Ed Neuhaus 
The Vandegrift High School Feeder: Which Elementary Zone Is the Better Buy?
Laura Welch Bush Elementary scored A with 95 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability report. River Place Elementary earned a C with 79 out of 100. Both are in Leander ISD, and they sit within a short drive of each other in the Leander area. The 16 point TEA 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.
Laura Welch Bush vs River Place: Quick Comparison
| Laura Welch Bush Elementary | River Place Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | A (95/100) | C (79/100) |
| Enrollment | 555 students | 587 students |
| Grades | PK – 04 | KG – 05 |
| District | Leander ISD | Leander ISD |
| Median Home Price | $1,062,000 | $1,113,500 |
| Feeds Into | Canyon Ridge Middle School, Vandegrift High School | Canyon Ridge Middle School, Vandegrift High School |
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 | Laura Welch Bush Elementary | River Place Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A (95/100) | C (79/100) |
| Student Achievement | A (90/100) | B (80/100) |
| School Progress | A (91/100) | C (79/100) |
| Academic Growth | B (83/100) | C (79/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | A (92/100) | C (77/100) |
| Enrollment | 555 students (PK – 04) | 587 students (KG – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 67.9% | 30.0% |
| English Learners | 46.8% | 8.3% |
| TEA Distinctions | 2 of 7 earned | 0 of 7 earned |
The gap is consistent across all five 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 Laura Welch Bush Elementary school page or the River Place Elementary school page.
Laura Welch Bush: Strong Performer in Leander ISD
Laura Welch Bush Elementary serves 555 students and earned an A rating in 2025. The school has established itself as one of the stronger campuses in the district. With a median home price of $1,062,000 in the surrounding neighborhoods, this is a premium zone that reflects both school quality and location. The feeder path runs through Canyon Ridge Middle School, Vandegrift High School.
River Place: Working to Improve
River Place Elementary has 587 students and scored 79/100 in 2025. The median home price in the zone is $1,113,500. The school serves its community and the TEA data reflects the campus efforts. Students advance to Canyon Ridge Middle School, Vandegrift High School.
The Neighborhoods
Both schools draw from Leander area neighborhoods. The price gap of $51,500 between the zones reflects differences in housing stock, location, and neighborhood character as much as school quality.
Browse all homes zoned to Laura Welch Bush Elementary or homes zoned to River Place Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Laura Welch Bush if:
- The A rating (95/100) aligns with your academic expectations
- The $1,062,000 median price point fits your budget
- The feeder path through Canyon Ridge Middle School, Vandegrift High School is appealing
You might lean toward River Place if:
- You prioritize neighborhood and value over TEA scores
- The $1,113,500 median is a better fit for your financial plan
- The specific neighborhood character around River Place matches your lifestyle
At the end of the day, the numbers clearly favor Laura Welch Bush 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.
Be safe, be good, and be nice to people.
