Ed Neuhaus 
A 31 Point Gap Separates These Two Austin ISD Middle Schools
Lamar Middle School scored a 90 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning an A. Paredes Middle School scored a 59, an F. That 31 point difference is one of the widest gaps between any two middle schools in Austin ISD, and these campuses sit in the same district, serving communities separated by about 10 miles of Austin real estate.
Lamar is the crown jewel of Austin ISD’s middle school lineup. It draws from central Austin neighborhoods like Bryker Woods, Casis, and Maplewood, areas where homes routinely sell above $1M. Paredes serves far south Austin near Slaughter Lane, where the median price is $386,000. The academic and economic divide between these two zones is stark, and it reflects broader patterns that play out across the district.
I have sold homes in both zones over the past 19 years. Lets walk through the data and talk honestly about what buyers should expect in each.
Lamar vs Paredes: Quick Comparison
| Lamar Middle School | Paredes Middle School | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | A (90/100) | F (59/100) |
| Enrollment | 1,109 students | 635 students |
| Grades | 06 – 08 | 06 – 08 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $298,900 | $386,000 |
| Feeds Into | Austin HS / McCallum HS | Akins HS / Crockett HS |
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 | Paredes Middle School |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A (90/100) | F (59/100) |
| Student Achievement | A (90/100) | F (53/100) |
| School Progress | A (90/100) | F (56/100) |
| Academic Growth | A (90/100) | F (56/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | B (89/100) | F (55/100) |
| Enrollment | 1,109 students (06 – 08) | 635 students (06 – 08) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 20.6% | 78.3% |
| English Learners | 7.8% | 36.5% |
| TEA Distinctions | 7 of 7 earned | Not eligible (F-rated) |
Lamar posted 90s across three of four domains and an 89 in Closing the Gaps, earning all 7 distinctions. It is one of the most consistent performers in the district. Paredes is in the 50s across every domain and is operating under TEA improvement requirements. The Student Achievement gap (90 vs 53) is a 37 point spread, the widest in any single domain.
The demographic context matters. Paredes serves a population that is 78.3% economically disadvantaged with 36.5% English learners. Lamar’s figures are 20.6% and 7.8%. Those numbers do not excuse the gap, but they help explain the scale of the challenge Paredes faces. The school is working with a student population that brings significantly more needs into the classroom every day.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Lamar Middle School page or the Paredes Middle School page.
Lamar Middle: Central Austin’s Academic Standard Bearer
Lamar Middle School is the middle school that every real estate agent in Austin talks about. It feeds from some of the most desirable elementary campuses in the district (Bryker Woods, Casis, Brentwood, Maplewood) and sends students to Austin High School and McCallum High School. The school’s A rating reflects a campus culture built around high expectations and strong parent engagement.
The median listing price data shows $298,900, but I should be transparent about that number. There was only one active listing in the Lamar zone when we pulled the data, which means the median is not representative of the broader market. Historically, homes in the Lamar zone sell well above $500K and frequently above $1M in neighborhoods like Tarrytown and Casis. Do not let the median listing figure mislead you.
Paredes Middle: South Austin Value With Significant Challenges
Paredes serves the far south Austin corridor and feeds into Akins Early College High School and Crockett High School. The F rating means the campus is under state oversight and must implement improvement plans. But Akins, the primary high school feeder, earned a B with 7 of 7 distinctions, so the academic trajectory does improve after middle school.
The $386,000 median home price makes the Paredes zone one of the most affordable entry points into Austin ISD. For buyers who are priced out of central Austin, this zone offers significantly more home for the money. The trade off at the middle school level is real, and I am not going to pretend otherwise.
The Neighborhoods
Lamar’s zone includes Bryker Woods, Casis, and parts of Tarrytown, some of the most walkable, tree lined neighborhoods in all of Austin. These are established communities with character, charm, and price tags to match. The area is minutes from downtown, UT, and the best of central Austin.
Paredes draws from south Austin communities along Slaughter Lane and William Cannon. You will find newer construction, larger lots, and a suburban feel that is very different from the walkable central Austin neighborhoods in the Lamar zone. Prices are dramatically more accessible, and buyers who work in south Austin or along the I-35 south corridor find the location convenient.
Browse all homes zoned to Lamar Middle or homes zoned to Paredes Middle.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Lamar if:
- Academic performance at the middle school level is your top priority
- You want central Austin walkability and character
- The Austin High School or McCallum High School feeder path appeals to you
- Budget is flexible enough to absorb central Austin pricing
You might lean toward Paredes if:
- Budget is the primary constraint and you need to stay under $400K
- The Akins Early College High School feeder (B rated, 7/7 distinctions) provides a strong high school outcome
- You want newer, larger homes and do not need walkable urban neighborhoods
I am not going to pretend this is a close comparison on the academic side. It is not. But real estate decisions involve trade offs, and for buyers working within a budget, the Paredes zone offers genuine value and a high school feeder that outperforms what the middle school score would suggest. The question is always what you can afford and what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
Austin ISD covers a lot of ground, and I can help you find the right school zone for your budget and your priorities. Lets set up a time to talk through what matters most and map out where you should be looking.
