Our Girls Will Change the World
On graduation day, 100% earned diplomas, and 100% were accepted to college.
News
Foundation Board Chair Named UN Foundation Vice President for Girls and Women Strategy
The Ann Richards School Foundation is proud to share that chairperson Michelle Milford Morse has been named the new Vice President for Girls and Women Strategy at the UN Foundation. Morse’s role with the UN Foundation will take on issues of the inclusion of women in peace and security efforts and preventing violence against girls... Read more »
Ann Richards Grad Makes Historic Discovery
Class of 2018 grad Briza started her summer off by joining Mr. Ward’s archaeology summer camp that included a field school dig with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Her dig spot paid off and she dug up a bowl from the Mission San Lorenzo site that turned out to be the largest intact object found in... Read more »
7th Graders Plan, Build and Create Obstacle Course for Incoming Students
Transition Camp helps guide our incoming Stars to ARS next fall and introduces them to the team work, sisterhood and STEM based curriculum. Before the end of the year, 7th graders research and build obstacle courses to help facilitate this week long camp. Check out the social media from two groups work building the structures.... Read more »
Events
Jul
20
AISD Summer Hours
ARS will operate on its summer efficiency schedule, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, closed on Fridays. This schedule will be in effect through August 10.
Jul
27
Summer Efficiency Schedule
ARS is closed on Friday, July 27th.
Aug
3
Summer Efficiency Schedule
ARS is closed on Friday, August 3rd.
Our School
AboutRankingsCurriculumOur StudentsHistory
The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders (ARS) dedicates itself to prepare young women to attend and graduate from college, commit to a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle, lead with courage and compassion, and solve problems creatively and ethically in support of our global community. ARS is a public all-girls school of choice that serves grades 6 – 12 for the Austin Independent School District.
The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders recently ranked on the Washington Post’s America’s Most Challenging High Schools list at #135. US News & World Report ranks the Ann Richards School at #19 in the state of Texas and #117 nationally. Children at Risk ranked the Ann Richards School at #2 in the Greater Austin High School Rankings.
ARS provides a challenging, college-preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, with project-based, experiential learning to enhance real-world application, and includes collaborative projects within the community to explore career options. Students graduate on the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP), the most demanding requirements in Texas.
ARS places a focus on personal development of the whole girl—providing students with academic and enrichment opportunities that expand their horizons and give them tools to become confident and competent leaders, improve their communities and achieve their dream of graduating from college. Students at ARS love learning, have the desire to succeed, and care about the future of the world.
Governor Ann W. Richards was actively involved in planning ARS after visiting other successful single-gender schools and insisted that the best practices she observed be used to create academic, leadership and wellness programs for the school that bears her name. ARS welcomed its first 6th and 7th graders in August 2007, and added one grade level each academic year until 2012 when grades 6 – 12 were represented.
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65% of graduates will be the first in their families to graduate from college
ARS serves all 84 elementary schools in Austin ISD
Over $39 million in merit-based scholarships from 5 graduating classes
100% accepted to college and 89% of graduates persisting in college
Ellen RichardsMy mother felt it was important to have a school for girls that creates an educational foundation to be successful, and changes the lives of their family and people around them.
Chair Emeritus for the Ann Richards School Foundation
The Ann Richards School Foundation
AboutYour Investment SupportsGiveTourReach for the Stars
The Ann Richards School Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, whose purpose is to secure sustainable resources and build effective partnerships to advance the mission of the Ann Richards School and the success of its students and alumnae.
College Bound Programming: College advising, college visits, test preparation, & financial aid assistance. Summer STEM Programming: Transition to ARS for incoming 6th graders, STEM field camps, workshops, and internships.
DONATE TODAY and support college-bound programming, summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) workshops, after school programs, field experiences and internships, and professional development for teachers.
PLEASE JOIN US to tour a campus unlike any other and meet the young women leaders of tomorrow. We will showcase the transformative work taking place in our classrooms and show you how to get involved.
REACH FOR THE STARS showcases and celebrates the achievements of the graduating seniors at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, and launches them into the next stage of their education: attending and graduating from college.
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Deborah ThomasNia has grown into what every mother wants their daughter to grow into, healthy, independent, truly caring about others, and your larger community.
Parent of Nia Thomas, ARS Class of 2014
Admissions
ARS is a public school of choice with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for young women who love learning, have the desire to succeed, and care about the future of our world. More about Admissions
Apply by Friday, February 1, 2019 for the 2019-2020 School Year
Number of Days Until Application is Due
Campus Life
Our students work hard, and play hard. Students are encouraged to enhance their studies through athletics, band, orchestra, choir, theatre arts, & dance. ARS Stars compete in the 5A district for UIL in Volleyball, Soccer, Track & Field, Cross Country & Swimming. More about Campus Life
More about Ann Richards Athletics
100
Average Number of Community Service Hours Per Student
15
Number of College Visits Per Student
30
Library Book Checkout Rate Per Student
7
Number of UIL District Championships
Ana HernandezI come from a family where education isn’t as easy to come by, and there have been a lot of struggles. Being able to graduate and go to college is amazing to my family and me.
Class of 2013 and Texas State University Student