Wellness Program

All of us involved with the Ann Richards School pride ourselves on a commitment to the whole person. Our philosophy is that successful students and leaders need to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Our goal is to develop a wellness program that offers our students the knowledge and tools to make healthy choices and be supported in an environment that promotes overall well-being.

School Culture: Our goal is to develop a school culture that supports wellness and teaches students respect for self and compassion for others.

Course Curriculum: Our specially designed course, STARS, incorporates age-appropriate materials that address health education and gender studies and covers issues including basic nutrition, fitness, first aid, CPR, self-defense, and self-injurious behaviors.

Exercise and Athletics: Ann Richards students participate in physical education and competitive athletics programs year round. Additionally, students, faculty, and staff practice yoga once a week.

Nutrition: In addition to learning about nutrition, students at the Ann Richards School are offered healthy food choices through the school food program. School faculty, students, and their families learn about growing healthy food through an organic-gardening program provided on site by the Sustainable Food Center.

Community Partnerships: Partnerships with community based organizations such as Gen Austin and Girl Scouts offer programs promoting healthy self-esteem and self-confidence. Additional partnerships will offer students the opportunity to explore nature through canoeing, hiking, and camping.

Governor Richards was a fitness advocate who felt strongly that good health and exercise were important to success. After she was diagnosed with osteoporosis, Governor Richards traveled the country speaking to women about taking better care of themselves and wrote a book promoting women's health. Governor Richards felt it was never too late to start a fitness program and began a weekly weightlifting program at age 65. Governor Richards believed that it was essential for our young women to learn and practice healthy habits in order to be successful. The wellness component at the Ann Richards School is a critical part of the overall program.

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