Why School Ratings Matter in Real Estate

When it comes to buying or selling a home, schools are one of the most common factors clients ask me about. And for good reason.

According to Realtor.com, homes near schools rated 9 or 10 on GreatSchools carry a 78.6% price premium compared to nearby properties. Homes in those districts also:

• Receive 26% more online views
• Sell 4–8 days faster
• Attract buyers who are willing to spend 6–10% more

The National Association of Realtors found that 26% of buyers factored school quality into their search. And Brookings research shows that for every $1 spent on public schools, home values increased by $20.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, put it: “Quality schools provide a foundation not only for children’s education but for the value and desirability of entire neighborhoods.”

New TEA Ratings Finally Released

On August 15, 2025, the Texas Education Agency released its long-delayed 2024 and 2025 A–F accountability ratings, which had been held back by a lawsuit challenging changes to the grading system. Now, families and homeowners finally have updated information.

Statewide, the breakdown is:

• 14% of districts earned an A
• 71% earned a B or C
• 15% earned a D or F

Central Texas School District Snapshot

Here’s how the most relevant districts stack up, with links for more details:

Austin ISD

• TEA Rating: C (2025, improved from prior years)
• Size: ~72,800 students, ~4,986 teachers (~15:1 ratio)
• Known For: One of the most diverse districts in Texas, with standout arts and academic programs. Several campuses improved ratings in 2025.

Georgetown ISD

• TEA Rating: C (2025)
• Size: ~13,100 students
• Known For: Community spirit, athletics, and a smaller district feel that appeals to many buyers.

Round Rock ISD

• TEA Rating: B (2025)
• Size: ~46,500 students; ~14:1 ratio; 97% graduation rate
• Known For: Consistently high-performing schools, multiple campuses with GreatSchools 9/10 ratings, and a reputation for college readiness.

Hutto ISD

• TEA Rating: C (2025)
• Size: ~10,000 students; ~15:1 ratio; 93.9% graduation rate
• Known For: 100% certified teachers, strong community support, and rapid growth potential.

Leander ISD

• TEA Rating: B (2025)
• Size: ~42,500 students; ~16:1 ratio; 97.8% graduation rate
• Known For: Ranked among the best places to teach in Texas, strong academic offerings, and high college readiness scores.

Beyond the Ratings: The Teacher Factor

As someone who spent years in education before moving into real estate, I’ll always believe this: the single biggest factor in a child’s success is the teacher in the classroom, not the district’s letter grade.

School ratings can impact resale value and buyer demand—but if you’re choosing a home based on schools, I recommend visiting campuses, talking with educators, and seeing the community firsthand.

Bottom Line

School district quality influences home values, demand, and resale strength. In Central Texas, districts like Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD often command more buyer interest, while Austin ISD, Georgetown ISD, and Hutto ISD offer unique opportunities and community appeal.

But remember—numbers don’t tell the whole story. District scores can affect a transaction, but great teachers can change lives.

TL;DR

• Homes near top-rated schools often sell for up to 79% more and move faster than average.
• Buyers will sometimes pay 6–10% more to be in a highly rated district.
• Central Texas districts vary: Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD score strong (Bs), while Austin ISD and Georgetown ISD are rated Cs. Hutto ISD also holds a C but benefits from growth and community support.
• Teachers make the biggest impact on student success, but school ratings still influence home values and resale potential.
• Always balance school data with your family’s needs, budget, and long-term goals.

About T. Kerr Property Group

We’re proud to be the #1 team in Williamson County for listings sold and buyers represented, and among the top 5 in Travis County. Honored as PT50 winners, ABJ Residential Real Estate Award recipients, and featured in Real Producers, we’ve also been voted Best in Round Rock and Best in Georgetown by the community. Our expertise spans Georgetown, Austin, Round Rock, and surrounding areas—we’re your local top producers, and a nominee for ABJ Women in Business.