Vista Ridge High School (Texas)


Vista Ridge High School is a high school in Cedar Park, Texas. Founded in 2003, it serves as the third high school in the Leander Independent School District, The school graduated its inaugural class, known as the "Alpha" class, in 2007. The school was built due to the rapid growth in the area, and continues to grow with the recent construction of its auditorium and John Gupton Stadium. Vista Ridge is a part of the 6A UIL Conference as of the 2025 - 2026 school year.
WWW vrhs.leanderisd.org

History

In October 2024, a 17-year-old student from the school was charged with animal cruelty in connection to the death of a goat at the school's Future Farmers of America agricultural facility. Where security footage reportedly showed the student using a syringe to administer pesticide to the animal. The incident gained national attention.
In December 2025, the fire alarm was pulled after school by the band department due to them smelling smoke. The band, theatre, and robotics department were all present then, and all evacuated to the outside of the school. Multiple fire trucks and police cars were brought to the scene and released a drone to get a better look of the situation. The smoke smell was reportedly due to the new HVAC system installed.

Feeds

The following middle schools feed into VRHS:

Academics

Science

  • Vista Ridge won the Sweepstakes Award at the Austin Regional Science Fair in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025

Extra-curricular

Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

The school's NJROTC program, Lone Star Company, has been designated a Distinguished Unit since 2012 and ranks among the top Area 10 units. It offers opportunities in Air Rifle Marksmanship, Armed and Unarmed Drill Teams, Color Guard, Orienteering, PT, and Cyber Patriot competitions.

Marching Band

The Ranger Marching Band has been invited to the 2023 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
  • UIL 6A Texas State Marching Band Contest Champions: 2018
  • UIL 6A Area H Marching Band Contest Champion: 2018, 2021, 2022, 2025
  • Bands of America Grand National Finalist: 2021
  • Bands of America Midland Regional Champions: 2019
  • Bands of America Austin Regional Best Visual Performance Award: 2018
  • Bands of America Austin Regional Best Music Performance Award: 2016

Robotics

Vista Ridge is home to 4 FIRST Tech Challenge teams, Static Void, Victorian Voltage, Rogue Resistance, and Chaotic Current. Each team consists of 12 people. Robotics participates in the FTC DECODE challenge. Each team has multiple roles, such as PM, APM, hardware lead, software lead, and marketing lead.

Theatre

Vista Ridge earned the Heller awards for Best Musical Direction: "Once Upon A Matress"

Notable alumni