Our Girls Will Change the World
On graduation day, 100% earned diplomas, and 100% were accepted to college.
News
Class of 2019 Graduate Receives YWPN Scholar Award
The Young Women’s Preparatory Network announced their scholar awards and we are excited to share that Class of 2019 grad Karla R. received the award for the Ann Richards School this year. The YWPN Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to young women from a YWPN school that embody the mission and core... Read more »
Incoming Stars Learn the Ropes at Transition Camp
The week after the school year finished, our incoming Stars for next year had a pretty great experience at Transition Camp. These new Stars learned how to use a hand saw, drills and drives, so they could build a mini structure, and collaborated together on creating a cake masterpiece. Plus they closed out the week... Read more »
ARS Alumna Joins Rogers-O’Brien Construction for Summer Internship
This summer, Class of 2019 graduate, Astrid Jackson, joined the Rogers-O’Brien Construction team as a summer intern for Supervisor Mitch Kennedy. Our favorite new campus construction updates are from Astrid and Mitch. Look for them all summer long on Twitter.
Events
Jul
19
Austin ISD Energy Efficiency
ARS closed on Fridays for Austin ISD Energy Efficiency.
Jul
20
ARSAN Summit
Annual alumnae meeting from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jul
26
Austin ISD Energy Efficiency
ARS closed on Fridays for Austin ISD Energy Efficiency.
Our School
AboutRankingsCurriculumOur StudentsHistory
The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders 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. The Ann Richards School 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 #137. US News & World Report ranks the Ann Richards School at #19 in the state of Texas and #137 nationally. Children at Risk ranked the Ann Richards School at #3 in the Greater Austin High School Rankings and #42 in the state of Texas.
We 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.
We place 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 love learning, have the desire to succeed, and care about the future of the world.
Governor Ann W. Richards was actively involved in planning the school 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. We welcomed the 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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The School
65% of graduates will be the first in their families to graduate from college
The Ann Richards School serves all 84 elementary schools in Austin ISD
Over $69 million in merit-based scholarships from 7 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
The Ann Richards School 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 7, 2020 for the 2020-2021 School Year
2020-21 School Year Application available November 1, 2019
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. Our Stars compete in the 6A district for UIL in Volleyball, Soccer, Track & Field, Cross Country & Swimming. More about Campus Life
100
Average Number of Community Service Hours Per Student
15
Number of College Visits Per Student
30
Library Book Checkout Rate Per Student
8
Number of UIL District Championships
Elena GonzalezI’m proud of the person I’ve become because of the Ann Richards School: a confident, motivated, young woman leader who is not afraid to dream big.
Class of 2017 and University of San Diego Student