Families moving to West Austin have one big question: are the public schools strong enough, or do you need to go private? The short answer: West Austin’s public schools are so exceptional that most families happily skip private tuition—and that’s one of the biggest reasons real estate here stays in such high demand.
EANES ISD — PUBLIC SCHOOL PRESTIGE AT A PRIVATE SCHOOL LEVEL
Serving Westlake, Rollingwood, and surrounding neighborhoods, Eanes ISD delivers Ivy-League outcomes without the tuition bill. Class sizes stay small, extracurriculars are elite, and Westlake High routinely ranks among the top schools in the state for college readiness and AP success.
Parents often describe it this way: “It feels like private education with a community heartbeat.”
WHY FAMILIES STAY PUBLIC HERE:
• Nationally ranked academics and fine arts
• 98% graduation rate and high AP participation
• Average SAT/ACT scores among Texas’s top 1%
• Tight-knit parent community that mirrors private-school involvement
LAKE TRAVIS ISD — MODERN GROWTH, BALANCED EXCELLENCE
Lake Travis ISD covers Bee Cave, Lakeway, and parts of Lake Pointe. It’s newer, larger, and more dynamic—ideal for families who want modern campuses, STEM innovation, and a strong athletic tradition.
Private-school families from other cities often transfer into LTISD and are shocked at the quality of programs and facilities. Robotics, dual-credit college courses, and extracurriculars rival anything offered privately.
WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT:
• Newer campuses with advanced tech and security
• Balanced academics and athletics
• Lake Travis High’s strong college and sports placement record
• Community culture that blends ambition with friendliness
PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT STAND OUT
For families still considering private options, West Austin’s independent schools are excellent but selective. The most notable include:
– St. Andrew’s Episcopal School — progressive academics, arts, and athletics
– St. Michael’s Catholic Academy — rigorous college prep in small classes
– Regents School of Austin — classical curriculum, strong community values
– Austin Waldorf School — creative, experiential education in a natural setting
Most private families here do it for fit or faith, not because the public schools fall short.
COST AND VALUE COMPARISON
The average private-school tuition in Austin is roughly $20K–$30K per student per year. A family with two kids could spend $400K–$600K over a decade—roughly the same as upgrading from a $1.2M home to a $1.8M home in Westlake or Lake Pointe.
That’s why many buyers choose to “invest in the district” instead of tuition. The appreciation more than pays for itself.
MY TAKE
In most parts of the country, private school is the aspirational move. In West Austin, public school is the prize. Families here don’t compromise—they choose communities where the schools are already world-class.
Whether you’re drawn to Eanes ISD’s prestige or Lake Travis ISD’s energy, both paths lead to the same result: your kids get an incredible education, and your home becomes a smarter investment.
Brandon Galia | West Austin Realtor
brandongalia.com
