Ed 
Leander ISD or Round Rock ISD? A Tough Elementary Comparison in North Austin
Knowles Elementary earned a C rating on the 2024-25 TEA accountability report. Anderson Mill Elementary received an F. Knowles is in Leander ISD and Anderson Mill is in Round Rock ISD, and they sit within a short drive of each other in the greater Austin area. The gap is meaningful and worth understanding for buyers in this market.
So what explains the gap? And more importantly, what does it mean for your home search? I have been selling homes in this area for 19 years, and these are the kinds of questions I help buyers work through every week. Lets dig into the data.
Knowles vs Anderson Mill: Quick Comparison
| Knowles Elementary | Anderson Mill Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | C | F |
| Grades | EE – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Leander ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Feeds Into | Leander Middle School, Leander High School | Pearson Ranch Middle School, McNeil High School |
TEA School Performance Comparison (2024-25)
The Texas Education Agency evaluates every public school annually across three performance domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps. Here is how both campuses performed in the most recent accountability cycle, per The Texas Tribune Schools Explorer.
| Performance Metric | Knowles Elementary | Anderson Mill Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C | F |
| Student Achievement | D | D |
| School Progress | C | D |
| Closing the Gaps | C | F |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 54.2% | 56% |
The gap is consistent across all three TEA domains, which tells us this is a systemic performance difference rather than a one-time blip. For the full TEA breakdown on each campus, including rating history and all distinctions, visit the Knowles Elementary school page or the Anderson Mill Elementary school page.
Knowles: Campus in Leander ISD
Knowles Elementary earned a C rating in the 2024-25 TEA accountability cycle. The campus is working to improve its standing within the district. The feeder path runs through Leander Middle School and Leander High School.
Anderson Mill: Facing Challenges
Anderson Mill Elementary received an F rating in the 2024-25 TEA cycle. The school serves its community and the TEA data reflects where the campus stands today. Students advance to Pearson Ranch Middle School, then McNeil High School.
The Neighborhoods
Knowles draws from Leander ISD neighborhoods in the Cedar Park and Leander area, while Anderson Mill serves Round Rock ISD communities in the 78750 corridor of northwest Austin. Both zones see active resale activity, and pricing varies widely by subdivision, age, and lot size.
Browse all homes zoned to Knowles Elementary or homes zoned to Anderson Mill Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Knowles if:
- The Cedar Park/Leander area and Leander ISD feeder pattern work for your needs
- You want a campus rated C overall in the most recent TEA cycle
- The Leander Middle School and Leander High School feeder path is appealing
You might lean toward Anderson Mill if:
- You prioritize neighborhood location and value over TEA scores
- You want a home in the 78750 zip and northwest Austin area
- The Round Rock ISD community and McNeil High School feeder appeal to you
At the end of the day, the numbers clearly favor Knowles on TEA performance. I have helped buyers navigate these exact decisions for over 19 years and the right answer always depends on what matters most to you personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
School zone decisions involve real money and real trade offs. I have 19 years of experience helping buyers find the right zone for their priorities and budget. Lets connect and work through your options together.
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