Ed 
Why Round Rock ISD Buyers Keep Comparing These Two High Schools
Round Rock High School earned an A on the 2024-25 TEA accountability report. Cedar Ridge High School earned a B ([Texas Tribune Schools Explorer](https://schools.texastribune.org/districts/round-rock-isd/round-rock-high-school/grade/)). Both are large, well established high schools in Round Rock ISD, both offer extensive AP and extracurricular programs. The TEA letter-grade gap is real, but the roughly $111,000 difference in median home prices ($530,000 for Round Rock High vs $419,000 for Cedar Ridge based on trailing 12-month VOW MLS sales) is what makes this comparison actually matter for buyers.
And here is the part that catches people off guard: Cedar Ridge at a B is not a school anyone should be concerned about. A B at a high school level in Round Rock ISD puts it ahead of most high schools in the entire Austin metro. But the A on Round Rock High pulls buyers like a magnet, and the price gap reflects that gravitational pull.
Cedar Ridge vs Round Rock: Quick Comparison
| Cedar Ridge High School | Round Rock High School | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | B | A |
| Enrollment | 2,715 students | 3,863 students |
| Grades | 09 – 12 | 09 – 12 |
| District | Round Rock ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Median Home Price (trailing 12 mo) | $419,000 | $530,000 |
TEA School Performance Comparison (2024-25)
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 2024-25 accountability cycle, per the Texas Tribune Schools Explorer.
| Performance Metric | Cedar Ridge High School | Round Rock High School |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | B | A |
| Student Achievement | A | B |
| School Progress | B | B |
| Closing the Gaps | C | A |
| Enrollment | 2,715 students (09 – 12) | 3,863 students (09 – 12) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 31.4% | 12.3% |
Round Rock High earned an overall A, with its strongest mark in Closing the Gaps. Cedar Ridge earned a B overall, with its strongest mark actually being Student Achievement (an A) ([Texas Tribune Schools Explorer](https://schools.texastribune.org/districts/round-rock-isd/cedar-ridge-high-school/grade/)). The demographic difference (31.4% vs 12.3% economically disadvantaged) explains some of the overall gap.
For the full breakdown, visit the Cedar Ridge HS school page or the Round Rock HS school page.
Round Rock High School: The District Standard Bearer
Round Rock High enrolls roughly 3,863 students, making it one of the larger high schools in the district, which translates into more AP offerings, more athletics programs, more fine arts options, and more pathways to graduation than smaller campuses can support. The school sits near historic downtown Round Rock, and the surrounding neighborhoods include some of the most established and charming in the district. Old Round Rock homes with big lots and mature trees, walkable streets, local restaurants. The $530,000 median reflects all of that plus the school’s reputation.
Cedar Ridge High School: Underappreciated and Underpriced
Cedar Ridge serves roughly 2,715 students and has been steadily building its reputation since opening. The campus has invested in STEM programs and career academies that give students real world skills alongside traditional academics. At $419,000, the Cedar Ridge zone is significantly more affordable than Round Rock High’s territory, and you are still getting a B rated campus in one of the best public school districts in Texas. The neighborhoods tend to be newer developments with modern layouts and community amenities.
I have had multiple buyers over the past few years who started their search locked on Round Rock High, toured some homes, saw the price tags, and then asked me about Cedar Ridge. By the time we looked at the numbers side by side, most of them made the switch. A B is not settling. It is being smart with your money.
The Neighborhoods
Round Rock High’s zone covers the heart of Round Rock near downtown, extending into established neighborhoods along McNeil Road and Sam Bass Road. Cedar Ridge’s zone stretches into the newer developments to the north and east, where builders are still actively constructing. If you want charm and character, the Round Rock High zone wins. If you want newer homes at a lower price, Cedar Ridge’s zone is the play.
Browse all homes zoned to Cedar Ridge HS or homes zoned to Round Rock HS.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Round Rock High if:
- An A rated high school is your non-negotiable standard
- Historic downtown Round Rock neighborhoods appeal to you
- Maximum AP and program options matter for your student’s path
You might lean toward Cedar Ridge if:
- A B rated campus with an A in Student Achievement gives you sufficient confidence in school quality
- Saving roughly $111,000 on the median lets you invest in other priorities
- Newer construction with modern amenities is your preference
The value conscious buyer looks at these numbers and sees Cedar Ridge. The buyer who wants the absolute best TEA letter grade in the district goes Round Rock High. Neither is wrong. I just want you to make the choice with clear data instead of assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Choosing the right high school zone in Round Rock ISD is one of the biggest financial decisions buyers make in this market. I have 19 years of experience helping people navigate these choices. Lets connect and walk through your options together.
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