Moving to Hays CISD? Which High School Should You Choose?

Relocating to Central Texas or moving within Hays CISD often comes with one big question for families: Which high school is the right fit?
Hays Consolidated Independent School District is one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas, and with that growth comes opportunity, change, and important decisions for homeowners.

At The Alexander Home Team, we believe buying a home is about more than bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s about lifestyle, community, and long-term planning. Below is a breakdown of the four high schools in Hays CISD to help families better understand academics, culture, extracurricular opportunities, and how housing costs vary by zone.

Buda Johnson High School

UIL 6A | 2,900+ Students

Buda Johnson High School is the newest high school in Hays CISD and has quickly established itself as a strong option for families seeking modern facilities and a growing sense of community. With an enrollment exceeding 2,900 students, Johnson competes at the UIL 6A level, placing it among the largest schools in Texas.

Despite only being open for a few years, Johnson has done an impressive job building school pride and community traditions. Events like the Downtown Buda Homecoming Parade have helped connect students, families, and the City of Buda in a meaningful way.

Johnson has also experienced early success in extracurricular activities, particularly in band, baseball, and basketball, to name a few. As programs continue to mature, expectations remain high for continued growth and competitiveness.

From a real estate standpoint, homes zoned to Buda Johnson reflect the area’s popularity and newer development patterns.

• Average home purchase price: $415,000
  
  

• Average monthly rent: $2,208
  
  

Zoning for Buda Johnson includes both the west and east sides of I-35, an important factor for buyers to understand as attendance boundaries continue to evolve.

Jack C. Hays High School

UIL 6A (effective next year) | 2,300+ Students

Jack C. Hays High School is the original high school of Hays CISD, founded in the late 1960s. For decades, Hays High has been known for tradition, pride, and a long history of competitive extracurricular programs.

The primary enrollment for Jack C. Hays High School comes from the west side of Kyle, an area that has experienced significant residential growth in recent years. With current enrollment exceeding 2,300 students, Hays High will move up to UIL 6A competition next year.

While the school has a strong legacy of success across many extracurricular activities, rapid growth and shifting boundaries have made it more challenging to maintain a tight-knit sense of community and long playoff runs in recent UIL competitions.

Housing costs in the Hays High zone remain slightly more affordable than Buda Johnson while still offering convenient access to Central Texas amenities.

• Average home purchase price: $387,650
  
  

• Average monthly rent: $2,072
  
  

For families who value tradition, history, and an established campus, Jack C. Hays High School continues to be a strong consideration.

Lehman High School

UIL 5A Division I | 2,100+ Students

Lehman High School is the only Hays CISD high school located entirely on the east side of I-35. The school primarily serves students from the east side of Kyle, making it a popular option for families seeking affordability while remaining within a growing school district.

With an enrollment of more than 2,100 students, Lehman competes in UIL 5A Division I. Since opening its doors, the school has worked to establish its identity and build consistency across UIL extracurricular programs, with mixed results over the years.

Despite those challenges, Lehman continues to evolve alongside the surrounding communities. Many families are drawn to the area due to lower housing costs compared to west-side campuses.

• Average home purchase price: $298,600
  
  

• Average monthly rent: $1,883
  
  

For buyers prioritizing value, accessibility, and growth potential, Lehman remains an option worth considering.

Live Oak Academy

Accelerated Pace | 200+ Students

Live Oak Academy offers a very different educational experience than traditional high schools. With enrollment just over 200 students, Live Oak operates on an accelerated pace model that allows students to focus heavily on academics.

This structure enables students to arrive late, leave early, or balance school with other life priorities, such as work, athletics, family responsibilities, or dual-credit coursework. Live Oak is best suited for highly motivated, self-directed students who thrive in a flexible academic environment.

While it does not offer the same extracurricular opportunities as larger campuses, Live Oak provides a unique option for families seeking academic efficiency and flexibility.

Why School Zoning Matters When Buying a Home

When purchasing a home in Hays CISD, school zoning should always be part of the conversation. With rapid population growth, attendance boundaries can and do change. What a home is zoned for today may not remain the same long-term.

That’s why working with a local real estate team that understands Hays CISD zoning, development patterns, and future growth plans is critical. Knowing both current zoning and potential future adjustments allows families to make informed, confident decisions.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all high school in Hays CISD. Each campus offers a unique mix of academics, culture, extracurriculars, and housing affordability. Whether your priority is tradition, affordability, accelerated academics, or emerging community spirit, there is a place for your family here.

If you’re considering a move within Hays CISD or want help understanding how school zoning impacts your home search, The Alexander Home Team is here to help. We live here, raise our family here, and proudly serve this community.

Making Your Dreams a Reality starts with the right information.

Brad & Stephanie Alexander
The Alexander Home Team – Keller Williams

Brad - 512-296-6817        Stephanie 512-749-5992        Office 512-361-1568

bradalexander@kw.com     salexander@kw.com           

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