I had the opportunity to attend a DSISD presentation specific to local realtors and we are now certified DSISD realtors for the second year in a row! Here is an overview of the information we learned!
Dripping Springs, once a small-town gem in the Texas Hill Country, is transforming into one of the fastest-growing communities in the Austin metro area. As more people move to the area for its top-rated schools, scenic landscapes, and strong sense of community, Dripping Springs ISD (DSISD) is proactively expanding its educational infrastructure to accommodate the rising student population.
With a 40% increase in birth rates over the last four years and over 13,000 new housing units projected in the next decade, DSISD is preparing for a major wave of student growth that will impact school attendance zones, capacity limits, and long-term district planning.
Dripping Springs ISD By The Numbers
- Total District Size: 198 square miles
- Current Student Enrollment (2024-25): ~9,000 students
- Projected Student Enrollment by 2033: 18,074 students (a 108% increase)
- Current Schools:
- 6 Elementary Schools
- 2 Middle Schools
- 1 High School
- Planned Growth by 2028-29:
- 8 Elementary Schools
- 3 Middle Schools
- 2 High Schools
With student enrollment expected to nearly double in less than a decade, DSISD is making significant investments in new school construction, rezoning, and campus expansions.
Where is the Growth Coming From?
The explosion in Dripping Springs’ student population is driven by a massive housing boom. Between November 2023 and October 2033, DSISD anticipates 13,320 new housing units, which break down as follows:
- Single-Family Homes: 10,637 units (80% of total)
- Multi-Family Housing: 1,901 units (14%)
- Age-Restricted Housing: 744 units (6%)
- Manufactured Homes: 38 units (<1%)
Major Housing Developments Bringing Families to Dripping Springs
Several large-scale developments are expected to add thousands of students to DSISD schools:
- Cannon Ranch (Ashton Woods): 843 new homes over 10 years
- Big Sky Ranch (Meritage): 568 new homes over 10 years
- Double L Ranch : 1,585 new homes over 10 years
- Wild Ridge (Meritage): 337 new homes over 6 years
- Heritage (M/I & Tri Pointe Homes): 375 homes by year 6
These developments, among others, will directly impact school capacity, requiring strategic rezoning and expansion efforts.
DSISD Rezoning & School Expansions: What Parents Need to Know
To manage this surge in student population, DSISD has implemented critical rezoning efforts and scheduled key expansion projects.
New Attendance Zones (Starting 2025-26)
- Elementary & Middle School Zoning Updates:
- Wildwood Springs Elementary opens in Headwaters
- Sycamore Springs Middle School expands to 1,200 students
- Adjustments made to balance enrollment across all campuses
- High School Rezoning (2026-27):
- New boundaries will be created ahead of the opening of High School #2
- Designed to relieve capacity issues at Dripping Springs High School
Grandfathering Guidelines for Families
For families affected by rezoning:
- Elementary Schools: 5th graders get priority to stay at their current school
- Middle Schools: 7th and 8th graders can apply to finish middle school at DSMS
- Siblings of grandfathered students can remain at the same school until their older sibling moves on
For full details, visit dsisdtx.us/attendancezones.
Major School Expansions & New Campuses
Wildwood Springs Elementary (Opens 2025-26)
- Location: Headwaters Community
- Will accommodate the rapidly growing elementary population
Sycamore Springs Middle School Expansion (2025-26)
- Expanding to 1,200 students
- Will alleviate overcrowding at middle school levels
High School #2 (Opens 2027-28)
- Location: Darden Hill Road
- Why It’s Needed:
- Dripping Springs High School (DSHS) is projected to increase by 2,068 students in the next decade
- Will prevent overcrowding and create more academic opportunities
- Rezoning planned for 2026-27 to establish the new high school boundaries
Future Schools (2028-29 and Beyond)
- Elementary School #7 (Potential opening in 2028-29)
- Elementary School #8 (Future expansion plan)
- Middle School #3 (Expected by 2033 to manage secondary school growth)
Projected Student Enrollment Growth by School Level
- Elementary Schools:
- 2023-24: ~4,000 students
- 2033: ~7,000 students
- Middle Schools:
- 2023-24: ~2,300 students
- 2033: ~4,000 students
- High Schools:
- 2023-24: ~2,700 students
- 2033: ~7,000 students across two campuses
This steady increase requires ongoing bond measures and strategic district planning.
May 2025 Bond Election: What It Will Fund
A new bond election is expected in May 2025 to support school expansion projects without increasing tax rates. The proposed bond will fund:
- Construction of High School #2
- Capital improvements for existing schools
- New school buses and retrofitting of old buses with seat belts
DSISD will finalize the bond details by February 2025, and if passed, it will ensure long-term sustainability for the district’s rapid growth.
What This Means for Homebuyers & Investors
If you’re planning to move to Dripping Springs, here’s what you should consider:
- Property Values Are Increasing:
- The growth in DSISD and high-rated schools make homes more desirable.
- School Zones May Shift:
- New attendance zones could affect which school your child attends.
- Infrastructure & Community Improvements:
- Dripping Springs is investing in schools, roads, and public services to support new developments.
Do you LOVE Dripping Springs, too? I’m a local real estate agent and would be happy to help you buy or sell real estate in this area! There is such a vibrant scene of new businesses and fun things to do making Dripping a hot spot for people seeking adventure and a unique lifestyle. Call or email me today to get started! 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
Check out my Dripping Springs Guide HERE.
Click HERE to view current homes on the market.
Click HERE to get a FREE home valuation
Click HERE to learn more about the local adventure and businesses!
