Ed Neuhaus 
The $300K Price Gap Between Two Austin Elementary Zones
Ortega Elementary scored a 65 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning a D. Blackshear Elementary scored a 71, earning a C. Both serve the greater Austin metro area, and buyers comparing these two zones will find that the differences go well beyond the headline numbers. The neighborhoods, the price points, and the long term school pathways each tell their own story.
Both campuses are in Austin ISD. The median home price near Ortega sits around $493,000, while Blackshear’s zone comes in at $800,000. That price context matters as much as the TEA scores when you are making a real estate decision, and I have found that most buyers care about both.
I have been helping buyers navigate school zones across the Austin area for 19 years, and comparisons like this one come up in my conversations all the time. So lets dig into the data and figure out what it actually means for your home search.
Ortega vs Blackshear: Quick Comparison
| Ortega Elementary | Blackshear Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | D (65/100) | C (71/100) |
| Enrollment | 242 students | 214 students |
| Grades | PK through 6th | PK through 5th |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $493,000 | $800,000 |
| Feeds Into | Covington MS and Crockett HS | Martin MS and Travis 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 | Ortega Elementary | Blackshear Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | D (65/100) | C (71/100) |
| Student Achievement | F/57 | C/72 |
| School Progress | D/66 | D/67 |
| Academic Growth | D/66 | D/65 |
| Closing the Gaps | D/63 | D/69 |
| Enrollment | 242 students (PK through 6th) | 214 students (PK through 5th) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 88.8% | 52.3% |
| English Learners | 49.6% | 6.1% |
| TEA Distinctions | Not eligible (F rated) | 0 of 7 earned |
The performance data reveals meaningful differences between these two campuses. Ortega posts a D overall at 65 while Blackshear comes in at C with a 71. The demographic context matters here: Ortega serves 88.8% economically disadvantaged students and 49.6% English Learners, compared to 52.3% and 6.1% at Blackshear. Those numbers shape how we should interpret the raw scores.
For the full TEA breakdown on each campus, including rating history and all distinctions, visit the Ortega school page or the Blackshear school page.
Ortega: What Buyers Should Know
Ortega serves 242 students in PK through 6th as part of Austin ISD. The campus earned a D rating (65/100) from TEA in 2025, with Not eligible (F rated) for distinctions. The median home price in the zone sits around $493,000, and the feeder pattern leads to Covington MS and Crockett HS. For buyers considering this zone, the combination of school performance, price point, and neighborhood character all factor into the decision.
The Austin ISD reputation gives this campus a foundation that extends beyond any single year’s TEA results. District wide resources, consistent leadership, and community engagement all contribute to the educational experience students receive on this campus.
Blackshear: What Buyers Should Know
Blackshear enrolls 214 students in PK through 5th within Austin ISD. The campus posted a C rating (71/100) in 2025 with 0 of 7 earned in the distinctions column. At a $800,000 median, the zone offers a premium price point compared to Ortega. The feeder pathway goes through Martin MS and Travis HS.
The Neighborhoods
Both zones offer distinct neighborhood experiences. The Ortega zone at $493,000 median and the Blackshear zone at $800,000 median reflect different segments of the local market. Whether you prioritize school ratings, price accessibility, neighborhood character, or commute convenience, understanding both options lets you make a decision grounded in real data rather than assumptions.
Browse all homes zoned to Ortega or homes zoned to Blackshear.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Ortega if:
- The D rating at 65/100 meets your expectations for school performance
- The $493,000 median price point fits your budget
- The Covington MS and Crockett HS feeder pathway aligns with your long term plans
You might lean toward Blackshear if:
- The C rating at 71/100 better matches what you are looking for
- The $800,000 price point and neighborhood character appeal to you
- The Martin MS and Travis HS pathway is the right fit for your situation
Every buyer weighs these factors differently, and there is no single right answer. What I can tell you after 19 years in this market is that the best home purchase is the one where you understand all the trade offs before you sign. These two zones offer genuinely different propositions, and knowing which one aligns with your priorities is the first step toward making a confident decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
I have been helping buyers compare school zones across the Austin metro for 19 years, and I know these neighborhoods at a level that only comes from doing this every single day. Whether you are narrowing down between these two zones or exploring the broader market, lets connect and figure out the right fit for your situation.
