Lakeway Elementary vs West Cypress Hills Elementary: LTISD School Guide

Lakeway Elementary vs West Cypress Hills Elementary: What Parents Actually Need to Know

So you’re narrowing things down. You’ve looked at Lake Travis ISD, you like what you see, and now you’re trying to figure out which elementary campus is the right fit for your kid. If Lakeway Elementary and West Cypress Hills Elementary are on your short list, you’re comparing two of the smaller schools in the district. And that’s not a bad place to be.

But these two campuses have very different personalities. One sits in the heart of established Lakeway. The other is tucked into the rural Hill Country near Spicewood. Same district, same standards, but the day-to-day feel? Pretty different.

I’ve spent over 15 years helping families move into Lakeway and the surrounding Lake Travis ISD communities. I’ve also been involved with LTISD’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC), so I pay attention to more than just test scores. Let me walk you through what actually matters when you’re deciding between these two schools.

Quick Comparison: Lakeway Elementary vs West Cypress Hills Elementary

The numbers look similar on paper. But the experience at each campus is shaped by the community around it. Let’s dig into that.

Lakeway Elementary: The Heritage Campus

If you want a school that feels like it’s been part of the fabric of a community for a long time, that’s Lakeway Elementary. This is one of the original LTISD campuses, and it carries that heritage proudly.

Principal Matthew Nelson leads a campus of around 592 students, making it one of the smallest elementary schools in the district. And honestly? That’s a big part of its appeal. Smaller enrollment means teachers and staff tend to know your kid by name. You’re not a number at Lakeway Elementary. You’re part of a community that’s been building traditions for years.

What does that look like in practice? Think annual events that parents actually look forward to. Think a front office where they recognize your face when you walk in. Think teachers who are likely to mention something specific about your child at pickup, not just a generic “they had a great day.”

The families zoned to Lakeway Elementary tend to live in the established neighborhoods right in the heart of Lakeway. These are the neighborhoods that were built when Lakeway was still finding its identity. Mature trees, winding streets, and a strong sense of neighborhood pride. Many of these families have been here for years, and that continuity shows up at the school level too.

Is it the flashiest campus in the district? No. But if you’re the kind of parent who values a school where everybody knows everybody, where traditions matter, and where your kid won’t get lost in the shuffle, Lakeway Elementary delivers on that consistently.

West Cypress Hills Elementary: Math, Community, and Hill Country Quiet

Now let’s head west on 71 toward Spicewood, because West Cypress Hills Elementary is a completely different vibe.

Principal Russ brings 22 years of education experience to this campus, and you can feel that depth of knowledge in how the school operates. With about 602 students, West Cypress Hills is comparable in size to Lakeway Elementary. But the setting couldn’t be more different.

This is Hill Country. The drive to school might include deer crossings and views that remind you why you moved to this part of Texas in the first place. And that rural character isn’t just scenery. It shapes the entire culture of the campus. Families out here tend to be a little more laid-back, a little more connected to the outdoors, and very invested in their tight-knit community.

One thing that stands out about West Cypress Hills is their strength in math. This campus has built a reputation for solid math instruction, and parents who care about STEM foundations should take note. When a school consistently performs well in a specific academic area, that usually means the teaching staff has made it a genuine priority, not just a talking point.

The community around West Cypress Hills is smaller and quieter than what you’ll find in central Lakeway. That can be exactly what some families are looking for. If you want your kids growing up with a little more space, a little less traffic, and a school where the parent community feels more like extended family, this campus checks those boxes.

Does the Spicewood location mean a longer commute if you work in Austin? For most families, yes. But the families who choose this area will tell you the tradeoff is worth it.

The Neighborhoods: Suburban Lakeway vs Rural Spicewood

Your school choice is really a neighborhood choice. So let’s talk about what daily life looks like in each area.

Lakeway Elementary Neighborhoods

You’re looking at the core of Lakeway here. Established subdivisions with homes that range from comfortable family houses to waterfront properties near Lake Travis. The infrastructure is mature. You’ve got grocery stores, restaurants, and medical offices within a few minutes. The Lakeway Activity Center and its pool are community staples. Weekend errands don’t require a 30-minute drive.

For families with two working parents or anyone who values convenience, the central Lakeway location is hard to beat. You’re close to everything, including quick access to Bee Cave and the Hill Country Galleria area.

West Cypress Hills Elementary Neighborhoods

Out near Spicewood, the lots get bigger and the pace gets slower. You might be on acreage. Your neighbor’s house might not be visible from your front porch. The nearest H-E-B requires a bit more of a drive, but you probably already knew that when you started looking out here.

What you get in return is genuine Hill Country living. Star-filled skies, room for your kids to roam, and a community where people wave at each other on the road because they actually know each other. If that sounds appealing, the Spicewood area around West Cypress Hills is one of the best places in LTISD to find it.

Which School Fits Your Family?

Here’s where I’ll be direct with you. Neither of these schools is “better.” They’re different. And the right one depends on what your family values most.

You might lean toward Lakeway Elementary if:

• You want to be in the heart of an established community with easy access to amenities
• Heritage and school tradition matter to you
• You value a campus where the small size creates a family atmosphere
• Your commute takes you east toward Austin or Bee Cave regularly
• You want mature neighborhoods with a proven track record

You might lean toward West Cypress Hills Elementary if:

• You want Hill Country living with more space and a rural feel
• Strong math instruction is a priority for your family
• You prefer a quieter, more tight-knit school community
• Outdoor access and a slower pace of life appeal to you
• You’re comfortable with a longer drive for daily errands and commuting

What I tell families all the time is this: visit both campuses. Walk the hallways. Talk to a few parents in the pickup line. The “feel” of a school is something you pick up in person, not from a website. Both of these schools have strong leadership and small enough enrollment that your child will be known and supported. The question is which environment makes your family feel at home.

A Note on Special Education Resources

As a member of LTISD’s SEPAC, I always want parents to know that the district provides special education services across all campuses. If your child has an IEP or you’re exploring evaluations, both Lakeway Elementary and West Cypress Hills Elementary operate within LTISD’s framework for support.

That said, the specifics of how services are delivered can vary from campus to campus. If your child has particular needs, I’d encourage you to reach out to the school directly and ask about their current staffing and programs. You can also connect with SEPAC for parent-to-parent perspective on how different campuses handle services. It’s one of those things that’s worth asking about early in your search rather than figuring out after you’ve already moved.

Exploring All of LTISD?

If you’re still weighing other schools in the district, I put together a broader comparison that covers all the elementary campuses. You can read that here: Lake Travis ISD Elementary Schools Compared. It’ll give you context for how Lakeway Elementary and West Cypress Hills fit into the bigger picture.

And if you’d like to explore homes zoned to either campus, browse Lakeway Elementary homes for sale or West Cypress Hills Elementary homes for sale to see what’s currently on the market.

Let’s Find the Right Fit

Choosing a school is one of the biggest factors in choosing a home. I get that. After 15+ years of helping families navigate Lakeway and the broader LTISD area, I can help you sort through the options and find a home that puts your family in the right spot.

Want to talk through what’s available near either campus? Reach out anytime. I’m happy to share what I know about the neighborhoods, the schools, and what’s coming down the pipeline in this part of the Hill Country. You can also explore LTISD’s official site for the latest district information.