Ed Neuhaus 
Two East Austin Elementaries on Very Different Trajectories
Zavala Elementary posted a 76 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning a C. Oak Springs Elementary scored a 58 and received an F. Both schools are in Austin ISD, both serve east Austin communities that have been at the center of the city’s most dramatic transformation over the last decade, and both face challenges that wealthier campuses across the district simply do not encounter. But the 18 point gap between them tells a real story about where each school stands right now.
East Austin real estate has changed almost beyond recognition. The median home price near Oak Springs is around $625,000, and near Zavala it is roughly $495,000. Ten years ago those numbers would have been unthinkable for these neighborhoods. The gentrification wave has brought new construction, new residents, and new commercial development, but the school populations have not shifted at the same pace as the housing stock. Understanding that disconnect is essential for anyone buying in east Austin today.
Oak Springs vs Zavala Elementary: Quick Comparison
| Oak Springs Elementary | Zavala Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | F (58/100) | C (76/100) |
| Enrollment | 215 students | 229 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | EE – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $625,000 | $494,500 |
| Feeds Into | Austin ISD middle and high schools | Austin ISD middle and high schools |
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 | Oak Springs Elementary | Zavala Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | F (58/100) | C (76/100) |
| Student Achievement | F (53/100) | C (72/100) |
| School Progress | F (52/100) | C (79/100) |
| Academic Growth | F (55/100) | B (82/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | D (68/100) | D (68/100) |
| Enrollment | 215 students (EE – 05) | 229 students (EE – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 96.7% | 89.5% |
| English Learners | 8.8% | 22.3% |
| TEA Distinctions | Not eligible (F-rated) | 6 of 7 earned |
The most striking number on this chart is Zavala’s Academic Growth score of 82, which earned a B grade. That tells you students at Zavala are making meaningful progress from where they start, even if the overall achievement numbers are still building. Oak Springs at 58 overall is in serious trouble across every domain, and the F rating means the campus is not eligible for TEA distinction designations. Both schools serve extremely high percentages of economically disadvantaged students (96.7% at Oak Springs, 89.5% at Zavala), and Closing the Gaps is tied at 68 for both. Zavala earning 6 of 7 distinctions while serving this population is notable.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Oak Springs Elementary school page or the Zavala Elementary school page.
Oak Springs: Gentrifying Neighborhoods, Struggling Campus
The Oak Springs zone covers some of the most rapidly transforming blocks in east Austin. New townhomes and modern builds sit alongside older properties that have been in the same hands for decades. The $625,000 median reflects the new construction pushing prices up, but the school population has not changed at the same rate as the housing stock. Many newer residents choose charter schools or private options, which means Oak Springs still primarily serves the community that was here before the development boom.
An F rating triggers state intervention and increased scrutiny from TEA, which can mean additional resources and oversight but also instability. Buyers in this zone need to understand that the school quality and the neighborhood value are on very different trajectories right now, and that disconnect is likely to persist for several more years.
Zavala Elementary: Steady Progress in a Changing Community
Zavala sits in the eastern edge of the Austin ISD footprint and has been a community anchor for decades. The school serves a heavily bilingual population (22.3% English learners) and has invested in programs that support students across language backgrounds. The C rating at 76 is modest by some standards, but given the demographics and the strong Academic Growth score, Zavala is heading in the right direction.
The neighborhoods around Zavala are a mix of long established residences, newer infill projects, and the creative energy that has always defined east Austin. At a median of $495,000, prices here are lower than the Oak Springs zone despite the significantly stronger TEA performance, which tells you the market is pricing these zones more on location and housing stock than school quality.
The Neighborhoods
Both zones sit in the part of east Austin where change is visible on every block. Coffee shops and taco trucks share sidewalks. New construction rises next to bungalows that have been there since the 1950s. The energy is real but so is the tension between the old neighborhood and the new one taking its place. Buyers who love east Austin love it for the authenticity and proximity to downtown, not for the school ratings.
Browse all homes zoned to Oak Springs Elementary or homes zoned to Zavala Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Zavala Elementary if:
- You want to stay in east Austin ISD at a lower price point
- The bilingual programming and Academic Growth trajectory appeal to you
- You are looking for a campus that is demonstrably improving year over year
You might lean toward Oak Springs Elementary if:
- The specific neighborhood location works for your commute or lifestyle
- You are buying primarily for the real estate investment and plan to evaluate school options separately
I am going to be direct here. If school performance is a significant factor in your home buying decision, Zavala is the stronger choice between these two by a wide margin. Oak Springs’ F rating is a serious concern, and the contrast between the $625,000 median home price and the school performance is one of the starkest examples of the gentrification disconnect you will find anywhere in Austin. Buyers need to go in with clear eyes about what they are getting at each campus and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
East Austin is one of the most complex markets in the city, and school zones add another layer to an already nuanced decision. I have been working in Austin real estate for over 19 years, and I can help you understand exactly what you are buying into with each zone. Lets have an honest conversation about your priorities. Reach out and lets sort through it together.
