Ed Neuhaus 
Two A Rated Middle Schools. Same District. Same Score. Very Different Neighborhoods.
Pearson Ranch Middle School and Ridgeview Middle School both scored a 91 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating. Both earned an A. Both sit within Round Rock ISD. And both earned 7 of 7 TEA distinctions. On paper, these schools are interchangeable. In reality, they serve different parts of Round Rock with different neighborhood character, different home styles, and different daily routines for the people who live there.
The median home price near Pearson Ranch is $585,000 compared to $484,950 near Ridgeview, so there is a $100,000 gap between two zones with identical academic outcomes. That price difference is purely about the neighborhoods and the location within the metro. And for buyers trying to decide between these two zones, that $100K makes one of them a notably better value play than the other.
Pearson Ranch vs Ridgeview: Quick Comparison
| Pearson Ranch Middle | Ridgeview Middle School | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | A (91/100) | A (91/100) |
| Enrollment | 979 students | 1,249 students |
| Grades | 06 – 08 | 06 – 08 |
| District | Round Rock ISD | Round Rock ISD |
| Median Home Price | $585,000 | $484,950 |
| Feeds Into | Westwood HS / McNeil HS | Cedar Ridge HS / Stony Point 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 | Pearson Ranch Middle | Ridgeview Middle School |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | A (91/100) | A (91/100) |
| Student Achievement | A (90/100) | A (90/100) |
| School Progress | A (92/100) | A (92/100) |
| Academic Growth | A (92/100) | A (92/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | B (87/100) | B (86/100) |
| Enrollment | 979 students (06 – 08) | 1,249 students (06 – 08) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 18.4% | 24.7% |
| English Learners | 8.2% | 11.5% |
| TEA Distinctions | 7 of 7 earned | 7 of 7 earned |
I am not exaggerating when I say these scores are nearly identical. Student Achievement: 90 and 90. School Progress: 92 and 92. Academic Growth: 92 and 92. Closing the Gaps differs by just one point (87 vs 86). Both schools earned every possible distinction. Ridgeview does this with a slightly higher economically disadvantaged rate (24.7% vs 18.4%) and more English learners (11.5% vs 8.2%), which makes its identical score even more noteworthy.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Pearson Ranch Middle School page or the Ridgeview Middle School page.
Pearson Ranch Middle: The Westwood Pipeline
Pearson Ranch feeds from several highly rated elementary campuses and sends students to Westwood High School and McNeil High School. Westwood is arguably the flagship high school in Round Rock ISD and one of the most recognized academic brands in the Austin metro. That feeder path is the primary driver of the price premium in this zone.
The neighborhoods here tend toward newer construction in the northwest Round Rock corridor, with homes built in the 2000s and 2010s. The $585K median reflects both the quality of the housing stock and the desirability of the Westwood pipeline. For buyers who want the absolute best feeder path in Round Rock ISD, this zone delivers.
Ridgeview Middle: Same Score, $100K Less
Ridgeview is a larger campus (1,249 students) that feeds into Cedar Ridge High School and Stony Point High School. Both are strong campuses, though neither carries the same brand recognition as Westwood. That perception gap is essentially what the $100K price difference is buying. Not a better middle school, the scores are identical, but a more “name brand” high school destination.
The Ridgeview zone includes communities in east Round Rock and the Highway 79 corridor, where you will find a mix of established subdivisions and newer developments. The area has seen significant growth and offers more house for the money than the Pearson Ranch corridor. For buyers who focus on the actual data rather than high school brand names, Ridgeview represents one of the best values in all of Round Rock ISD.
The Neighborhoods
Pearson Ranch draws from communities in northwest Round Rock along Sam Bass Road and University Boulevard. Homes here tend to be larger, newer, and priced in the $500K to $700K range. The area feels polished and well planned with good retail access.
Ridgeview’s zone covers east Round Rock neighborhoods including Forest Creek, Double File Trail, and newer developments along Highway 79. Prices range from the upper $300s to the mid $600s, and the housing stock offers more variety at a lower entry point. The area is convenient for commuters heading south on I-35 toward Austin.
Browse all homes zoned to Pearson Ranch Middle or homes zoned to Ridgeview Middle.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Pearson Ranch if:
- The Westwood High School feeder path is a non negotiable for you
- You want newer construction in the northwest Round Rock corridor
- Budget flexibility in the $500K to $700K range is not an issue
You might lean toward Ridgeview if:
- You want the same A/91 middle school performance at $100K less
- Cedar Ridge or Stony Point High School as a destination works for you
- You prefer more variety in housing stock and price points
If I am being completely honest, Ridgeview is the smarter financial play. Identical middle school scores, $100K savings on the home purchase, and strong (if less “branded”) high school options. But I understand the pull of the Westwood name. It opens doors in conversations with other parents and it carries weight on college applications. Whether that is worth $100K is a personal call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
Round Rock ISD is loaded with strong middle school options, and I can help you figure out which zone gives you the best combination of academics, value, and lifestyle. Lets set up a time to talk.
