A community of Star parents from all across Austin.
Academics
The Ann Richards School 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 Level of Achievement Program (DAP), the most demanding requirements in Texas.
Arrival and Departure
Early Bird Drop-Off
7:00 – 8:15 AM
Early bird drop-off will be available starting on the very first day of school, perfect for those who need an early start.
You can drop off your student between 7:00 – 8:15 AM at the student entry parent drop-off sign, not the main entrance.
To keep things moving smoothly and avoid any traffic jams, please pull all the way up to the parent drop-off sign, ensuring teachers have access to their parking area.
During this time, students will have supervised access in the Commons area.
Regular Drop-Off
8:15 – 8:55 AM
After 8:15, please use the designated drop-off area around the corner.
Your student will be welcomed by an ARS staff member, and all students will have access to the library and commons.
The cafeteria will serve breakfast until 8:45 AM for parent drop-offs (extended as needed for buses).
* NO DROP OFFS at FRONT Entrance from 7:00 – 9:00 AM – Proceed to Parent Pick-up Door *
Pick Up
4:35 PM
Please be patient during pick-up in the first week of school as we adjust to the new systems and prioritize the safe departure of all students.
Private care pick-up will take place at the same location as the regular drop-off.
Please Note: Victory Drive is our dedicated Bus lane and bike lane. We ask that parents use the designated drop-off and pick-up areas on the ARS drive off Panther.
Attendance
Attendance matters and every day counts!
Attendance Info for Star Students and Parents
Bell Schedule
Mission Monday, middle and high school regular class schedule times.
Bus Transportation
We’re proud that our Stars come from all over Austin, with many arriving by bus.
Austin ISD transports over 23,000 students daily, and our bus routes are among the most complex in the district.
Patience during the first week is key, as drivers adjust to new routines and identify who’s riding and who isn’t.
As things settle down, the Transportation Department will make any necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operations.
You can now use Austin ISD’s Bus Stop Finder system to see your child’s pickup and drop-off times.
A few bus schedules will be adjusted as more students enroll, but this should give you an idea of your schedule and pickup and drop-off locations for the new school year.
Please do not hesitate to call the transportation office at 512.414.0238 with any questions you may have.
Campus Advisory Council (CAC)
ARS Campus Advisory Council
Campus Advisory Councils are committees of parents, students, business and community representatives, teachers, principals, and other campus staff.
The formation of CACs is required by state law (Texas Education Code, §11.251). Specific functions of CACs include providing review and comment on:
– Campus Educational Program
– Campus Performance
– Campus Improvement Plan
– Campus Staff Development Plan
– Campus-Level Waiver Requests to the State
– Campus Budget
Mission of the ARS CAC
The mission of CACs is to promote excellence in education for all students through broad-based representation. CACs provide valuable input to principals, who ultimately have decision-making responsibility for their campuses.
Becoming a Member of the ARS CAC
If you are interested in becoming a voting of CAC, you will need to submit an CAC Membership Application form.
Application collection will begin in early April and continue through May. Applications can be submitted to the CAC co-chairs. Selected members must serve a two year term and make every effort to attend every meeting.
ARS CAC Dates 2025-2026
Dates: Third Tuesday of Every Month, except February and March
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: ARS Foundation Board Room
– September 16, 2025
– October 21, 2025
– November 18, 2025
– December 16, 2025
– January 20, 2026
– February 24, 2026
– March 24, 2026
– April 21, 2026
– May 19, 2026
Check Out Procedure
Please do not plan to pick up your child from school after 4:00 p.m. to alleviate congestion and confusion at the end of the school day.
Parents should follow the steps below to check out their child from school for an appointment or other reasons:
– Park your car in a campus parking spot. We ask that you do not park in front of the main entrance stairs. Please don’t impede the flow of traffic.
– Enter the main office and present your driver’s license or any official identification like a passport.
– The office staff will complete the checkout process to document the student’s departure from campus.
– The office staff will call for your child from class or send a staff member to retrieve them.
Chromebook Info
Consent
Consent for student devices is included within the Austin ISD student registration process.
Parents may complete the registration process through the Austin ISD portal using their parent account.
All students will follow the Austin ISD Responsible Use Policy.
Device Care and Tips
Explore this resource to learn about how to take care of your device: https://bit.ly/AISDdevicecare
Campus Support Center
Each campus has a campus student device manager.
Teachers and other campus staff can also support and know how to direct students when assistance is needed.
The Ann Richards School campus support center is located in the library.
Chromebook Chargers
Austin ISD has changed their policy for the 2025-2026 school year and are no longer allowing free replacements of computer chargers.
If your child has lost/loses their Chromebook charger, they are responsible for finding a replacement in the following ways:
1. You may purchase a replacement on your own. These are the approved chargers for the school Chromebooks: bit.ly/aisdcharger
2. Your child may purchase a replacement from the Ann Richards School library for $15.
3. If you/your child need financial help in purchasing a replacement, please contact Minda Anderson, ARS Teacher-Librarian, at minda.anderson@austinisd.org or 512.414.3236 x54706.
Finding Help for Your Device
Students and families can visit Austin ISD’s Digital Resources webpage for additional tips, including Technology Tutorial videos for Students.
Use AISD Help to report an issue about your device.
Learning about Your Device
Please see more information on Austin ISD’s Digital Resources webpage.
Clubs and Organizations
We are gearing up our clubs and organization for another year of participation and camaraderie!
Students: Want to start a new club? See Ms. Gloria in the Counselor’s Office for a paper club proposal form. You will need a faculty sponsor and a few other members to get started.
Check out the list of active clubs at the Ann Richards School
Co-Curricular Activities
Athletics
– Basketball
– Cross Country
– Middle School Tennis
– Soccer
– Softball
– Swimming
– Track and Field
– Volleyball
Activities
– Cheer
– Color Guard
– Dance
– Marching Band
– National Honor Societies
– Orchestra
– Robotics Team
– Theatre
College Center
College Advising
The goal of the College Advising Program is for 100% of Ann Richards School students to attend and graduate from college.
Our College Advisor, Eric Heineman, guides and personalizes each student’s college search to help the student and her family navigate the path to college admission.
The College Center also helps with scholarship and financial aid assistance for seniors and their families.
College Bound Plans
College Fair
The annual Ann Richards School College Fair brings colleges from across the country to connect with our Stars on campus.
All high school students get a chance to meet and shake hands with college representatives.
Our Star students learn more about programs they’re curious about pursuing, ask questions about what life is like on campus, where to live, options to study, how to pay for college, and internship opportunities.
Each year, the College Center team works hard to schedule as many college representatives as possible to help our Star students achieve their dreams and live the mission statement of the school of graduating from college.
College Success Day
College Success Day provides an opportunity for current Stars to connect with alumni from the Ann Richards School.
Alumni share about life after the Ann Richards School through two panel discussions during high school and middle school advisory classes.
Each grade level hosts a group of Star alums to connect about dorm life, homesickness, choosing a major, finding money for college, being a first-generation college student, working a job in college, and finding a job after graduation.
College Visits
6th: University of Texas at Austin
7th: Texas State University
8th: Baylor University, University of Texas – Dallas
9th: University of Texas at San Antonio
10th: Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Austin College, University of Oklahoma
11th: Texas A&M University, Stephen F. Austin State University, University of Houston, Rice University, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
12th: St. Edward’s University, Huston-Tillotson University, Southwestern University
* College visits are subject to change each year due to availability and scheduling conflicts *
Courses
Advanced Placement
– Biology
– Calculus AB
– Computer Science
– English Literature
– Environmental Science
– French
– Human Geography
– Physics
– Spanish Language
– Statistics
– Studio Art
– US Government
– US History
– World History
Electives
– Art
– Athletics
– Band
– Choir
– Color Guard
– Guitar
– Newspaper
– Orchestra
– PALS
– Sports Medicine
– Theatre
– Yearbook
Enrichment Fee
FAQ
Homework Haven
After school study hall in the library or large forum until 5:50 PM. Late buses are available.
Internships
Junior Stars gain real-world experience through the Junior Internship program.
The program partners the Ann Richards School with organizations throughout the Austin area.
Students participate in a weeklong internship, learning more about potential STEM careers.
Leading up to internship week, students learn professional skills in their STARS class, like resume writing, proper interview skills, office attire and etiquette, and professional presentation skills.
From there, internship partners participate in a day of interviews on campus.
Students from the junior class select their top organizations of interest and put their interview skills to the test, answering questions about the potential projects they’ll work on during internship week.
Internship week is a life-changing experience for the Stars so they gain leadership skills in areas and careers where women are traditionally underrepresented.
Late Buses and After-School Activities
Late buses run for athletics and school-sponsored activities only.
Late buses depart from Ann Richards promptly at 6:00 PM.
Master Calendar
Mission Mondays
Mission Mondays provides students with opportunities for academic support, leadership, and service.
On select Mondays, students participate in flexible learning days with a schedule consisting of six 55-minute sessions where students can engage in tutoring, enrichment, intervention, wellness activities, and service projects.
Mission Statement
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.
New Parent Info
The Ann Richards School PTSA page offers a great resource to learn more about life as a Star for you and your Star student.
Nurse News
If your student has a medical condition that requires medication(s) to be kept and/or administered on campus, please refer to the AISD Health Services & Nursing Website for the required forms.
Please note that the Austin ISD Request to Administer Medication at School is required for all medications, including over-the-counter medications (e.g. Advil, Tylenol, Midol, etc.).
The physician can either sign the above form or provide a separate signed note to serve as the doctor’s order.
The AISD Health Services & Nursing Website also has specific doctor’s order forms for food allergies/anaphylaxis, asthma, seizure, and diabetes, which will also require a physician’s signature.
Per AISD policy, no medication will be received by the health team without all the required forms. AISD recommends having all the forms completed as soon as possible to ensure a smooth hand-off during the first week of school.
7th-grade parents: Please send your student’s Meningococcal and Tdap vaccine records via email if you did not get a chance to last semester.
Notarized affidavits are also accepted in the original form – please drop this off at the front office.
Parent Connections
Check out the PTSA Connections program
PTSA
All members of our community are invited to join the PTSA.
PTSA supports critical academic needs, is an active voice on decisions that impact your child’s quality of education, and builds a stronger, more inclusive school community by supporting various community events for parents, and students, and appreciating the ARS staff and teachers for all the hard work they for our Stars.
We invite you to join PTSA for your Star
Pathways
High school students choose one sequence of four-year-long courses in a STEM Pathway – Biomedical Science, Engineering, or Media Technology.
Our Media Technology Pathway courses are articulated for college credit through Austin Community College.
The Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Pathways are nationally certified by Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM curriculum.
Biomedical Sciences
Our nationally certified Biomedical Science program provides students with practical and sound research skills in their investigation of the human body, cell biology, genetic diseases, and similar topics.
Course offerings may include the Principles of Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovations.
Students prepare for collegiate studies in fields such as forensic science, medicine, and laboratory research.
Engineering
Our nationally-certified engineering curriculum develops problem-solving through rigorous projects that put to practice 21st-century job skills such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
Course offerings may include Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, and Aerospace Engineering.
Students explore civil and environmental engineering, digital electronics, computer software, architecture, and robotics.
Media Technology
Media Technology centers around liberal arts and allows students to utilize state-of-the-art media.
In this program, girls build skills in filmmaking, broadcasting, script writing, photography, computer graphics, podcasts, and other creative ventures.
Course offerings may include Audio Video Production, Multimedia and Animation, Advanced Audio and Video Production, and Problems and Solutions to Audio and Video Production.
Pathway Curriculum
Biomedical Sciences
9th: Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PRBIOSCI)
10th: Medical Interventions (MEDINT)
11th: Biotechnology 1 (BIOTECH1)
12th: Biotechnology 2 (BIOTECH2)
Engineering
9th: Intro to Engineering Design (IED)
10th: Engineering Sciences (ENGSCIEN)
11th: Digital Electronics (DIGELC)
12th: Engineering Design & Problem Solving (ENGDPRS)
Media Technology
9th: Graphic Design (GRAPHDI1)
10th: Animation I (ANIMAT1)
11th: Digital Arts & Design (TADGAA)
12th: Animation II (ANIMAT2)
| HIGH SCHOOL PATHWAYS | 9TH | 10TH | 11TH | 12TH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES |
Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PRBIOSCI) |
Medical Interventions (MEDINT) |
Biotechnology 1 (BIOTECH1) |
Biotechnology 2 (BIOTECH2) |
| ENGINEERING | Intro to Engineering Design (IED) |
Engineering Sciences (ENGSCIEN) |
Digital Electronics (DIGELC) |
Engineering Design & Problem Solving (ENGDPRS) |
| MEDIA TECHNOLOGY |
Graphic Design (GRAPHDI1) |
Animation I (ANIMAT1) |
Digital Arts & Design (TADGAA) |
Animation II (ANIMAT2) |
Personal Device Guidelines
Personal Device Guidelines Document
Phone Calls to the Front Office
You may need to get an important message to your child during the school day.
To minimize classroom interruptions and ensure that our students remain focused on their learning, we kindly ask that calls to the front office for student messages be limited to urgent or significant matters.
Please consider calling the front office for the following reasons:
• Family emergencies or unexpected events
• Changes in after-school transportation or plans
Non-essential messages, such as reminders for routine tasks or social arrangements, we encourage these to be communicated before or after school hours to help us maintain a productive learning environment for all students.
Students may use their cell phones immediately at dismissal, 4:35 PM.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in supporting our school’s efforts to prioritize classroom instruction.
Schedule Change Process
The Counseling Team has done their best to get students in their requested courses and to provide balanced classes for students and teachers.
Schedule change requests will be considered, for a limited time, but cannot be guaranteed.
Should you or your child desire a schedule change, please see our linked Schedule Change Process for details.
Requests must be made on the official Schedule Change Form, not via email or phone.
School Café
Frank Scott is our cafeteria manager at the Ann Richards School.
The cafeteria offers breakfast and lunch every day. All students are welcome to come eat with us!
For breakfast, we offer a variety of hot or cold breakfast options paired with fresh fruit, milk, and juice.
During lunch we open three different lines.
On the Fiesta line, students can build their own nacho chip/salad bowls.
On the Grill and Bistro line, we offer cheese/pepperoni pizza, chicken tenders, ready-made salads, and wraps.
The Bistro line entrees also change daily, including pasta options, burgers, quesadillas, tacos, etc.
Every day there is a self-serve salad bar available for the students to help themselves to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ann Richards is a non-cep school, which means families pay for meals based on household income.
All families are welcome to apply for meal benefits online at School Café or pick up a meal application form from the front office.
School Café also provides access to daily menus and account setup so that families may add money to their student’s account.
How to Apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals:
Online –
Preferred method for faster processing.
• Create an account and apply at www.SchoolCafe.com/AustinISD, or
• Download and complete an English or Spanish application – email to foodservicebusinesssupport@austinisd.org
Paper Applications –
• Available in the front office
Questions about meal applications? Please contact Food Service at 512-414-0251.
SchoolPool – Go Together
We are excited to share a partnership with Movability, offering an innovative solution to get students safely to and from school.
The Ann Richards School school will begin enrolling families in SchoolPool powered by Go Together, which is a secure, online transportation matching platform for carpooling, walking, biking together, and only accessible to approved users in our school community.
School Supply Lists
Service Hours
Ann Richards School students are expected to serve the school and the larger global community.
This is an important part of the school’s mission statement and school culture.
Our Stars completed over 15,000 hours of service in the 2024-25 school year!
Service hours are tracked through a program called x2vol with support from our STARS teachers.
Service Learning at the Ann Richards School
Service Hours Guidelines by Grade Level
Based on your grade level, the recommendation is that each student complete a minimum number of service learning hours every year, beginning the summer before, and ending in April of that year.
• Grade 6 = 10 Hours
• Grade 7 = 10 Hours
• Grade 8 = 10 Hours
• Grade 9 = 15 Hours
• Grade 10 = 15 Hours
• Grade 11 = 20 Hours
• Grade 12 = 20 Hours
Student Service Hours Info and x2Vol
Special Education
Special Education Information Night
Typically scheduled the second week of school on Monday night from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.
This event is designed specifically for parents of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and will provide a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the special education services and supports available to your child.
During the evening, we will cover key topics including:
• Understanding your child’s IEP and how to navigate it
• Available resources and support systems
• Who to contact about various support and services
• Ways to advocate for your child’s needs
This is a great chance to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other parents who are on a similar journey.
We hope you can join us for this informative and engaging session.
Review Special Education Info Night Slideshow
STARS Class
STARS class stands for Success Through Academics, Resiliency and Service.
We call it the mission statement class because it focuses on leadership, community service, and fulfilling the mission statement of the school.
The STARS curriculum includes community building, gardening, public speaking, resume building, interviewing skills, SAT preparation, college planning, and college campus visits.
Summer Reading
Summer Reading for School Year 2025-26
Uniforms
Star Uniform Policy and How to Purchase
Verification of Enrollment (VOE) – Driver Licenses
– Must be in attendance for 90% of the days the class was offered in the previous semester.
– VOE requests can be made by email, send your request to maria.martinezrivera@austinisd.org.
– Please do not request a VOE if the student’s appointment is more than 30 days from the request.
Volunteer Info
Get involved at the Ann Richards School, we would love to have your help supporting our Stars!
You can start by filling out the ARS PTSA Volunteer form. You will be added to the ARS PTSA email group and notified when needs arise.
Then head to austinisd.voly.org to complete the AISD requested annual, no-cost background check.
Questions? Email volunteers@arsptsa.org.
Who to Contact
Priority list of contact info for school staff:
Assistant Principals
6th – 8th Grade: Shelly Hopson
Phone number: 512.414.3236
6th – 7th Grade Assistant Principal email: knachelle.hopson@austinisd.org
9th – 12th Grade: Ychacka Sells
Phone number: 512.414.3236
11th – 12th Assistant Principal email: ychacka.sells@austinisd.org
Attendance Clerk
Attendance Specialist: Jae Esparza
Phone number: 512.414.3236
Attendance email: richards@austinisd.org
School Counselors
Lead Counselor/6th – 8th Grade: Christena Rutz
Phone number: 512.414.3236 ext. 53043
6th – 8th Grade Counselor email: christena.rutz@austinisd.org
9th – 10th Grade: Jane Howk
Phone number: 512.414.3236 ext. 53020
9th – 10th Grade Counselor email: jane.howk@austinisd.org
11th – 12th Grade: Akshata Stephen
Phone number: 512.414.3236 ext. 57497
11th – 12th Grade Counselor email: akshata.stephen@austinisd.org
School Nurse
School Nurse: Steffanie Ho, MSN, RN
Phone number: 512.414.3240
Nurse email: steffanie.w.ho@austinisd.org
School Registrar
Registrar: Maria Martínez Rivera
Phone number: 512.414.3236 ext. 53033
Registrar email: maria.martinezrivera@austinisd.org