Both Districts
Are Excellent
Here's the bottom line: You cannot make a bad choice between Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD in 2026. Both are A-rated by the state. Both have identical 91/100 STAAR scores. Both maintain a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Both offer IB programs, AP courses, and early college opportunities. Both are significantly above state and national averages.
But they're not identical — there are meaningful differences in where neighborhoods are located, which specific schools shine brightest, and how you actually access those programs. For families with school-age children, these differences matter.
The Numbers
2026
| Metric | Leander ISD | Round Rock ISD |
|---|---|---|
| TEA District Grade | 89/100 | 89/100 |
| STAAR Score | 91/100 | 91/100 |
| Niche Austin Area Rank | #2 | #4 |
| Students | 42,415 | 50,200+ |
| Campuses | 49 | 55+ |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 15:1 | 15:1 |
| Graduation Rate | 98.8% | 96% |
| IB Programme | Leander HS | Multiple HS |
| AP Courses | All HS | All HS |
| Early College Program | Yes | Yes |
| Top-Ranked Elementary | Several A-rated | Cactus Ranch #10 in TX |
| Top-Ranked Middle School | Stiles #76 in TX | Canyon Vista top 25 TX |
Where LISD
Gets You
Cedar Park High School
Strong athletics, AP courses, competitive fine arts
Glenn High School
Newer campus, growing programs, competitive athletics
Leander High School
IB Diploma Programme, longest-established LISD campus
Rouse High School
Serves Walsh Ranch / Mayfield Ranch area, A-rated, IB at Leander HS available via transfer
Vandegrift High School
Strong academics, Niche A rating, competitive in UIL
Vista Ridge High School
Nationally ranked, Niche top-rated, strong across academics and athletics
Where RRISD
Gets You
Cedar Ridge High School
Strong fine arts and athletics, serves eastern Round Rock
McNeil High School
Large campus, broad program offerings, competitive UIL
Round Rock High School
The city's original high school, strong community ties and athletics
Stony Point High School
IB programme, serves Mayfield Ranch / Vista Oaks area
Westwood High School
Consistently top-ranked in RRISD, known for academic rigor and AP participation
The Geography
Matters
School District
Questions
Is Leander ISD better than Round Rock ISD?+
Neither district is objectively better — both hold a TEA District Grade of 89/100 and a STAAR score of 91/100 as of 2026. Leander ISD has a slight edge in graduation rate (98.8% vs 96%) and is ranked #2 in the Austin metro by Niche. Round Rock ISD has standout individual campuses including Cactus Ranch Elementary (#10 in Texas) and Canyon Vista Middle School (top 25 in Texas). The right district depends on which specific schools serve your address and which programs matter most to your family.
Which Round Rock neighborhoods are in Leander ISD?+
The primary Round Rock neighborhoods served by Leander ISD are Walsh Ranch, Highlands at Mayfield Ranch, and portions of the original Mayfield Ranch section. These neighborhoods are located in northwest Round Rock, west of I-35 and generally off RM 1431. Always verify your specific address with Leander ISD before purchasing — boundaries can and do change.
Which Round Rock neighborhoods are in Round Rock ISD?+
Most Round Rock neighborhoods are served by Round Rock ISD, including Teravista, Forest Creek, Brushy Creek, Old Town, Vista Oaks (Mayfield Ranch), and Preserve at Mayfield Ranch. Round Rock ISD covers the majority of the city including central and eastern Round Rock. Always verify your specific address with Round Rock ISD before purchasing.
Does Leander ISD have an IB program?+
Yes. As of 2025, Leander ISD consolidated its IB Diploma Programme to Leander High School. Students from any LISD middle school can request a transfer to Leander HS to participate, beginning in 9th grade. AP courses remain available at all six LISD high schools. LISD also offers an Early College High School program where students can earn up to 60 hours of college credit tuition-free while in high school.
Does Round Rock ISD have an IB program?+
Yes. Round Rock ISD offers IB programs at multiple high school campuses. The district also has strong AP offerings across all high schools and several magnet/alternative learning programs. Westwood High School in RRISD is particularly noted for its academic rigor and college preparation programs.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Leander ISD vs Round Rock ISD?+
Both districts maintain a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, which is below the state average and reflects a meaningful commitment to individual attention. Leander ISD serves approximately 42,415 students across 49 campuses. Round Rock ISD is slightly larger, serving over 50,000 students across 55+ campuses.