Ed Neuhaus 
The Cactus Ranch vs Old Town Decision (It Is About More Than Test Scores)
Cactus Ranch Elementary scored 97 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning a solid A. Old Town Elementary came in at 88, which puts it in B territory. The numbers tell part of the story, but not all of it.
Both schools are part of Round Rock ISD, and I have shown homes in both zones for years. The neighborhoods have their own personality, the price points are different, and the day to day experience at each campus is its own thing. That matters more than most buyers expect when they first start their search.
Below, I will break down the full TEA performance data, walk through the neighborhoods zoned to each campus, and give you my honest take on which school zone fits different types of buyers. If you want the deep dive on either campus individually, check out the Cactus Ranch Elementary school page or the Old Town Elementary school page.
Cactus Ranch Elementary vs Old Town Elementary: Quick Comparison
| Cactus Ranch Elementary | Old Town Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | A (97/100) | B (88/100) |
| Enrollment | 693 students | 587 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | EE – 05 |
| District | Round Rock ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Median Home Price | $692,000 | $625,000 |
| Feeds Into | Walsh MS → Round Rock HS | CPL Robert P Hernandez MS → Round Rock 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 | Cactus Ranch Elementary | Old Town Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A (97/100) | B (88/100) |
| Student Achievement | A (97/100) | B (80/100) |
| School Progress | A (96/100) | B (86/100) |
| Academic Growth | A (96/100) | B (86/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | A (96/100) | A (91/100) |
| Enrollment | 693 students (EE – 05) | 587 students (EE – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 2.9% | 36.6% |
| English Learners | 16.9% | 31.9% |
| TEA Distinctions | 5 of 7 earned | 0 of 7 earned |
The biggest standout in this comparison is Student Achievement, where Cactus Ranch Elementary scored 97/100 compared to 80/100 at Old Town Elementary. That 17 point gap is significant and speaks to the underlying academic outcomes on standardized assessments.
For the full TEA breakdown on each campus, including rating history and all distinctions, visit the Cactus Ranch Elementary school page or the Old Town Elementary school page.
Cactus Ranch Elementary: What the Numbers Say (and What They Don’t)
Cactus Ranch Elementary is one of the most sought-after attendance zones in northwest Round Rock, drawing buyers who want to plant roots in a community that takes education seriously. Part of the award-winning Round Rock ISD, Cactus Ranch sits at the center of some of the area’s most established and inviting neighborhoods, including Behrens Ranch, Sendero Springs, and Walsh Ranch.
Cactus Ranch Elementary earned a A (97/100) from TEA, which puts it among the stronger campuses in Round Rock ISD. That kind of performance does not happen by accident. It reflects consistent instructional quality, engaged leadership, and a campus culture where expectations run high.
The school draws from neighborhoods including Behrens Ranch, Sendero Springs, Sendero Spgs. These are well established residential areas with mature trees and a real sense of community.
Students at Cactus Ranch Elementary feed into Walsh Middle School and then Round Rock High School. That feeder path matters to buyers who are thinking long term about their kids’ educational trajectory.
I have spent a good amount of time in this part of town, and Cactus Ranch Elementary is one of those campuses where you can feel the community investment the moment you drive through the neighborhood. The homes hold their value well here, and resale demand stays consistent.
Old Town Elementary: The Campus, the Neighborhood, the Numbers
Old Town Elementary sits in one of Round Rock’s most storied corners, where mature trees, established neighborhoods, and a genuine sense of place make this zone feel distinct from the newer master-planned communities spreading across Williamson County. As part of Round Rock ISD, one of the most respected school districts in all of Central Texas, Old Town Elementary gives students access to a district that has built its reputation on strong academics, dedicated teachers, and a community that genuinely shows up for its schools.
With a B rating (88/100) from TEA, Old Town Elementary sits in the middle tier of Round Rock ISD campuses. The scores show a school that is doing solid work, even if there is room to push higher in some areas. The campus has been steady in recent years.
The school draws from neighborhoods including Clear Creek, Hidden Glen, Wood Glen. These are well established residential areas with mature trees and a real sense of community.
Students at Old Town Elementary feed into CPL Robert P Hernandez Middle School and then Round Rock High School. That feeder path matters to buyers who are thinking long term about their kids’ educational trajectory.
The numbers here speak for themselves. A 88/100 from TEA puts Old Town Elementary in strong company, and the campus culture backs up what the data shows.
The Neighborhoods
Homes near Cactus Ranch Elementary carry a median price of $692,000, while the Old Town Elementary zone comes in at $625,000. Both neighborhoods are within Round Rock ISD boundaries. The day to day feel of each neighborhood is its own thing, and I would encourage anyone comparing these two zones to spend a Saturday morning driving both before making a decision.
One thing I always tell buyers: look at the neighborhood on a Saturday morning, not just a Tuesday at 2pm. You want to see who is walking dogs, who is out running, whether the parks are being used. That tells you more about the community than any listing description ever will. And yes, school zones affect resale value. That is just reality in this market.
Browse all homes zoned to Cactus Ranch Elementary or homes zoned to Old Town Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
Every buyer has a different set of priorities. Here is how I would think about it.
You might lean toward Cactus Ranch Elementary if:
- TEA scores are a top priority and you want the higher rated campus
- You are comfortable at the $692,000 price point and want the neighborhoods that come with it
- The feeder path to Round Rock High School is important to you
- You prefer the neighborhood character around the Cactus Ranch zone
You might lean toward Old Town Elementary if:
- You are looking for more accessible pricing near $625,000
- The Round Rock High School feeder path matches your long term plans
- You value what the Old Town neighborhood offers in terms of location and community
Both campuses have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your priorities. If I were buying in this area, I would look closely at the feeder pattern, the neighborhood walkability, and what your daily commute looks like from each zone. The TEA scores matter, but they are not the whole story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
If you are weighing the Cactus Ranch zone against the Old Town zone (or anywhere else in the Austin area), I would love to help you figure it out. I have been doing this for over 19 years and have helped buyers navigate school zone decisions more times than I can count. And honestly, this is one of my favorite conversations to have because it is never just about a school. It is about how you want your mornings to feel, where you will grab coffee, and whether your commute makes you want to scream or not.
Lets grab a coffee, walk through your priorities, and find the neighborhood that actually fits your life. No pressure, no pitch, just honest guidance from someone who knows these neighborhoods inside and out. Be safe, be good, and be nice to people.
