Ed Neuhaus 
Fern Bluff Is an A at 92. Old Town Is a B at 88. Both in North Round Rock, Both Under $800K.
Fern Bluff Elementary scored a 92 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning an A. Old Town Elementary scored an 88 and earned a B. Both are in Round Rock ISD, both serve the northern part of the district, and the 4 point gap puts them closer together than most school comparisons I write about. This is a comparison between two strong campuses where the real question is about neighborhood character and price, not academic quality.
Old Town has a $600,000 median home price. Fern Bluff sits at $799,900. That $200K gap is significant, and it actually favors the lower scoring school on price. Old Town gives you a B rated campus for $200K less than Fern Bluff’s A. Whether that tradeoff works depends on how much weight you put on those 4 TEA points versus $200K in your pocket.
Fern Bluff vs Old Town: Quick Comparison
| Fern Bluff Elementary | Old Town Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | A (92/100) | B (88/100) |
| Enrollment | 595 students | 587 students |
| District | Round Rock ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Median Home Price | $799,900 | $600,000 |
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 | Fern Bluff Elementary | Old Town Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A (92/100) | B (88/100) |
| Student Achievement | A (92/100) | B (80/100) |
| School Progress | A (90/100) | B (86/100) |
| Academic Growth | A (90/100) | B (86/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | C (74/100) | C (72/100) |
| Enrollment | 595 students (EE – 05) | 587 students (EE – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 11.4% | 36.6% |
| English Learners | 15.1% | 31.9% |
| TEA Distinctions | 0 of 7 earned | 0 of 7 earned |
Fern Bluff leads in Student Achievement (92 vs 80), which is the biggest domain gap in this comparison. The growth domains show a more modest difference (90 vs 86 for both School Progress and Academic Growth). Closing the Gaps is nearly identical (74 vs 72, both C). Neither school earned TEA distinctions, which is surprising for an A rated campus like Fern Bluff. The C in Closing the Gaps is what kept both schools from earning distinction recognition.
Old Town serves a significantly higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students (36.6% vs 11.4%) and English Learners (31.9% vs 15.1%). Given those demographics, the B at 88 is a strong result. Old Town is punching above its weight on growth metrics.
For the full breakdown, visit the Fern Bluff Elementary page or the Old Town Elementary page.
Fern Bluff Elementary: North Round Rock’s A Rated Campus
Fern Bluff draws from the western side of north Round Rock, where newer and more upscale neighborhoods have driven the median to nearly $800K. The A at 92 is earned through consistently high scores across Student Achievement and growth domains. At 595 students, the campus is a solid mid size school with a strong community presence.
Old Town Elementary: Strong B, Better Value
Old Town is a campus that deserves more credit than its letter grade suggests. A B at 88 while serving 36.6% economically disadvantaged students and 31.9% English Learners is an impressive result. The School Progress and Academic Growth scores of 86 show a campus that is moving students forward effectively. And the $600,000 median makes it $200K more accessible than Fern Bluff.
The “Old Town” name reflects its location in the established heart of Round Rock, where the neighborhoods have real character and the downtown square is a genuine community gathering place. For buyers who want that walkable, historic town feel, Old Town’s zone delivers something that newer subdivisions simply cannot.
The Neighborhoods
Fern Bluff draws from newer, more expensive neighborhoods in western Round Rock. Old Town draws from the established core of the city near the historic downtown. The vibe is completely different: suburban growth corridor versus small town charm. Both have good access to I-35, the 45 Toll, and the employment centers along the 183A corridor.
Browse all homes zoned to Fern Bluff or homes zoned to Old Town.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Fern Bluff if:
- You want an A rated campus with strong Student Achievement scores (92)
- Newer construction and western Round Rock neighborhoods appeal to you
- The 4 point TEA gap justifies the $200K price premium in your view
You might lean toward Old Town if:
- A B at 88 is strong enough for your priorities
- The $600K median saves you significant money versus $800K
- Historic downtown Round Rock character appeals to your lifestyle
- You value a campus that is performing well relative to its student population
Both are strong schools. Fern Bluff is technically better on the TEA scorecard. Old Town is the better value play and sits in a neighborhood with more character per square foot than anywhere else in Round Rock. I genuinely like both zones, and the right answer depends on your budget and your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
North Round Rock has excellent school options at a range of price points. I have 19 years of experience helping buyers find the right fit. Lets talk about what works for you.
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