Vista Ridge High School (Texas)

Vista Ridge High School (VRHS) is a high school in Cedar Park, Texas. Founded in 2003, it serves as the third high school in the Leander Independent School District, (LISD) 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 2021 - 2022 school year.

Vista Ridge High School
Location
200 South Vista Ridge Blvd. Cedar Park, TX 78613 Williamson County, Texas United States
Coordinates	30.51652°N 97.78698°W / 30.51652; -97.78698
Information
Type	Public School
Motto	"Preparing our students to be the best for the world."
Established	2003
School district	Leander Independent School District
Principal	Dr. Keith Morgan
Teaching staff	169.67 (FTE)[1]
Grades	9–12
Enrollment	2,617 (2023-24)[1]
Student to teacher ratio	15.42[1]
Campus	Suburban
Color(s)	Red, Black & Silver
Athletics conference	UIL Conference AAAAAA (2016–) Class AAAAA (2014–2016) Class AAAA (2010–2014) Class AAAAA (2008–2010) Class AAAA (2006–2008) TAAPS (2003–2006)
Nickname	Rangers
Website	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 (named Willie) at the school's Future Farmers of America (FFA) agricultural facility. Where security footage reportedly showed the student using a syringe to administer pesticide to the animal. The incident gained national attention.^[2][3][4]

Feeds

The following middle schools feed into VRHS:

• Artie Henry Middle School (majority)
• Florence Stiles Middle School (majority)
• Cedar Park Middle School (minority)
• Running Brushy Middle School (minority)
• Bernice Knox Wiley Middle School (minority)

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
• 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.

Notable alumni

• Tyler Patmon (2009), NFL cornerback^[5]
• Will Licon (2013), Swimmer, 11-time NCAA Champion, American Record-holder^[6]
• Khiry Shelton (2011), Soccer player^[7]
• Japreece Dean (2015), Basketball player who was drafted by the Chicago Sky of the WNBA^[8]
• Taylor McHargue (2009), Former Rice University quarterback and current college football analyst for CBS Sports^[9]