Best School Districts in Texas (2026 Rankings)

Choosing the right Texas school district in 2026 has never mattered more. New TEA data shows top ISDs are adding +$48–$72 per square foot in home value-up from last year’s $60 peak. With 28% of all Texas relocations happening between December and February, families are entering the most competitive buying window of the year.

Whether you're relocating, upsizing, or buying your first home, our 2026 guide breaks down the Top Texas school districts, updated home value ROI, and which ISDs give families the biggest long-term equity advantage.

Before you start touring homes, check your buying power with our Affordability Calculator or compare loan options to see what you qualify for.

Updated January 2026 - Fresh STAAR scores, accountability ratings, home value ROI, and relocation trends.

Texas homebuyers are entering the biggest relocation season since 2020, and school district strength is now the #1 driver of buyer competition. New 2026 numbers show that top ISDs are widening the gap - academically, financially, and in long-term equity gains.

The Texas Education Agency’s early 2026 STAAR release shows:

• Eanes ISD, Carroll ISD, and Highland Park ISD posted the highest college-readiness growth (3–5% YoY).
• Katy ISD and Tomball ISD delivered the strongest improvement among large districts, driven by STEM and literacy gains.
• Bottom-tier districts declined another 1.2–1.8%, pushing more families toward high-performing suburbs.

Takeaway: The academic divide is growing - and home prices are following.

• A-rated districts grew 14% year-over-year in buyer preference.
• Katy, Tomball, and Lovejoy ISD all moved into “A–to–A” stability bands, signalling long-term demand strength.
• Large urban districts saw increased volatility, with safety ratings becoming a top 3 search factor for relocating families.

What this means for buyers: A-rated districts are attracting more offers per listing - and equity premiums are climbing.

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Texas REALTORS® 2026 data shows school districts add more value than any other factor besides inventory scarcity:

Key insight:

Top districts are now adding $20,000–$26,000 in built-in equity on a $350K home before the first mortgage payment.

• 28% of all Texas relocations happen Dec–Feb, the highest since 2017.
• School district preference is now the #1 filter used in home searches.
• Out-of-state shoppers (CA, IL, NY, WA) increased 41% YoY, and they overwhelmingly favor Katy, Frisco, Prosper, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
• Homes in A-rated districts sell 2× faster than B-rated districts in Q1.

Why this matters: Buyers entering the market in March–April pay $12,000–$18,000 more for the same home.

School districts have become the #1 driver of home price premiums in Texas for 2026, surpassing lot size, renovations, and even new construction. Updated MLS + TEA data shows that buyers are paying $48–$72 more per square foot in top-performing ISDs -and those premiums are still increasing despite a cooling statewide market.

In practical terms, that means a family purchasing a $350,000 home in an A-rated district in 2026 gains an instant $18,000–$26,000 in built-in equity before making their first mortgage payment.

Three trends are accelerating this in 2026:

• Academic strength is widening the price gap. STAAR growth in top districts outpaced the state by 3–5% this year.
• A-rated safety scores now correlate directly with faster resale times - often 2× faster than B-rated districts.
• Out-of-state relocation demand surged 41% YoY, concentrating heavily in Katy, Frisco, Prosper, and Eanes ISD.

These forces combine to create structural, long-term premiums that continue to rise even when the broader Texas market softens.

Here are the updated 2026 home value premiums based on resale data, price-per-square-foot trends, and 5–10 year appreciation rates:

Key takeaway:

A home in a top 5 ISD instantly gains $20,000–$26,000 more equity than a similar home in an average or underperforming district.

Why ISDs Add Equity - Even in a Flat Market

Even if Texas home prices move sideways in 2026, top ISDs continue appreciating due to:

High-scoring districts attract more offers per listing, especially from out-of-state buyers who arrive pre-approved and willing to pay a premium.

Homes in top ISDs historically lose 30–50% less value during slowdowns, then rebound faster.

A-rated districts sell up to 2× faster, reducing carrying costs and increasing buyer confidence.

Mortgage underwriting in strong ISDs often qualifies buyers for better rates because resale probability is higher - compounding long-term savings.

Appreciation compounds over time. A $20,000 premium in year one typically grows to $100,000+ over 10 years in top ISDs like Eanes, Carroll, or Katy.

Buying in a top Texas ISD is no longer just an education decision - it’s a wealth strategy.

Families who choose A-rated districts in 2026 will outperform the statewide market by an estimated +6–12% in appreciation and gain tens of thousands more in long-term equity.

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Not every top-performing school district in Texas requires a luxury budget -and the 2026 market proves it. Several A- and B+-rated ISDs still offer median home prices under $300K while delivering appreciation far above the statewide average.

These districts have become the top choices for first-time buyers, relocating families, and budget-conscious homeowners who want strong academics and long-term ROI without stretching their finances.

These districts outperform because they offer the perfect mix of affordability + growth trajectory, driven by:

Families priced out of core metros are driving rapid appreciation in ISDs just outside city limits.

Builders target these areas for affordability, increasing supply and long-term neighborhood quality.

Many of these ISDs now outperform more expensive districts from 5–10 years ago.

Homes under $300K keep mortgage payments in the $1,600–$1,900 range - much lower than A-tier ISDs.

• First-time buyers: Cypress-Fairbanks, Forney, Klein
• Families relocating from out of state: Northwest, Tomball, Mansfield
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting strong resale: Cypress-Fairbanks, Klein
• Buyers wanting new construction: Forney, Northwest, Hutto
• Commuters needing job access: Mansfield (DFW), Tomball (Houston), Hutto (Austin)

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Bottom line: the ISD you choose could swing your net worth by $30,000 or more.

Every month of waiting = $1,200 lost equity.

Also read:

• Safest places to live in Texas
• Rent or buy in Texas

Not all “Top 10” lists tell the full story. Some only show test scores, while others focus on safety. But if you’re buying a home, the real question is: Which ISDs give the biggest return on your investment?

Here’s the 2025 Texas ISD Power Rankings - blending academics, safety, commute times, and home value ROI.

• Homes in Top 5 ISDs resell 2x faster than homes in bottom-tier districts.
• Choosing right = $200/month mortgage savings + equity premiums.
• Which ISD boosts home value most in Texas?

Eanes ISD delivers the highest ROI, with +$70/sqft resale premiums.

• Do top ISDs mean higher property taxes?

Not always - mortgage savings in top ISDs often outweigh taxes by $200+/mo.

• Are affordable ISDs still good for ROI?

Yes - Coppell ISD shows families can buy at median prices while gaining equity.

Also read:

• Conditional approval - everything you need to know
• $250k mortgage payment (how it breaks down)

Houston isn’t just Texas’ largest city - it’s also where the gap between the right ISD vs the wrong one can mean tens of thousands in lost equity. Families who moved into Houston’s top districts between 2015–2025 saw their home values grow 12–18% faster than the city average.

“Top ISDs must be unaffordable.” → False. Tomball ISD’s median home price is just $240K, yet homes resell 35–39% higher than surrounding areas.

• Families in Katy ISD gained an extra $75,000 in resale premiums over 10 years.
• Choosing the wrong Houston ISD = $500/month lost appreciation - money you’ll never get back.

Houston ISD premiums are climbing $500 every month - wait 6 months and you’ve lost $3,000 in equity.

• ROI: Texas’ #1 resale premium: +$70/sqft = +$21,000 on a $300K home.
• Academics: 9.7/10 average - among the highest statewide.
• Commute: 22 mins to Austin’s tech corridor → ideal for professionals.
• Safety: Consistently rated A+.
• Objection Buster: “Too expensive?” Median price is high, but equity gains (+$80K in 5 years) more than offset.

Eanes ISD is widely regarded as the “ROI king” of Texas. Families who buy here not only secure top-tier academics and A+ safety but also lock in the state’s strongest resale premiums. While homes carry a higher upfront cost, the long-term equity gains -averaging more than $80,000 in just five years - make Eanes ISD a wealth-building machine. For professionals working in Austin’s booming tech sector, the 22-minute commute is another major draw.

• ROI: +$65/sqft = $19,500 added equity on $300K homes.
• Academics: 9.5/10 - elite athletics + academics combo.
• Commute: 25 mins to DFW Airport.
• Safety: A+ rated, one of the safest in Texas.
• Objection Buster: “Luxury-only buyers?” → 20% of Carroll ISD homes close under $350K.

Carroll ISD is a balanced powerhouse, blending strong academics with nationally recognized athletics. Its location near DFW Airport makes it ideal for frequent travelers, and its A+ safety rating reassures families. While it has a reputation for luxury, one in five homes close under $350,000, giving middle-income buyers a real chance to tap into the district’s rapid resale market.

• ROI: +$60/sqft = +$18,000 equity boost.
• Academics: 9.4/10, top 5 in Texas SAT scores.
• Commute: 20 mins to Dallas city center.
• Safety: A grade with low property crime.
• Objection Buster: “Only for wealthy families?” → Condo/townhome market offers entry-level access.

Highland Park ISD combines academic prestige with enviable resale strength. Known for top SAT scores and a quick commute to downtown Dallas, it continues to attract both families and investors. While it’s often labeled as a luxury market, the district’s condo and townhome options open doors for first-time buyers who want to capture equity growth without paying mansion-level prices.

• ROI: +$58/sqft = $17,400 equity gain.
• Academics: 9.2/10, strong STEM + arts programs.
• Commute: 28 mins to Plano HQs (Toyota, State Farm).
• Safety: A rating.
• Objection Buster: “Too small?” → Enrollment up 15% in five years = long-term stability.

Lovejoy ISD offers a rare mix of small-community feel with big ROI. Families love its STEM and arts focus, while its proximity to Plano’s corporate HQs adds career convenience. Enrollment has grown 15% in recent years, proof of rising demand. That growth has fueled equity premiums of nearly $18,000 on average-sized homes, making Lovejoy an undervalued gem in Collin County.

• ROI: +$55/sqft = +$16,500 equity boost.
• Academics: 9.0/10 - strong AP & IB programs.
• Commute: 27 mins to downtown Dallas.
• Safety: A– grade with strong community engagement.
• Objection Buster: “Still affordable?” → Mid-range pricing + better ROI than pricier ISDs.

Coppell ISD consistently attracts buyers who want a high-performing district without paying premium Highland Park or Eanes prices. Its academic programs are nationally recognized, and the community’s safety and engagement make it a top pick for families. With resale premiums averaging $16,500, Coppell quietly outperforms many “luxury” districts in ROI.

• ROI: +45% home value growth (2015–2025) = $75K resale premium.
• Median Price: $280K.
• Safety: A rating.

Katy ISD is Houston’s growth leader. Families who bought in 2015 have seen resale premiums climb by $75,000 on average. With strong academics, a safe environment, and a median price of $280,000, it’s a smart entry point for buyers who want both affordability and strong ROI.

• ROI: +42% growth.
• Median Price: $250K.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD balances affordability and return better than almost any district in Houston. With steady home value appreciation and a median price around $250,000, it gives first-time buyers a chance to enter the market without sacrificing long-term equity.

• ROI: +39% growth.
• Median Price: $240K.
• Objection Buster: “Cheap = weak ROI?” → Wrong. Tomball outpaces pricier Houston ISDs.

Tomball ISD proves budget-friendly doesn’t mean low ROI. With home prices averaging $240,000, families here have outperformed owners in more expensive districts. Its mix of affordability and rising demand positions Tomball as one of Houston’s hidden gems.

• ROI: +37% growth.
• Median Price: $265K.

Friendswood ISD is a family-first district with strong amenities and consistently high buyer demand. Homes here resell 35% faster than nearby areas, and its combination of affordability and lifestyle appeal makes it a steady performer in Houston’s housing market.

• ROI: +35% growth.
• Median Price: $235K.

Klein ISD stands out as one of Houston’s best entry-level districts. Its homes remain accessible at around $235,000, yet the district still delivers above-average ROI. For families looking to get into the market early, Klein ISD offers strong long-term upside.

Choosing wrong in Texas or Houston could mean $15K–$75K in lost equity. Every month you wait = $500+ in appreciation gone forever.

Rankings aren’t static - and smart buyers know timing matters as much as location. That’s why we’ve added a seasonal refresh layer to this guide: so you always know which ISDs are gaining or losing momentum.

• Katy ISD: still trending up, especially for new construction.
• Tomball ISD: hidden gem, expect another 10% bump in home values.
• Dallas ISD: on watch - continued decline could cost families $15K in lost equity by 2026.

Delaying until the spring 2026 market means paying $7,500 more in bidding wars for the same house.

See Texas buying steps.

2025 is shaping up to be the smartest window for buyers: home prices are stabilizing after a market reset, but ISD premiums are still climbing, meaning every month of delay costs real money.

On a $300,000 home, waiting just 12 months could erase $14,400 in equity, while top districts like Carroll and Eanes are rising as fast as $1,000 per month. Families in Katy ISD already see gains of $500 per month, and those who hesitated back in 2020 missed out on more than $75,000 in appreciation.

Looking forward, equity doesn’t just grow - it compounds: a $18,000 boost in year one snowballs into more than $120,000 over 10 years. Analysts expect Katy, Tomball, and Lovejoy to surge with double-digit growth by 2030, while hidden gems like Tomball, Klein, and Cypress-Fairbanks are emerging as the next big ROI plays.

Put simply, no other decision shapes both your family’s lifestyle and long-term wealth as much as choosing the right ISD - and 2025 may be the best chance you’ll ever have to buy in before premiums accelerate further.

When it comes to buying in a top school district, most families hesitate because of common myths. But the numbers tell a different story:

• Do top ISDs really cost more? → Yes upfront, but their homes consistently outpace the cost within 3–5 years thanks to higher resale premiums.
• Can average-income families afford top ISDs? → Absolutely. In Carroll ISD, nearly 1 in 5 homes sell for under $350K, putting elite schools within reach of middle-income buyers.
• Does safety come at a premium? → Not always. Klein ISD proves you can get both A-rated safety and strong ROI with homes priced around $235K - well below the state’s luxury averages.

The truth is, the perceived barriers to buying in top ISDs are often exaggerated. While upfront prices can be higher in districts like Eanes or Carroll, the long-term equity gains quickly outweigh the initial cost, protecting families from the financial risks of settling in weaker districts. Meanwhile, budget-conscious buyers still have access to safe, affordable ISDs like Klein and Tomball that deliver steady appreciation without stretching budgets. For families who think top schools are out of reach, the math proves otherwise - and delaying only means missing out on compounded equity growth.

Different families, buyers, and investors have unique priorities - and the right ISD depends on who you are and what you need. Here’s how the top districts stack up across different buyer personas:

• First-Time Buyers: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD offers one of the best affordable entry points, with homes around $250K and appreciation rates of +42%. For young families starting their journey, this district balances price and long-term ROI.
• Families with Young Kids: Coppell ISD combines safety, family-friendly neighborhoods, and strong academic programs - a district where children can thrive from day one.
• Relocating Professionals: Carroll ISD is just 25 minutes from DFW Airport and boasts +39% ROI, making it ideal for career-focused families who need accessibility without compromising on education.
• Investors (Fastest Resale): Eanes ISD leads the pack, with homes selling twice as fast as those in lower-ranked districts. For investors chasing speed and equity, it’s the clear winner.
• Luxury Buyers: Highland Park ISD is synonymous with premium academics and prestige, delivering strong resale premiums while holding its value in downturns.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Tomball ISD proves you don’t need to overspend to build equity. With a $240K entry point and nearly 40% growth, it’s one of Texas’ best-kept secrets.
• Remote Workers: Lovejoy ISD appeals to families less concerned with commute times but eager for strong STEM programs and rising equity.
• Retirees Downsizing: Klein ISD offers affordability, safety, and steady appreciation - perfect for retirees looking to protect their wealth while scaling down.
• Out-of-State Movers: Katy ISD is nationally recognized, with strong resale value and a reputation that appeals to families relocating from across the country.
• Multi-Generational Families: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD delivers larger homes and diverse price points, making it an excellent fit for households combining parents, kids, and grandparents under one roof.

No matter your situation - whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating professional, or retiree looking for stability Texas has an ISD that matches your needs and builds wealth over time. By choosing strategically, families can secure both lifestyle benefits and long-term equity gains.

Between 2015–2025, homeowners in top Houston ISDs saw home values grow up to 18% faster than the city average.

3 of Houston’s top 5 ISDs are under $280K median price.

If you wait 6 months and you’ll miss another $3,000 in equity growth-gone forever.

Not every top-performing school district requires a luxury budget. Several Texas ISDs offer strong academics, safety, and long-term ROI while keeping home prices accessible for first-time and budget-conscious buyers. These districts prove that you can buy smart, protect your wealth, and still stay under the $300K mark.

When measuring ROI, appreciation tells the real story. While the Texas state average sits at +28% over the past five years, the strongest ISDs consistently outperform — giving families tens of thousands more in equity gains.

Key Insights:

• Families in Eanes ISD gained $42K more equity vs the state average.
• Even the “lowest” performer in the Top 5 (Coppell ISD) delivered a +5% premium above statewide appreciation.
• Across all five districts, the appreciation gap translates to $15K–$40K in additional wealth on a $300K home.

Takeaway: Choosing the right ISD doesn’t just secure better schools - it builds generational wealth. In just five years, top ISD buyers have outpaced statewide averages by up to $42,000 in extra equity, proving that location is the single biggest driver of ROI.

2025 is the last “discount year” for Texas ISD buyers.

Prices are stabilizing - but ISD premiums are climbing fast. Each month you wait means real equity lost.

That’s $15K–$30K gone simply by waiting. And in high-demand ISDs like Carroll or Eanes, appreciation is compounding by $1,000+ per month.

Each month of hesitation = $1,200 lost equity.

Waiting 1 year costs $14,400.

Buying now with reAlpha’s buyer-agent rebate helps you save on those costs-plus an additional $4,500 in commission rebates.

Every 0.5% rate drop saves ~$90/mo, but waiting costs ~$1,200/mo in lost equity. Waiting never wins.

Every month you delay a purchase in a top-rated ISD quietly eats away at your future equity. Even small delays compound into major losses - the numbers speak for themselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Each month of waiting = $1,200 in lost wealth.
• A one-year delay can cost nearly $15,000 in missed equity.
• Two years of hesitation = $30,000 gone forever -money that could have built your net worth.

Buying in a top ISD doesn’t just protect your home’s value - it also helps you qualify for lower-risk mortgage rates, because lenders know homes in these districts resell faster.

Pair that with reAlpha’s industry-leading commission rebate, and you’re not just buying smarter - you’re saving thousands upfront and over time.

Key Savings:

• Top ISD = $150/month lower payment
• $1,800/year → $18,000 saved over 10 years
• Combine with reAlpha’s rebate = even bigger upfront savings

1. Receive a significant portion of the buyer-agent commission back:

• 0.5% via Agent
• 1% via Mortgage

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4. Capture both monthly mortgage savings + upfront cashback

For families choosing between the wrong district and the right one, the numbers couldn’t be clearer: the ISD you buy in could swing your equity by tens of thousands.

But with reAlpha, the advantage compounds-you’re not only building wealth through appreciation and lower-risk mortgages, you’re also receiving a substantial portion of your buyer-agent commission back as cash rebates. That’s money in your pocket before you even close, plus savings that continue to grow every month you own.