Summary:
Zip code 78731 in Austin, Texas, is home to three high-performing public schools within the Austin Independent School District (Isd), serving elementary and middle school grades with no high school in the immediate area.
Highland Park Elementary is the standout school in the area, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 97th percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year. It consistently outperforms district and state averages in reading and math, with 85.6% of 5th graders proficient in reading compared to the state average of 58.47%. Doss Elementary is also a strong performer, achieving a 5-star rating and ranking in the 92nd percentile, though its 5th grade science scores (28.67% proficient) lag behind the state average. Murchison Middle holds a 4-star rating and ranks in the 86th percentile, with an exceptional Algebra I program where 95.76% of students are proficient—nearly double the state average. The schools form a powerful feeder pattern, with Highland Park and Doss feeding into Murchison, creating a strong educational pipeline.
A key takeaway is the clear link between socioeconomic factors and performance: Highland Park has the lowest free/reduced lunch rate at 6.63% and the highest ranking, while Murchison has the highest rate at 26.8% and the lowest ranking among the three. Interestingly, Highland Park achieves top results with the lowest spending per student ($10,132), suggesting efficient resource use. Murchison’s dropout rate is just 0.2%, far below the district’s 1.9%, indicating strong student retention. For parents, this area offers excellent elementary options and a middle school with a standout math program, though Doss families may want to supplement science education.
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