Lost Pines Elementary

Lost Pines Elementary sits in Bastrop, a small city along the Colorado River about 30 miles southeast of Austin that's known for its historic downtown, towering loblolly pines, and a tight-knit community that's been growing steadily as families seek a slower pace outside the city. The school's academic scores lag behind state averages, so families who prioritize strong test performance may want to look closely at the data before committing. That said, Bastrop has a lot of charm, and families drawn to small-town Texas living — with weekend trips to Bastrop State Park practically in the backyard — may find the overall lifestyle here worth the tradeoffs.