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 #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 and #27 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.