In the heart of Texas, Austin is buzzing with excitement as several elementary and middle schools have made it to the top of the list in U.S. News & World Report’s just-released rankings for 2025! This fantastic achievement showcases how these schools are doing an amazing job of shaping the bright minds of the future. Families and community members are beaming with pride!
Leading the charge, Basis Austin has snagged the title of the No. 1 best middle school in Texas for 2025! With an enrollment of just 273 students and 19 dedicated full-time teachers, Basis Austin boasts an impressive student-teacher ratio of 14:1. But what really sets this school apart is its outstanding academic performance—an astonishing 89 percent of students scored “at or above the proficient level” in mathematics, while 92 percent excelled in reading!
According to the analysis, Basis Austin’s students are far surpassing the state averages. While only 41 percent of students across Texas reached proficiency in math and 51 percent in reading, Basis Austin’s students are clearly thriving.
But Basis Austin isn’t the only school to shine! A total of eight other middle schools from the Austin area made it into the top 100 across Texas. One standout, Cactus Ranch Elementary, ranked significantly higher than the rest in the Round Rock Independent School District (ISD). While only 64 percent of students in Round Rock ISD scored at or above proficiency in reading, Cactus Ranch’s achievement was remarkable, with 90 percent of its students proficient in mathematics and 88 percent in reading.
Following closely behind, Canyon Creek Elementary also made a splash at the No. 19 spot in the statewide ranking. With a student population of 369 and 27 full-time teachers, Canyon Creek also boasts a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. It’s heartening to see that 90 percent of students are proficient in math and 88 percent in reading, showcasing their commitment to a quality education.
As LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News, puts it: “The 2025 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings offer parents a way to evaluate how schools are providing a high-quality education and preparing students for future success.” These results empower families and communities to champion the need for excellent education, which is crucial for future achievements.
But it’s not just K-12 schools making headlines in Austin. The University of Texas at Austin doesn’t want to be outdone! They snagged two top-10 spots on The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur’s lists of the best schools for entrepreneurship studies for 2025. UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business ranked seventh for graduate studies and second for undergraduate programs.
This isn’t their first rodeo! UT Austin was already recognized in the previous year’s rankings as well, making it the fourth time they’ve made the top 5 for undergraduate studies. What makes McCombs truly standout is the collaborative culture among its students, as they thrive in a supportive environment that emphasizes innovation across various disciplines.
From stellar elementary and middle schools to prestigious universities, Austin continues to shine as a beacon of educational achievement. Residents can take pride in knowing that the next generation is being equipped with the tools they need to succeed in life and careers.
It’s a wonderful time to live in Austin, as our schools are not just educating students; they’re inspiring them to dream big and reach for the stars!
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