Ed Neuhaus 
Walking Distance Apart, 22 TEA Points Apart
Maplewood Elementary scored an A with 91 on the 2025 TEA rating. Campbell Elementary scored a D with 69. These two Austin ISD elementary schools sit in adjacent central Austin neighborhoods, close enough that some buyers look at homes zoned to both without realizing the academic gap between them. The median home price near Maplewood is $598,499 versus $525,000 near Campbell, a $73,000 difference that barely begins to reflect the 22 point score gap.
Central Austin real estate is complicated. The school zones overlap with some of the most desirable urban neighborhoods in the city, and buyers are often making decisions based on walkability, culture, and proximity to downtown rather than school data alone. But for residents who do prioritize academics, this comparison is worth understanding clearly. Lets look at the numbers.
Campbell vs Maplewood: Quick Comparison
| Campbell Elementary | Maplewood Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | D (69/100) | A (91/100) |
| Enrollment | 180 students | 403 students |
| Grades | PK – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $525,000 | $598,499 |
| Feeds Into | Kealing / O. Henry MS → Austin HS | Kealing / O. Henry / Lamar MS → Austin HS / 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 | Campbell Elementary | Maplewood Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | D (69/100) | A (91/100) |
| Student Achievement | D (66/100) | A (90/100) |
| School Progress | C (71/100) | A (92/100) |
| Academic Growth | C (71/100) | A (92/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | D (65/100) | B (87/100) |
| Enrollment | 180 students (PK – 05) | 403 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 77.8% | 21.1% |
| English Learners | 22.2% | 5.5% |
| TEA Distinctions | 6 of 7 earned | 6 of 7 earned |
Maplewood leads by 24 points in Student Achievement and 21 points in both School Progress and Academic Growth. But Campbell still earned 6 of 7 TEA distinctions at a D rating, which is honestly impressive. That means the school is hitting subject level benchmarks that many higher rated campuses miss. For a school with 77.8% economically disadvantaged and 22.2% English learners, those distinction results say something real about the quality of instruction.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Campbell Elementary page or the Maplewood Elementary page.
Maplewood Elementary: Central Austin’s A Rated Gem
Maplewood is one of those central Austin campuses that flies under the radar compared to Casis or Bryker Woods, but the 91 TEA score and A rating put it in the same academic tier. The school serves 403 students and feeds into Kealing Middle School, O. Henry Middle School, and Lamar Middle School, with Austin High School and McCallum High School as the high school destinations. That gives buyers multiple strong feeder path options.
The Maplewood zone covers the area around 45th Street and Airport Boulevard, where you will find a mix of mid century homes, renovated bungalows, and some newer infill construction. The neighborhood has a distinctly Austin character, walkable and eclectic, with coffee shops, restaurants, and parks woven into the residential streets.
Campbell Elementary: Tiny Campus, Big Heart
Campbell is one of the smallest elementaries in Austin ISD with just 180 students. The school sits near the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Manor Road in east central Austin. Despite the D rating, the 6 of 7 distinctions tell you the school has areas of genuine academic strength. Campbell feeds into Kealing and O. Henry Middle Schools, both of which are well regarded campuses, and ultimately into Austin High School.
The $525K median price makes the Campbell zone more accessible than Maplewood, and the east central Austin location puts you in one of the most culturally vibrant parts of the city. The neighborhood is rapidly changing, with new restaurants, breweries, and housing filling in what was once a quieter part of town.
The Neighborhoods
Maplewood draws from neighborhoods along 45th Street and Duval, areas with tree lined streets, established homes, and the kind of walkable urban fabric that defines central Austin’s appeal. Prices have climbed steadily and the $598K median reflects both the location and the school quality.
Campbell’s zone covers east central Austin near Manor Road, where the mix of original homes and new construction creates a dynamic housing market. Buyers here tend to be drawn by the proximity to downtown and the East Side’s food and cultural scene, with school scores as a secondary consideration.
Browse all homes zoned to Campbell or homes zoned to Maplewood.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Maplewood if:
- An A rated elementary in central Austin is your target
- Access to multiple strong middle school feeders (Kealing, O. Henry, Lamar) matters
- You value the established 45th Street corridor neighborhood character
You might lean toward Campbell if:
- You want a lower price point in central Austin and are willing to accept a lower rated elementary
- A tiny campus (180 students) with 6 of 7 distinctions appeals to you
- East Austin’s cultural scene and proximity to downtown are your primary draws
Maplewood is the clear academic winner here. But Campbell’s 6 of 7 distinctions at a D rating with its demographic profile is something I genuinely respect. And the $73K savings on the home purchase buys you a lot of flexibility. Central Austin has options for every priority level, and I can help you find the right balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
Central Austin school zones are nuanced, and I can help you navigate the options. Lets talk about what you are looking for and find the right neighborhood fit.
