Dripping Springs ISD serves the city of Dripping Springs and nearby Hill Country communities southwest of Austin in Hays and Travis Counties. The area is known for wineries, distilleries, wedding venues, and neighborhoods set among oak trees and rolling hills.
A quick look at the district:
Location - Dripping Springs, Hays County
Students - about 8,500
Campuses - 8: five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school
Setting - Hill Country, acreage, and master-planned neighborhoods
Dripping Springs homes range from newer subdivisions to custom homes on acreage, often at a premium to nearby suburbs because of the school district and Hill Country setting.
What buyers commonly look for:
Acreage and views - larger lots and Hill Country scenery
Schools - an A in student achievement
Community feel - a small-town center with fast growth around it
Access - routes to Austin, Bee Cave, and Wimberley
For nearby comparisons, see Lake Travis ISD, Hays CISD, Wimberley ISD, and the broader Hays County market. If you want land, our guide to homes with land near Austin may help.
Dripping Springs ISD operates these campuses:
Elementary - Cypress Springs, Dripping Springs, Rooster Springs, Sycamore Springs, and Walnut Springs
Middle school - Dripping Springs Middle and Sycamore Springs Middle
High school - Dripping Springs High School
Dripping Springs ISD earned an overall B in the 2026 state ratings, with an A in student achievement, a B in closing the gaps, and a C in school progress. Check the schools a specific home is zoned to on TXschools.gov, and visit in person. For a wider comparison, see our best school districts in Austin guide and our tips for buying a home near a school.
The district put a $402.3 million bond before voters in May 2025, and Community Impact reported unofficial results showing about 70 percent approval.
High School No. 2 - about 75 percent of Proposition A was planned for a second high school off Darden Hill Road, targeted for 2028
Capacity pressure - Dripping Springs High School was already over its 2,500 capacity and was projected to exceed 3,000 students by 2027-28
Technology - $2.6 million for classroom technology
Ask about attendance zones and the new high school timeline before you make an offer.
Dripping Springs is roughly 25 miles southwest of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 35 to 45 minutes depending on US-290 traffic. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains rush hour patterns.
Downtown Dripping Springs - the small historic center along Mercer Street, with local shops and restaurants
Belterra - a master-planned community with amenities and a wooded setting
Headwaters - a community built around preserved open space and trails
Caliterra - a master-planned community with a lake and trails
Highpointe and Wild Ridge - neighborhoods with Hill Country views
Acreage properties - homes on larger lots outside the city center
Custom and semi-custom homes - common in the area
Master-planned family homes - with pools, parks, and trails
Hill Country acreage - for buyers who want space, views, and privacy
The area suits buyers who want a rural Hill Country feel with strong school interest and are comfortable with a commute.
US-290 is the main route to Austin and gets busy at rush hour. RM 12 connects to Wimberley and San Marcos. Many buyers also use SH-45 and Loop 360 to reach southwest and central Austin. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains the corridors.
Hamilton Pool Preserve - a well-known swimming and sightseeing spot, with advance reservations required
Distilleries and wineries - along the US-290 corridor
Parks - Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Founders Memorial Park
Reimers Ranch Park - hiking, climbing, and river access
Many properties use wells and septic systems, so ask for inspections and water-supply details.
Ask about MUD and PID charges, HOA dues, and wildfire or flood considerations.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate. See also our Hays County page.
What areas does Dripping Springs ISD serve? Dripping Springs ISD serves Dripping Springs and nearby Hill Country communities in Hays and Travis Counties.
How many schools are in Dripping Springs ISD? Dripping Springs ISD has eight campuses: five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
What is Dripping Springs ISD's rating? Dripping Springs ISD earned an overall B in the 2026 state accountability ratings, with an A in student achievement.
How many students attend Dripping Springs ISD? Dripping Springs ISD enrolls about 8,500 students, based on 2023-24 state data.
Is a second high school planned? Yes. The district's 2025 bond included a second high school, with a 2028 target. Confirm the latest timeline with the district.
How far is Dripping Springs from downtown Austin? Dripping Springs is roughly 25 miles southwest of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 35 to 45 minutes.
Do Dripping Springs homes use wells and septic? Some do, especially on acreage. Ask for inspections and water details.
What is there to do in Dripping Springs? Hamilton Pool Preserve, distilleries, wineries, parks, and Reimers Ranch Park are popular.
What are the best neighborhoods in Dripping Springs? Belterra, Headwaters, and Caliterra are well known, along with acreage options. The best fit depends on budget and lifestyle.
Is the commute from Dripping Springs difficult? US-290 can be busy at rush hour, so test the commute at your own hours.
Dripping Springs homes are in demand for the schools and Hill Country setting, and school zoning makes local guidance valuable. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you confirm campus assignments, compare neighborhoods, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Dripping Springs ISD? Start your search here
Have questions either way? Speak with a Spyglass Realty consultant
Prefer to talk it through first? Call us at 512-640-2077, and a Spyglass Realty agent can help you figure out the right next step in Dripping Springs ISD.
