Ed Neuhaus 
Buying Near Downtown Austin? These Two Elementaries Are Closer Than You Think
Zavala Elementary posted a C rating with a 76 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability report. Ortega Elementary scored a D with a 65. Both schools sit in the urban core of Austin ISD, both serve east Austin neighborhoods that have been transformed by development over the past decade, and both carry median home prices that would have seemed impossible for these zip codes 15 years ago. Zavala’s zone sits at $494,500. Ortega’s zone is right there at $493,000.
So we have two schools that are practically identical in price, separated by about two miles, serving neighborhoods that are both rapidly changing. The 11 point TEA gap is real but not dramatic. And the story behind these numbers is really about the evolving identity of east Austin itself.
I have watched this part of town transform over my 19 years selling real estate here, and I can tell you the schools are changing too. Not always at the same speed as the neighborhoods, which is worth understanding before you buy.
Ortega vs Zavala: Quick Comparison
| Ortega Elementary | Zavala Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | D (65/100) | C (76/100) |
| Enrollment | 242 students | 229 students |
| Grades | EE – 05 | EE – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $493,000 | $494,500 |
| Feeds Into | Marshall MS, Austin HS | Kealing MS, Austin 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 | Zavala Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | D (65/100) | C (76/100) |
| Student Achievement | D (65/100) | C (76/100) |
| School Progress | D (65/100) | C (76/100) |
| Academic Growth | D (65/100) | C (76/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | D (65/100) | C (76/100) |
| Enrollment | 242 students (EE – 05) | 229 students (EE – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 76.4% | 68.1% |
| English Learners | 47.1% | 36.7% |
| TEA Distinctions | 0 of 7 earned | 0 of 7 earned |
Both campuses are very small, with 242 and 229 students respectively. That is tiny by Austin ISD standards and it means individual class performance can swing these scores year to year. Zavala’s 11 point edge shows up consistently across all five domains, which suggests a systemic performance difference rather than a statistical fluke. But context matters: both schools serve high percentages of economically disadvantaged and English Learner students, and both are doing the hard work of educating a complex student body in neighborhoods where real estate prices have outpaced school investment.
For the full TEA breakdown on each campus, visit the Ortega Elementary school page or the Zavala Elementary school page.
Zavala Elementary: East Austin’s Quiet Performer
Zavala sits in the heart of east Austin, near the neighborhoods east of I-35 that have seen explosive growth and gentrification. The school has deep roots in the community and a C rating that, given its student population, represents solid work by the staff. Zavala feeds into Kealing Middle School, which is one of the more interesting middle school options in Austin ISD thanks to its magnet programs in performing arts and advanced academics. That feeder connection is a genuine draw for buyers who are thinking ahead.
The neighborhoods around Zavala include some of the most walkable, culturally rich blocks in Austin. You are close to East Cesar Chavez, the restaurants on East 6th, and downtown. The trade off is smaller lots, older housing stock, and ongoing construction as the area continues to densify.
Ortega Elementary: Small School, Big Neighborhood Changes
Ortega is even smaller than Zavala at 242 students, and it serves one of the more transitional neighborhoods in Austin ISD. The D rating is a concern, and I am not going to sugarcoat that. But the neighborhood around Ortega has been one of the fastest appreciating areas in Austin over the past decade, and the school is navigating a community in flux. Ortega feeds into Dr. General Garwood Marshall Middle School and then Austin High School.
The Neighborhoods
Both schools draw from east Austin neighborhoods that sit in the shadow of the downtown skyline. Zavala’s zone covers areas closer to East Cesar Chavez and Holly, while Ortega’s zone extends into neighborhoods near Govalle and Johnston Terrace. Home prices are virtually identical ($493,000 vs $494,500), which tells you the market does not differentiate between these zones the way TEA does. Buyers here are paying for proximity to downtown and the east Austin lifestyle, not school scores.
Browse all homes zoned to Ortega Elementary or homes zoned to Zavala Elementary.
Which School Fits You?
With almost identical home prices, this comparison really comes down to TEA performance and feeder patterns.
You might lean toward Zavala if:
- A C rating (76/100) gives you more comfort than a D
- The Kealing Middle School magnet programs interest you
- You want to be in the East Cesar Chavez corridor
You might lean toward Ortega if:
- You prefer the quieter Govalle neighborhood pace
- The Marshall Middle School to Austin High School path works for you
- A very small campus (242 students) is appealing
If I am being straight with you (and I always try to be), most buyers in east Austin right now are buying for the neighborhood and the proximity to downtown, not the school scores. That does not mean the schools do not matter, it just means the location premium dominates the decision. And that is ok, as long as you go in with eyes open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
East Austin is one of the most dynamic housing markets in the city, and school zone boundaries add another layer to navigate. I have been helping buyers find their spot in Austin for over 19 years, and I can help you understand what each zone really looks like on the ground. Lets connect.
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