Vandegrift High School
General Information
About
Vandegrift High School is a public high school located in Austin, Texas, serving grades 9‑12 as part of the Leander Independent School District. Established in the fall of 2009, the school bears the motto “Second to None,” reflecting a commitment to excellence in academics, arts, athletics and student service. The school is named in honor of 1st Lieutenant Matthew Ryan Vandegrift, a graduate of nearby Leander High School who served in the United States Marine Corps and was killed in action in Iraq. Vandegrift High School is situated on a suburban campus at 9500 McNeil Drive in Austin, and it serves a student population of approximately 2,500+ students.
Over time it has grown to become a high‐performing public institution with a broad curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate, dual credit options, and strong extracurricular and athletic programs. The school fosters a culture of student leadership, intellectual rigor, and community engagement, offering a comprehensive education that prepares students for college, career and civic life.
Contact Informations
Address: 9500 McNeil Drive, Austin, Texas, 78750
Phone Number: 512‑570‑2300
Email Address: vhs@leanderisd.org
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2009 |
| Motto | “Second to None” |
| Type | Public high school (grades 9‑12) |
| District | Leander Independent School District |
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 2,521 students (Grades 9‑12) |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | Approximately 15:1 |
Vandegrift High School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Public High Schools in Texas (Niche) | #10 of 1,833 public high schools in Texas |
| Best Public High School Teachers in Texas | #11 of 1,748 |
| Best High Schools for Athletes in Texas | #13 of 1,682 |
Vandegrift High School Academics
Vandegrift High School Faculties / Departments
While Vandegrift High School does not have “faculties” in the university sense, the school is organized into several academic departments and divisions for grades 9‑12. These include:
- English/Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Modern Languages & Classical Languages
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Career and Technical Education (including STEM pathways)
- Athletics / Physical Education
- Counseling & Student Support Services
- Advanced Programs (AP, IB, Dual Credit)
Vandegrift High School Courses and Programs / Majors
Although majors do not apply in a high school setting, Vandegrift High School offers a robust list of courses and programs that mirror college‑prep pathways, such as:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple disciplines
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
- Dual credit courses via partnerships with local community college or university
- Project Lead The Way STEM pathways (engineering, computer science)
- Fine arts and performing arts courses (choir, band, theatre, visual art)
- Career & technical courses (business, technology, media)
- Independent study and honors courses for motivated students
Online Learning
Vandegrift High School, like many contemporary high schools, supports blended and online learning opportunities—particularly for advanced courses, dual credit, or in response to scheduling needs and student flexibility requirements. While the school is primarily campus‑based, virtual or hybrid options may exist for certain electives, remote instruction contingencies, or extended learning programs. Families and students should check with the school’s counseling or academic programs office for current offerings.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Score (Approximate for 2022‑23) |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1196 average for 2022‑2023 graduates |
| ACT | 25.6 average for 2022‑2023 graduates |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Vandegrift High School reports impressive outcomes for student completion and continuity. The four‑year graduation rate is approximately 98.5% for the class of 2023, indicating that nearly all students who begin the 9th grade cohort complete high school within four years. The dropout rate is extremely low (0.1% for 2022‑2023). Given these metrics, Vandegrift demonstrates strong retention of students through the high school years and successful progression toward graduation.
Vandegrift High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public high school within the Leander Independent School District, Vandegrift High School does not maintain an “admissions” process like a private school or university, since it serves students by geographic attendance zone. However, the academic profile of students suggests that they achieve an average SAT score of 1196 and ACT 25.6, indicating that the school’s academic environment is rigorous and college preparatory in nature. Students entering Vandegrift are typically ready for advanced coursework and strong academic engagement.
Vandegrift High School Acceptance Rate
| Admission Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not applicable (public high school zone‑based) |
Because Vandegrift High School functions as a zoned public high school rather than an institution with selective admissions, it does not publish an acceptance rate in the traditional sense. Students residing within the school’s boundary are eligible to attend; advanced programs such as IB, AP, and dual credit may have course‑specific prerequisites or teacher recommendations.
Vandegrift High School Application Requirements
For students entering Vandegrift High School via district‑zoned enrollment, the typical steps involve residence verification, completion of district registration forms, submission of prior school records or transcripts, and information about any accommodations or special programs. Students transferring into the school may be required to meet district transfer policies, provide discipline and academic history, and align with program prerequisites (e.g., for IB or AP readiness). The school emphasizes preparation, engagement, and readiness for the academic demands and the culture of involvement.
Application Process
- Verify residential address and student’s eligibility zone for Vandegrift High School
- Complete district registration forms and submit prior school transcripts or records
- Provide documentation of immunizations, emergency contact, and housing/guardianship as required by the district
- For advanced program enrollment (IB, AP, dual credit), complete course request forms and any prerequisite requirements or teacher recommendations
- Attend or complete orientation for new students including assessment of academic placement and scheduling
Vandegrift High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| New student registration opens | Annually prior to the school year |
| Course scheduling and requests | Spring semester for upcoming year |
| Orientation / New Student Info | Typically before beginning of fall term |
Essay Prompt
As a public high school, Vandegrift High School does not require an admissions essay in the same manner as a university or private school. However, students applying for specific advanced programs (IB Diploma or specialized pathways) may be asked to provide a short reflective statement or teacher recommendation emphasizing their academic motivation, involvement in extracurriculars, and readiness for rigorous work.
Vandegrift High School Scholarships
While Vandegrift High School itself does not charge tuition and thus does not offer “scholarships” in the traditional sense, the school supports students’ access to college scholarships upon graduation. The counseling office works with seniors to identify merit‑based scholarships, institutional grants, and financial aid opportunities for higher education. Students are encouraged to maintain strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles and community service, all of which strengthen scholarship prospects.
Vandegrift High School Tuition and Fees
| Expense Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $0 (public high school) |
| Course/Activity Fees | Varies by program (athletics, arts) |
As a public institution, Vandegrift High School does not require tuition. Some programs, extracurricular activities or specialized courses may charge supplemental fees (for travel, materials, uniforms or enhanced experiences) and families should review optional program budgets during registration.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body at Vandegrift High School (approximately 2,521 students for 2023‑24) exhibits the following demographics: approximately 51% male and 49% female; racial/ethnic breakdown includes about 58.3% White, 16.2% Hispanic, 15.4% Asian, 6.3% two or more races, 3.4% African American, and small percentages of other categories. These figures reflect a reasonably diverse student population in terms of race/ethnicity, with ages typical for grades 9 through 12 (approximately 14‑18 years old).
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
At Vandegrift High School, approximately 7.7% of students are identified as economically disadvantaged (eligible for free or reduced‑price lunch) for the 2023‑24 school year, which is notably lower than district and state averages. About 8.3% of students are enrolled in special education programs. These data indicate that while Vandegrift is a high‑performing school, the proportion of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds is smaller than many other high schools in the region, and the school supports a meaningful number of students with disabilities through its special education services.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Students (Grades 9‑12) | Approximately 2,521 students |
| Male Students | Approximately 1,289 |
| Female Students | Approximately 1,233 |
University Diversity
Diversity at Vandegrift High School is a significant facet of its educational community. With more than 15% of students identifying as Asian, around 16% Hispanic, approximately 6% identifying as two or more races, and over 58% White, the school encompasses a broad spectrum of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom discussion, extracurricular collaboration, fine arts and athletic teams by providing a mix of perspectives and experiences that foster empathy, global awareness, and cultural competence among students. While the economically disadvantaged population is smaller than average, the school’s high performance is complemented by inclusivity of various backgrounds, including special education and gifted students.
The school’s advanced programs (IB, AP, dual credit) support students of varied backgrounds in challenging coursework, and the vibrant extracurricular environment promotes social integration and community engagement. This inclusive ethos helps prepare students for a globalized higher education and workforce context.
Average Earnings
Because Vandegrift High School is a secondary institution rather than a degree‑granting university, the school does not publish alumni earnings or career income statistics. However, given the high academic outcomes (graduation rate around 98.5%), average standardized test scores, rigorous programs (AP, IB, dual credit) and a college‑preparatory focus, students graduating from this school are well positioned for post‑secondary success. Graduates typically matriculate to colleges and universities, which likely exerts a positive influence on lifetime earning potential. The academic environment, combined with extensive extracurricular opportunities, leadership development and support services, provide a strong foundation that correlates with favorable future earnings even though specific figures are not publicly released by the school.
Vandegrift High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Vandegrift High School maintains a dedicated cadre of teachers and staff. The average teacher experience is about 11 years, indicating a stable and seasoned faculty. The student‑teacher ratio is approximately 15:1, helping support smaller class sizes and personalized attention. The faculty includes educators certified in their fields, supported by counselors, special education specialists, instructional aides, administrative professionals and extracurricular coaches. The breadth of programs—IB, AP, dual credit, STEM, arts, athletics—requires a robust staff to manage academic scheduling, student support, enrichment, and co‑curricular offerings.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at Vandegrift High School are experienced and frequently engage in professional development to support the school’s high standards in student achievement. The school has earned an accountability rating of “A” for the 2024‑25 year, reflecting student achievement, school progress and closing performance gaps. Teachers often lead advanced curriculum, mentorship of student research or project‑based learning, and coordination of nationally recognized extracurricular programs. Their achievements include supporting students to perform at high levels on state assessments, SAT/ACT, and in college readiness metrics, as well as in athletics and fine arts. This strong teaching corps is a foundational element of the institution’s success.
Vandegrift High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Vandegrift High School is a day school and does not offer residential or boarding facilities. The campus is located in Austin’s Steiner Ranch / McNeil Drive area, with modern facilities designed for high school students in grades 9‑12. The campus life includes robust options for extracurricular engagement—sports teams (the Vipers), fine arts (band, choir, theater), academic clubs, student government, service activities, STEM teams and more. Students participate in a vibrant school culture marked by leadership opportunities, community events, and traditions such as “Valor Day” which commemorates the school’s namesake. Because it is a public institution, there are no housing costs for students, though families may incur transportation or activity‑related costs. The rich school life supports both academic and personal development.
Transportation
Vandegrift High School’s campus at 9500 McNeil Drive in Austin is accessible by car, and families typically transport students via parent drop‑off, carpool or school district bus service (depending on feeder patterns and student address). The campus offers parking, drop‑off zones, and well‑organized access routes. On campus, students move between academic buildings, athletic fields, fine arts facilities and communal spaces. The student schedule supports mobility across classrooms, labs, studios and outdoor areas. Given its suburban location, public transportation may be more limited than urban centers, so families often depend on personal vehicles or district‑provided bus routes. The campus layout and commuting logistics are well suited for day students engaging in a full schedule of academics, extracurriculars and campus life.