Lake Travis, Eanes ISDs among top districts, campuses in Greater Austin

Children At Risk, a nonprofit that aims to improve the quality of life for children throughout Texas, ranked Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD and each of the respective districts campuses among the top schools in the Greater Austin area based on student achievement, campus performance and growth.

"The Children At Risk rankings are one of many ways to gauge student performance and success," LTISD Superintendent Brad Lancaster said. "In an era of strict academic standards and increased accountability, we are pleased to know that our schools are among the best in Greater Austin according to the methodology used to derive these rankings. Our collective success is a result of academic rigor and preparation our students received every day."

The Houston-based group evaluated and ranked 54 high schools, 103 middle schools and 254 elementary schools in the Greater Austin area in its 2014 rankings. The group also assigned a letter grade based on the performance of the schools.

"We are pleased that Children At Risk has consistently ranked our district and schools among the best in Greater Austin," EISD Superintendent Nola Wellman said. "The high rankings are a testament to our academic rigor, engaged students and exceptional staff, and the commitment to preparing our students for success beyond the classroom."

Eanes ISD, Westlake High School, West Ridge Middle School and Hill Country Middle School were all ranked in the top 10 in their respective categories. The lowest-ranked EISD school was Cedar Creek Elementary School, ranked as the 63rd-best elementary school in the Greater Austin area. All EISD schools were given a letter grade between A- and A+.

LTISD was ranked fourth, Lake Travis Middle School was ranked second and Lakeway Elementary School was ranked fifth in the report. Bee Cave Elementary School was ranked 54th, the lowest of any LTISD school. All schools in the district were given letter grades between A- and A+.

"Greater Austin is doing well," CAR President and CEO Bob Sanborn said. "We're seeing really good schools and school districts. Families living in the Central Texas area should be quite excited that they have some of the best schools in the state. There are so many great opportunities for children to succeed. That doesn't mean that we don't have a lot to work on, but we at least have examples of what works."

The data used in the rankings report was obtained from the Texas Education Agency. More information about the 2014 Public School Rankings can be found at www.childrenatrisk.org.