With top-rated schools and reputation for academic excellence, Leander Independent School District (LISD) paves the path for student achievement. When moving into a new school district it is essential to know how your educational values and goals for your child match up with the district you are moving into. It’s also imperative that the district offer academic programs for your child that are essential for their education and well-being. LISD continues to be on the forefront of K-12 education in Central Texas. And, there’s many reason why. But, let’s start with some basic statistical data.
District facts and stats
LISD serves the master-planned hill country community of Travisso. By size, it is the largest school district in Williamson County. It serves over 38,000 students in 42 campuses and employs 5,000 people. And, it encompasses approximately 200 hundred miles. LISD is also one of the fastest growing districts in Texas with an annual operating budget of $326.3 million. The district also resides in the progressive city of Leander, the #1 Place to Raise a Family in Texas.
And, when it comes to student achievement and success the district shines. It recently received an A+ from Niche.com for academic excellence and is ranked #3 of 22 best school districts in the Austin Area. The district also ranks #17 of 285 in the state. Niche determines its rankings by using factors such as state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates and SAT/ACT scores. With LISD’s 95 percent graduation rate, average SAT scores at 1220, and average ACT scores at 27 it is easy to see why LISD goes to the head of the class.
Reasons why LISD continues to lead the way
It is nationally recognized for academic excellence. LISD is a top-rated school district. U.S. News and World Report ranked three Leander high schools with gold and silver medals in education.
LISD offers an in-district transfer program. The LISD transfer program allow students to attend an in-district campus other than the one they are assigned. However, there is a transfer request process and admission is based on availability. Review LISD’s transfer program here.
Advanced academic programs are a high priority. LISD offers a full range of academic programs that challenge students at all grade levels to reach their full potential. Such programs include Programs for Advancement, Challenge and Enrichment (PACE), and Language Arts and Math programs at the elementary and middle school campuses. Other programs include dual-credit courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes at district high schools. In addition IB Primary Years programs are currently available in two of the district’s elementary schools. The district’s College and Career Pathways department also offers additional programs for students that choose a different career path. LISD’S commitment to Advanced Placement (AP) courses is strong. The district has made the AP District Honor Roll for the third year in a row. It is one of 457 districts in the U.S. and Canada.
Leander ISD is a District of Innovation. The District of Innovation designation allows LISD to use exemptions from certain aspects of the Texas Education Code. An Innovation Plan was created by the district prior to adopting the designation. A benefit of the designation is that it gives LISD control over its academic calendar including adjusting the school year’s start and end dates. It also allows the district to add future exemptions as they see fit via a public meeting and majority vote. In 2015 House Bill 1842 created the law in Texas allowing school districts statewide to adopt the designation.
Looking beyond academics
Extracurricular activities abound. From athletics, to club and organizations, to After-School Enrichment programs, Fine Arts and Band, LISD covers a plethora of student interests. Review LISD’s extracurricular activities here. In addition, LISD students continue to excel in extracurricular activities including those within the University Interscholastic League (UIL). Established by the University of Texas, UIL provides elementary, middle and high school students with state-wide extracurricular academic, athletic, and music competitions.
LISD supports the arts. At LISD creativity is both supported and encouraged. In January, 2018 the LISD board approved a budget amendment allocating $800K for new band and fine arts equipment. And, Leander ISD’s Fine Arts Program is among the most distinguished in the state. It is the first school in the district to earn the coveted “Arts Basic” Award from the Texas Commission on the Arts.
The district is transforming its classrooms to support hands-on transformative learning. Rows of seated desks are out in LISD classrooms. What’s in are engaging layouts and floor plans that encourage interaction, engagement, and teamwork. According to LISD’s Superintendent Dan Troxell, throughout LISD, students are engaging in hands-on, transformative learning. In his weekly column, Troxell explains the transformation. To learn more about the district read his weekly columns. They are informative, easy to read, and a great snapshot of the district’s goals, academics, and finances.
So, if you’re looking for a place with small town charm and big city thinking, consider Leander your next place to call home. After all, it’s a thriving city that has something for everyone. It’s a good place to start a new life, raise a family, educate children, and retire. And, it’s just a short commute away from Austin.
