Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 78681

This analysis examines eight elementary schools in zip code 78681 (Round Rock, Texas), serving grades PK through 5th, all part of the highly-rated Round Rock Independent School District (Isd), which ranks in the top 21% of Texas districts.

The standout performer is Cactus Ranch Elementary, which has achieved a perfect 100th percentile state ranking for three consecutive years and boasts the lowest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (2.89%). Great Oaks Elementary is a consistent high-achiever, maintaining a top 5% ranking, while Fern Bluff Elementary also ranks in the 94th percentile. At the other end, Bluebonnet Elementary faces the most significant challenges, with the lowest state ranking (26th percentile) and the highest free/reduced lunch rate (70.94%). Old Town Elementary is unique for its substantial bilingual program, using Spanish-language STAAR exams. Middle-performing schools like Chandler Oaks Elementary, Deep Wood Elementary, and Brushy Creek Elementary all rank in the 85th-89th percentile, performing well above state averages.

A key finding is the performance-spending paradox: the highest-performing school, Cactus Ranch, has the lowest per-student spending ($7,629), while the lowest-performing school, Bluebonnet, has the highest spending ($13,827). This suggests that factors like socioeconomic status are stronger predictors of success than funding alone. The data also shows a clear divide, with the three most affluent schools (Cactus Ranch, Great Oaks, Fern Bluff) being the top performers, and the school with the highest poverty rate (Bluebonnet) being the lowest. For parents, this means the 78681 zip code offers a wide range of elementary school experiences, from elite, high-performing schools to those with significant challenges and dedicated bilingual programs.