Lake Travis ISD: Complete Guide to Austin's Lakeside School District
The Keenan Group regularly helps families evaluate Lake Travis ISD as part of their home search. Lake Travis Independent School District is a public school district in western Travis County, Texas, serving approximately 12,000 students across Lakeway, Bee Cave, Spicewood, and surrounding Hill Country communities. Founded in 1981, LTISD has grown from a small rural district into one of Central Texas's highest-performing systems, earning a TEA "A" rating and GreatSchools ratings of 8-10/10 across all campuses as of Q1 2026.
"Lake Travis ISD is the best value proposition in Austin-area education. You get academic quality comparable to Eanes at price points $200K-$400K lower for similar square footage. That gap has been narrowing as more families discover the district, but it still represents one of the strongest plays in the metro." --- Joe Keenan, Keenan Group, #1 ABOR Team 2024
Lake Travis High School
Lake Travis High School enrolls roughly 3,500 students and holds a 9/10 GreatSchools rating as of Q1 2026. The school offers 30+ AP courses, and college readiness metrics consistently outpace state averages. SAT/ACT averages run well above both state and national medians.
The Cavaliers football program has won multiple state championships (5 consecutive from 2007-2011), with facilities that rival college programs. The fine arts program has earned statewide recognition, and robotics and STEM programs have expanded significantly.
Elementary and Middle School Campuses
LTISD operates nine elementary campuses and three middle schools, all rated 8-10/10 on GreatSchools.
| Campus | Level | GreatSchools | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Travis HS | 9-12 | 9/10 | All district students |
| Hudson Bend MS | 6-8 | 9/10 | Northern feeder zone |
| Bee Cave MS | 6-8 | 9/10 | Southern feeder zone |
| Lake Travis MS | 6-8 | 8/10 | Central feeder zone |
| Bee Cave Elem | K-5 | 9/10 | Central Bee Cave |
| Serene Hills Elem | K-5 | 9/10 | South of Highway 71, STEM focus |
| Lake Travis Elem | K-5 | 9/10 | Core Lakeway, near lake |
The district is one of the fastest-growing in the metro, with bond packages funding new campuses. Boundary lines can shift as new schools open - always verify your assignment with the district before making an offer. See our School Boundaries Guide for verification steps.
LTISD vs. Eanes ISD (As of Q1 2026)
| Factor | Lake Travis ISD | [Eanes ISD](/the-source/eanes-isd-guide) |
|---|---|---|
| HS GreatSchools | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| TEA Rating | A | A |
| Enrollment | ~12,000 | ~8,300 |
| Campuses | 15+ (growing) | 9 (stable) |
| Median Home Price | $1.2M | $1.8M |
| Property Tax Rate | ~1.9% | ~2.0% |
| Commute to Downtown | 30-40 min | 15-20 min |
| Facilities | Newer, expanding | Established |
| Championship Athletics | 5 state football titles | 5+ state football titles |
"The families who choose Lake Travis over Eanes typically want more house for the money. A 3,500 sq ft home in Eanes might list at $1.5M-$2M. The same home in LTISD - similar lot, finishes, age - often lists $200K-$400K less. For families who prioritize academic quality but also want a pool, a bigger yard, and money left over, LTISD delivers." --- Cara Keenan, CLHMS, Million Dollar Guild
Real Estate in LTISD (As of Q1 2026)
| Community | Price Range | Character | Lake Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flintrock Falls | $800K-$4M | Gated golf community | Some properties |
| The Hills | $500K-$3M | Established, two golf courses | Community access |
| Rough Hollow | $500K-$2M | Master-planned, marina | Yes, marina |
| Lakeway (core) | $400K-$2M | Original lakeside community | Varies |
| Serene Hills | $500K-$1.5M | Newer, popular with young families | No |
| Spanish Oaks | $2M-$15M | Ultra-luxury, Tom Fazio course | No |
Lake Travis ISD by the Numbers
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total enrollment | ~12,000 students (2026) |
| Campuses | 15+ (and growing with bond-funded construction) |
| TEA district rating | A |
| GreatSchools high school | 9/10 |
| Top elementary campuses | Bee Cave Elementary (9/10), Serene Hills Elementary (9/10, STEM focus), Lake Travis Elementary (9/10) |
| Top middle schools | Hudson Bend MS (9/10), Bee Cave MS (9/10) |
| AP courses at LTHS | 30+ |
| State football championships | 5 consecutive (2007-2011) |
| Median home price in LTISD zone | $650K-$1.2M depending on community |
| Effective property tax rate | ~1.9% |
LTISD is one of the fastest-growing districts in Central Texas. Enrollment has grown from roughly 7,000 students in 2010 to over 12,000 in 2026, with bond packages funding new campuses on a rolling basis. The growth trajectory means newer facilities across the district, but it also means boundary lines shift more frequently than in stable districts like Eanes. Always confirm your campus assignment with the district before making an offer.
For a full breakdown of campus ratings, feeder zones, and real estate pricing by community, see our Lake Travis ISD guide.
Honest Tradeoffs
The LTISD advantage comes with a commute tradeoff. Lakeway and Bee Cave are 30-40 minutes from downtown Austin, and that number can stretch to 50+ minutes during rush hour on Highway 71. There is no transit option - this is a car-dependent corridor. Families who work in north Austin or the Domain should budget 45-60 minutes each way. The 71/290 merge remains a bottleneck despite ongoing road improvements.
The district's rapid growth also means growing pains. Class sizes have increased at some campuses, and boundary redistricting happens more frequently than in stable districts like Eanes. New school construction helps but lags behind enrollment growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Travis ISD as good as [Eanes ISD](/austin-schools/eanes-isd)?
Academic quality is comparable - both hold TEA "A" ratings and produce strong college placement outcomes. Eanes has a slight edge in GreatSchools ratings (10/10 vs. 9/10 at the high school level) and a longer established reputation. LTISD has newer facilities and is still expanding. The practical difference for most families is home price and commute.
What are the best neighborhoods in Lake Travis ISD?
For families: Rough Hollow (marina access, active community) and Serene Hills (newer construction, newer elementary). For luxury: Flintrock Falls (golf, gated, lake proximity) and Spanish Oaks (ultra-luxury). For value: Core Lakeway offers the widest range of price points.
How fast is Lake Travis ISD growing?
LTISD has grown from approximately 7,000 students in 2010 to 12,000+ in 2026. Bond packages have funded multiple new campuses, and the district projects continued growth through 2030. This growth means newer facilities but also more frequent boundary changes.
The Keenan Group has helped buyers and sellers across every LTISD community. We know which neighborhoods offer the best value, which boundaries are likely to shift, and how the commute really works.
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