Ed Neuhaus 
Steiner Ranch Scores 19 Points Higher. Grandview Hills Costs $185K Less.
Steiner Ranch Elementary earned an A with a 90 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating. Grandview Hills Elementary scored a C with a 71. Both are Leander ISD elementaries serving the hills west of Austin, and both feed into the Vandegrift High School pipeline through Canyon Ridge Middle School. The median home price near Steiner Ranch is $949,950 versus $765,000 near Grandview Hills, a $185,000 gap.
This is a classic case of a significant academic gap combined with a significant price gap in the same district feeder path. Both sets of students end up at the same high school. So buyers in the Grandview Hills zone save $185K upfront and deal with a weaker elementary, but the long term destination is the same. Lets look at the specifics.
Grandview Hills vs Steiner Ranch: Quick Comparison
| Grandview Hills Elementary | Steiner Ranch Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | C (71/100) | A (90/100) |
| Enrollment | 388 students | 416 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | KG – 05 |
| District | Leander ISD | Leander ISD |
| Median Home Price | $765,000 | $949,950 |
| Feeds Into | Canyon Ridge / Cedar Park / Four Points MS → Vandegrift HS | Canyon Ridge MS → Vandegrift HS |
TEA School Performance Comparison (2025)
| Performance Metric | Grandview Hills Elementary | Steiner Ranch Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C (71/100) | A (90/100) |
| Student Achievement | C (71/100) | A (90/100) |
| School Progress | C (72/100) | A (91/100) |
| Academic Growth | C (72/100) | A (91/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | D (67/100) | B (87/100) |
| Enrollment | 388 students (EE – 05) | 416 students (KG – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 37.6% | 8.7% |
| English Learners | 17.0% | 4.8% |
| TEA Distinctions | 6 of 7 earned | 6 of 7 earned |
The 19 point overall gap is driven by consistent differences across every domain. Steiner Ranch leads by 19 in Student Achievement, Academic Growth, and School Progress, and by 20 in Closing the Gaps. But both schools earned 6 of 7 distinctions, which means Grandview Hills is hitting subject level benchmarks despite the lower composite scores. Given Grandview Hills’ much higher economically disadvantaged rate (37.6% vs 8.7%), those distinctions are noteworthy.
For the full breakdown, visit the Grandview Hills Elementary page or the Steiner Ranch Elementary page.
Steiner Ranch: Leander ISD’s Premium Address
Steiner Ranch is one of the most recognized master planned communities in the Austin metro. The neighborhood features Lake Austin access, canyon views, pools, parks, and a community culture that attracts buyers willing to pay the premium. The school serves 416 students and the A rating is consistent with the community’s expectations.
Grandview Hills: The Four Points Corridor at a Lower Price
Grandview Hills serves 388 students in the Four Points and Grandview Hills area west of Highway 183. The campus has a more diverse student body and a lower price point. While the C rating is not what most buyers hope for, the 6 of 7 distinctions and the Vandegrift HS feeder path soften the picture considerably.
The Neighborhoods
Steiner Ranch is a self contained community with resort style amenities and Hill Country views. Homes range from the $600s to well over $1.5M. Grandview Hills draws from communities along Highway 183 and Lakeline Mall Drive, where the housing stock is more varied and the entry point is notably lower.
Browse all homes zoned to Grandview Hills or homes zoned to Steiner Ranch.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Steiner Ranch if:
- An A rated elementary is a requirement
- The Steiner Ranch community lifestyle and amenities are what you want
- Budget above $900K is comfortable
You might lean toward Grandview Hills if:
- Saving $185K matters and you trust the Vandegrift HS pipeline to deliver long term
- 6 of 7 distinctions meet your academic threshold despite the C rating
- You prefer the Four Points corridor location
Both feed into Vandegrift. That is the long game here. If the elementary years are your focus, Steiner Ranch is clearly stronger. But if you are thinking about the full K through 12 arc and the high school destination, Grandview Hills gets you to the same place for $185K less. That is real money.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Vandegrift pipeline runs through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods west of Austin. Lets find the right one for your budget and your lifestyle.
