers Pay $375K for a B Rated Zone When the A Rated Zone Next Door Is $407K?
Lee Elementary earned an A with a 92 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating. Bryker Woods Elementary scored a B with an 87. Both are strong central Austin campuses in Austin ISD, and they serve neighborhoods that are practically adjacent. The median home price near Bryker Woods is $375,000 while Lee comes in at $406,950. For $32,000 more you get a school that scores five points higher and carries an A rating instead of a B.
But here is the thing. Bryker Woods has a cachet that goes beyond TEA scores. The neighborhood is one of Austin’s most charming walkable enclaves, tucked between Shoal Creek and MoPac, and the school has been an anchor of the community for generations. Lee sits in the Hyde Park and North Loop area, equally beloved by Austin residents for its neighborhood character. Both feed into strong middle and high school campuses. So this comparison is less about academic quality (both are excellent) and more about which central Austin neighborhood fits your life.
Bryker Woods vs Lee: Quick Comparison
| Bryker Woods Elementary | Lee Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | B (87/100) | A (92/100) |
| Enrollment | 284 students | 428 students |
| Grades | PK – 05 | KG – 06 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $375,000 | $406,950 |
| Feeds Into | O. Henry / Lamar / Kealing MS → Austin HS / McCallum HS | O. Henry / Kealing / Lamar MS → McCallum 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 | Bryker Woods Elementary | Lee Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | B (87/100) | A (92/100) |
| Student Achievement | B (86/100) | A (92/100) |
| School Progress | B (88/100) | A (93/100) |
| Academic Growth | B (88/100) | A (93/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | B (85/100) | B (88/100) |
| Enrollment | 284 students (PK – 05) | 428 students (KG – 06) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 25.4% | 18.5% |
| English Learners | 10.6% | 7.5% |
| TEA Distinctions | 6 of 7 earned | 6 of 7 earned |
Lee leads by 5 to 6 points in every domain, with the widest gap in Student Achievement (92 vs 86). Both earned 6 of 7 distinctions, so both schools are delivering strong results at the subject level. Bryker Woods has a slightly higher economically disadvantaged rate (25.4% vs 18.5%) and more English learners (10.6% vs 7.5%), which accounts for some of the overall gap. Lee also serves through 6th grade (not just 5th), which is a unique feature in Austin ISD.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Bryker Woods Elementary page or the Lee Elementary page.
Bryker Woods: The Neighborhood That Sells Itself
Bryker Woods the neighborhood is one of Austin’s original gems. Tree lined streets, craftsman bungalows from the 1940s, and a walkable layout that connects to Shoal Creek and the Hike and Bike Trail. The school serves just 284 students, giving it an intimate, almost village like feel. It feeds into O. Henry, Lamar, Bailey, and Kealing Middle Schools, with Austin High School and McCallum High School as the high school options.
The $375K median listing price might seem surprisingly low for a central Austin neighborhood, but the smaller lot sizes and older housing stock in parts of the zone bring the median down. Updated homes and new construction in Bryker Woods routinely sell for $800K to over $1M.
Lee Elementary: Hyde Park’s Academic Powerhouse
Lee Elementary serves the Hyde Park and North Loop neighborhoods, areas with a devoted following among Austin residents who value walkability, local businesses, and genuine neighborhood character. The school’s 92 TEA score and A rating make it one of the highest rated elementaries in the district. Lee goes through 6th grade, giving students an extra year on campus before transitioning to middle school.
The $406K median price reflects the range of housing in the zone, from smaller cottages in the $300s to renovated homes and new builds well over $800K. Hyde Park is one of Austin’s most established neighborhoods, and the school quality is a big part of what sustains its desirability.
The Neighborhoods
Bryker Woods is walkable, shaded, and charming. The homes tend toward 1940s to 1960s construction with character features, though many have been substantially updated. Shoal Creek is the natural amenity that ties the neighborhood together, and residents walk to shops and restaurants along West 35th Street.
Lee’s zone covers Hyde Park and North Loop, where you will find a similar mix of vintage homes and modern renovations. The Hyde Park neighborhood association is one of the most active in Austin, and the area’s walkability, local coffee shops, and proximity to UT campus give it a distinctive character.
Browse all homes zoned to Bryker Woods or homes zoned to Lee.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Bryker Woods if:
- You want a smaller campus (284 students) with a tight knit community
- The Bryker Woods neighborhood’s charm and walkability are your top draw
- A B rating with 6/7 distinctions meets your academic threshold
You might lean toward Lee if:
- The A rating and 92 score give you confidence in academic rigor
- The extra 6th grade year on campus is valuable for your planning
- You love Hyde Park’s character and North Loop’s vibe
Both of these are outstanding central Austin options. You honestly cannot go wrong with either one. The five point TEA gap is real but both schools are excellent. At this point it comes down to whether you see yourself walking through Bryker Woods or biking through Hyde Park. I sell homes in both and every buyer who lands in either neighborhood tells me the same thing: they love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
Central Austin’s walkable neighborhoods are my favorite part of this market. I have been helping buyers land in Bryker Woods, Hyde Park, and the surrounding areas for over 19 years. Lets find the right fit for you.
