Ed Neuhaus 
What Does a 13 Point TEA Gap Look Like in the Same District?
Lamar Middle School earned a 90 out of 100 from the Texas Education Agency in 2025, good for an A rating and 7 of 7 distinctions. Lively Middle School, also in Austin ISD, scored a 77 for a C rating and also earned all 7 distinctions. The 13 point gap between these two campuses is one of the more interesting comparisons in Austin ISD because the median home prices are almost identical: $298,900 near Lamar and $299,000 near Lively.
So you have two middle schools in the same district, at effectively the same price point, with very different academic profiles. That is the kind of situation where having a local agent who knows the neighborhoods, the feeder patterns, and the campus cultures becomes genuinely important. I have worked with buyers navigating exactly this kind of comparison for years, and the answer is never as simple as “pick the higher score.”
But I will also be honest: the data here tells a pretty clear story if TEA performance is your primary filter.
Lamar vs Lively: Quick Comparison
| Lamar Middle School | Lively Middle School | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | A (90/100) | C (77/100) |
| Enrollment | 1,109 students | 910 students |
| Grades | 6 – 8 | 6 – 8 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $298,900 | $299,000 |
| TEA Distinctions | 7 of 7 | 7 of 7 |
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 | Lamar Middle School | Lively Middle School |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A (90/100) | C (77/100) |
| Student Achievement | A (92/100) | C (74/100) |
| School Progress | B (87/100) | C (79/100) |
| Academic Growth | B (87/100) | D (65/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | B (85/100) | C (72/100) |
| Enrollment | 1,109 students (6-8) | 910 students (6-8) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 22.2% | 65.7% |
| English Learners | 10.6% | 39.6% |
| TEA Distinctions | 7 of 7 earned | 7 of 7 earned |
Lamar dominates every domain. The widest gap is in Student Achievement (92 vs 74, an 18 point spread) and Academic Growth (87 vs 65, a 22 point gap). Lively’s only domain above 75 is School Progress at 79, and its D in Academic Growth at 65 is the number that jumps out most. That said, Lively still earned all 7 TEA distinctions, which means the campus is producing real academic results in specific areas even where the aggregate scores lag.
The demographic context is important here. Lively serves a population that is 65.7% economically disadvantaged and 39.6% English learners. Lamar’s figures are 22.2% and 10.6%. Those are dramatically different student bodies, and those differences have a well documented effect on standardized test performance. Lively’s C rating while earning 7 of 7 distinctions reflects a campus that is working hard and achieving in measurable ways, even if the overall score does not show it at first glance.
For the full TEA breakdown on each campus, including rating history and all distinctions, visit the Lamar Middle School page or the Lively Middle School page.
Lamar Middle: Austin ISD’s Academic Powerhouse
A 92 in Student Achievement from a public middle school with 1,109 students is exceptional. Lamar is one of Austin ISD’s standout campuses and has been for a while. The school sits in the west Austin corridor, drawing from neighborhoods that have historically attracted buyers who prioritize education. The campus feeds into some of Austin ISD’s most sought after high schools, including Austin High School, which gives Lamar zone residents a strong K through 12 trajectory within the district.
What makes Lamar’s performance especially noteworthy is the consistency across domains. There is no single weak point. Every metric is B or above, and the Student Achievement A at 92 is the highlight. For buyers who use TEA data as a significant factor in their home purchase, Lamar is one of the strongest middle school options in the entire Austin metro.
The Lamar zone serves west and central Austin, an area known for its tree lined streets, established homes, and proximity to Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and some of the city’s best dining and cultural spots. But here is the thing worth noting: the median listing in this zone is only $298,900. That is unusually accessible for a campus with this caliber of TEA performance.
Lively Middle: South Austin Grit and Distinction
Lively Middle School does not have Lamar’s scores and I am not going to pretend it does. But this campus earned every one of its 7 TEA distinctions in 2025, and it is doing that while serving a student body where nearly two thirds qualify as economically disadvantaged and close to 40% are English learners. The School Progress score of 79 is actually Lively’s strongest domain and reflects a campus that is making genuine academic gains relative to where its students start.
The Lively zone covers a substantial portion of south Austin, drawing from neighborhoods along the South Congress and South Lamar corridors. This is a part of the city with deep Austin character: local restaurants, independent shops, community parks, and the kind of lived in charm that draws people who want authenticity over polish. The campus itself benefits from a strong community connection, with parents and local organizations actively invested in student outcomes.
The Neighborhoods
Here is where things get really interesting. At $298,900 and $299,000 median prices respectively, both zones offer some of the most accessible home prices you will find in central Austin. The Lamar zone tends toward west central Austin with its mix of updated mid century homes and newer construction. The Lively zone extends into south Austin, where the housing stock ranges from classic bungalows to townhomes to newer builds scattered through the area.
Both zones put you within striking distance of downtown Austin, making them attractive to commuters who work in the urban core. The Lamar corridor has the advantage of MoPac access, while the Lively zone benefits from South Congress, South Lamar, and proximity to the Slaughter Lane commercial corridor further south.
Browse all homes zoned to Lamar Middle or homes zoned to Lively Middle.
Which School Fits You?
This comparison has a clear academic leader, but real estate decisions involve more than TEA scores.
You might lean toward Lamar if:
- TEA performance is your primary filter (A rated, 90/100, top marks in Student Achievement)
- You want the Austin High feeder pathway
- West central Austin neighborhoods and proximity to Lady Bird Lake and Zilker appeal to you
- A larger campus with 1,109 students and maximum program breadth is a priority
You might lean toward Lively if:
- South Austin’s local character and community feel are a lifestyle draw
- You value a campus that earned 7 of 7 distinctions while serving a diverse student population
- The south Austin location puts you closer to neighborhoods and commute routes that fit your life
If I am shooting straight, and I always try to be, Lamar is the stronger academic campus by a significant margin. But I also know from experience that not every buyer’s decision comes down to test scores alone. Location, lifestyle, commute, and the specific home you fall in love with all play into it. And at nearly identical median prices, both zones give you real options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
School zone boundaries in Austin ISD can run right down the middle of a street, and the only way to know for sure which campus your address feeds into is to check before you write the offer. I have been doing exactly that for buyers across Austin for 19 years. Lets talk about what you are looking for and I will help you find the right home in the right zone.
