Ed 
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 along the Manchaca and William Cannon corridors.
Two points on the TEA scale is barely a rounding error. The real differences here are in the specific neighborhoods each school draws from and the feeder pattern each one runs.
Casey vs Cowan Elementary: Quick Comparison
| Casey Elementary | Cowan Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | B (83/100) | B (85/100) |
| Enrollment | 544 students | 555 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | EE – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Feeds Into | Paredes MS → Akins HS | Covington MS → Bowie HS |
TEA School Performance Comparison (2025)
The Texas Education Agency evaluates every public school annually across three domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps. 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 | B |
| School Progress | B | B |
| Closing the Gaps | C | B |
| Enrollment | 544 students (EE – 05) | 555 students (EE – 05) |
| Distinction Designations | Closing the Gaps, Postsecondary Readiness | Science |
Cowan has a slight edge overall. Casey, with a more economically diverse student body, holds steady at a B with distinctions in Closing the Gaps and Postsecondary Readiness. Cowan earned its distinction in Science. Both schools are doing good work for south Austin.
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 more economically diverse student body, and earning a B with distinctions in Closing the Gaps and Postsecondary Readiness 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. Casey feeds into Paredes Middle School and then Akins Early College High School.
Cowan Elementary: The Slightly Higher Scorer
Cowan’s 85 is a tick stronger than Casey, and it earned its distinction in Science. Cowan draws from a slightly different part of south Austin and feeds into Covington Middle School and then Bowie High School, one of Austin ISD’s higher rated comprehensive high schools. 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. The Casey zone draws from areas inside 78745 and 78748, while Cowan sits in 78749. Pricing varies meaningfully across these ZIPs, so the right comparison is the specific home and street rather than a zone median.
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 the Bowie High School feeder pattern matter
- The specific Cowan zone neighborhoods in 78749 suit your commute
You might lean toward Casey if:
- The Akins Early College High School feeder pattern fits your plan
- Casey’s location in 78745 and 78748 works for your lifestyle
At a 2 point TEA difference, this one really comes down to location preference and feeder pattern. Both are B rated Austin ISD elementary schools. Pick the commute, neighborhood, and high school path that work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
Austin ISD elementary zones each have their own price range and feel, and I can help you find the right one. Get in touch and lets start your search.
