Ed Neuhaus 
Two South Austin Elementaries in the Same District, Separated by a Highway and 2 TEA Points
Cowan Elementary scored an 85 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning a B. Casey Elementary also earned a B, at 83. Both are Austin ISD elementary schools in south Austin, both serve similar communities along the Manchaca and William Cannon corridors, and the median home prices are surprisingly close: $416,000 near Cowan and $417,000 near Casey. For buyers hunting for a B rated Austin ISD elementary under $420,000, these two zones are the starting line.
Two points on the TEA scale is barely a rounding error. The real differences here are in the domain level scores and the specific neighborhoods each school draws from. Both are doing solid work for their communities, and both represent genuine value in a market where B rated elementary zones in Austin ISD typically cost a lot more than $417,000.
Casey vs Cowan Elementary: Quick Comparison
| Casey Elementary | Cowan Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | B (83/100) | B (85/100) |
| Enrollment | 544 students | 554 students |
| Grades | PK – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $417,490 | $416,174 |
| Feeds Into | Austin ISD MS then HS | Austin ISD MS then 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 | Casey Elementary | Cowan Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | B (83/100) | B (85/100) |
| Student Achievement | B (82/100) | B (85/100) |
| School Progress | B (84/100) | B (86/100) |
| Academic Growth | B (86/100) | B (85/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | C (79/100) | B (82/100) |
| Enrollment | 544 students (PK – 05) | 554 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 50.6% | 38.8% |
| English Learners | 14.0% | 11.5% |
| TEA Distinctions | 6 of 7 earned | 6 of 7 earned |
Cowan has a slight edge overall, leading in Student Achievement (85 vs 82) and Closing the Gaps (82 vs 79). Casey counters with the stronger Academic Growth score at 86 vs 85. Both earned 6 of 7 distinctions. The demographic difference is notable: Casey serves 50.6% economically disadvantaged students compared to Cowan’s 38.8%, which makes Casey’s competitive performance all the more impressive. Both schools are doing good work for south Austin at nearly identical price points.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Casey Elementary school page or the Cowan Elementary school page.
Casey Elementary: Punching Above Its Weight
Casey serves a student body that is over half economically disadvantaged, and earning a B with 6 of 7 distinctions at that demographic profile is a genuine accomplishment. The school sits in the south Austin neighborhoods along the William Cannon corridor, where the authentic character of old Austin survives amid steady development. The Academic Growth B at 86 is the strongest domain and tells you students are progressing meaningfully year over year.
Cowan Elementary: The Slightly Higher Scorer
Cowan’s 85 is a tick stronger than Casey, and the Closing the Gaps B at 82 versus Casey’s C at 79 is the most notable difference. Cowan draws from a slightly different part of south Austin with a somewhat less challenged student population. The school has a stable community feel and consistent B level performance that makes it a reliable choice for south Austin buyers.
The Neighborhoods
Both zones cover classic south Austin: older homes with character, local businesses, and a community that takes pride in being the “real” Austin. Prices hover right around $417,000 for both, which is one of the most accessible B rated Austin ISD entry points in the city.
Browse all homes zoned to Casey or homes zoned to Cowan.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Cowan if:
- The slightly higher overall score and stronger Closing the Gaps mark matter
- The specific Cowan zone neighborhoods suit your commute
You might lean toward Casey if:
- The Academic Growth score of 86 signals momentum you value
- Casey’s specific south Austin location works for your lifestyle
At identical prices and a 2 point TEA difference, this one truly comes down to location preference. Both are B rated Austin ISD schools under $420,000 and both earned 6 of 7 distinctions. Just pick the commute and neighborhood that work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
B rated Austin ISD zones under $420,000 are rare, and I can help you find the right one. Get in touch and lets start your search.
