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 + Russ Phillips Team
T. Kerr Property Group + Russ Phillips Team is a Central Texas real estate team serving Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and surrounding areas. As a woman-owned team with veterans on the team, we are focused on helping people make smart, confident, and informed financial decisions through real estate. Our approach is rooted in integrity-first representation, strategic negotiation, and trusted local expertise. With 800+ five-star reviews, 2,500+ homes sold, more than $1 billion in production, and 65+ years of combined experience, we bring proven results to buyers and sellers across Central Texas. Our recognitions include Platinum Top 50, FOX 7 Austin, and the Austin Business Journal Residential Real Estate Award. T. Kerr Property Group has also been voted a top agent and team in Round Rock, won #1 team and agent for Georgetown Best through community voting, and ranks #1 in Williamson County and #2 in Travis County for listings sold and buyers represented, excluding builders. Local experts. Relentless advocates. Results you can verify.