Ed Neuhaus 
Can You Tell Which District a School Belongs To Just by Looking at the Numbers?
North Elementary in Leander ISD scored a 79 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning a C. Davis Elementary in Austin ISD also earned a C, at 77 out of 100. Two C rated schools in two different districts, separated by just 2 points on the TEA scale. But the similarities end there. North is a larger campus with 736 students in Cedar Park. Davis serves 643 students in the north Austin neighborhoods that straddle the ISD boundary. And the median home prices diverge: $480,000 near North, $575,000 near Davis.
So Davis costs roughly $95,000 more and scores 2 points lower. The premium is not about the school. It is about location, neighborhood character, and what “north Austin” means to different buyers. Some people want the Austin city limits and everything that comes with them. Others want the Cedar Park address and the Leander ISD name. Neither choice is wrong, but the trade offs are real and worth understanding before you sign anything.
North vs Davis Elementary: Quick Comparison
| North Elementary | Davis Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | C (79/100) | C (77/100) |
| Enrollment | 736 students | 643 students |
| Grades | KG – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Leander ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $479,900 | $575,000 |
| Feeds Into | Leander ISD MS then HS | Austin ISD MS then 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 | North Elementary | Davis Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C (79/100) | C (77/100) |
| Student Achievement | C (78/100) | C (78/100) |
| School Progress | C (79/100) | C (77/100) |
| Academic Growth | B (80/100) | C (77/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | C (78/100) | C (76/100) |
| Enrollment | 736 students (KG – 05) | 643 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 45.2% | 22.8% |
| English Learners | 20.1% | 9.5% |
| TEA Distinctions | 5 of 7 earned | 5 of 7 earned |
These two schools are remarkably similar in their TEA profiles. Student Achievement is identical at 78. Both earned 5 of 7 distinctions. The only real separation is Academic Growth, where North earned a B at 80 compared to Davis at 77. That is notable because North serves a significantly more challenging student population: 45.2% economically disadvantaged with 20.1% English learners, versus 22.8% and 9.5% at Davis. North is doing more with more challenges, and that B in Academic Growth is evidence of real teaching quality.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the North Elementary school page or the Davis Elementary school page.
North Elementary: Leander ISD Value in Cedar Park
North Elementary is a big campus in the Cedar Park area, and its zone covers a wide range of housing options from townhomes to single family homes. The Leander ISD label is a draw for many buyers who associate the district with strong academics and well funded schools. At $480,000 median, the zone offers one of the more accessible entry points into Leander ISD, and the surrounding commercial development along the 183 corridor means daily errands are convenient.
The B in Academic Growth tells you that teachers at North are getting results with their students, and the school’s 5 distinctions show strength in specific subject areas even as the overall rating sits at C level. Leander ISD has a track record of supporting campuses that need investment, so the trajectory here could improve as the district continues to grow.
Davis Elementary: North Austin’s Quiet Middle Ground
Davis sits in a pocket of north Austin that many buyers overlook in favor of flashier neighborhoods. The homes here are a mix of 1980s and 1990s construction with some newer builds filling in gaps. The area is genuinely convenient, close to the Arboretum, the Domain, and the major employment centers along MoPac and 183. At $575,000 median, you are paying the Austin ISD premium for a location that puts you in the heart of north Austin’s commercial corridor.
The school itself performs at a solid C level across all domains. It is not going to win any awards, but it is stable, well staffed, and embedded in a community that has been here for decades. For buyers who prioritize location over school ratings, Davis offers a central position that is hard to replicate at this price anywhere else in Austin ISD.
The Neighborhoods
North’s zone is suburban Cedar Park with modern commercial amenities and newer infrastructure. Davis’s zone is established north Austin with mature trees, older homes, and walkable access to retail and dining along the Research Boulevard corridor. The vibe is different even though the schools are similar in performance.
Browse all homes zoned to North Elementary or homes zoned to Davis Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward North Elementary if:
- You want Leander ISD at a price under $500,000
- The Cedar Park suburban lifestyle and newer commercial development appeal to you
- You value a campus showing strong Academic Growth trends
You might lean toward Davis Elementary if:
- Location in north Austin near the Domain and Arboretum matters most
- You want to be in Austin ISD for access to the district’s magnet and transfer programs
- Established neighborhoods with mature character appeal to you more than suburban new builds
Here is my honest take. If schools are the top priority, North offers slightly better performance at a significantly lower price with the Leander ISD name behind it. If location and proximity to central Austin employment is the top priority, Davis wins that comparison easily. Two different answers to two different questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
The boundary between Leander ISD and Austin ISD runs right through some of the most active neighborhoods in north Austin, and knowing which side of the line you are on makes a real difference. I have been helping buyers navigate these district boundaries for over 19 years. Lets figure out which side works best for you. Reach out and lets talk.
