Barton Hills Elementary

Tucked into the leafy, creek-side neighborhood of Barton Hills in South Austin, this elementary school consistently ranks among the strongest in the state, with English scores that are about as high as they get. The 78704 zip code has long been one of Austin's most sought-after pockets — close to Barton Springs, the greenbelt, and the best of South Congress — attracting families who want that walkable, tight-knit neighborhood feel without sacrificing academic quality. It's the kind of school where strong test scores and a genuine sense of community seem to go hand in hand.