Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders

History

The Ann Richards School (commonly referred to as "ARS") was established in 2007 in the former building of Porter Middle School in south Austin. Former Texas governor Ann Richards took part in making the school possible, but Richards died before she could see the school open. Academy Award-Winning Actress Sandra Bullock and the school's current principal, Jeanne Goka, also took part in opening the school. In its first year the school was opened to sixth- and seventh-grade students, and a grade was added each year until the 2012–2013 school year, when the school's oldest students reached the twelfth grade; in June 2013 the school's first senior class graduated.

The Ann Richards School is part of the Young Women's Preparatory Network (formerly the Foundation for the Education of Young Women), the National Coalition of Girls' Schools, and the Young Women's Leadership Network; it is a "sister school" to the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School in Dallas, Texas and the Young Women's Leadership School of East Harlem in Harlem, New York.

The school has also had various notable visitors including Chelsea Clinton.

Admissions

Admission to the school is only granted in grades six through ten and only female students who live within the Austin Independent School District are eligible for admission. The admissions are classified as "competitive" with 150 acceptances in the sixth grade and no waiting list. Admissions are based on prospective students' essay of interest, teacher recommendations, recent report cards, attendance records, a lottery pulling and standardized test scores. Qualified applicants are then placed in a lottery and are drawn at random.

Academics

The school's curriculum focuses on leadership, STEAM subjects, and college readines. Upon entering high school, students choose between course schedules emphasizing one of three "pathways": biomedical science, engineering, or media arts. Additionally, high school students are required to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, while middle school students are required to take Pre-AP courses. Middle School students also take STEAM based electives and PLTW courses.

The school also has a comprehensive wellness program and students are required to participate in yoga once per week, as well as enjoy time outdoors. Students also take athletics and physical education classes and yearly wellness courses that focus on body image and health. The Ann Richards School is also a CATCH school.

Cross Country

The Ann Richard School's high school cross country team has consistently placed 1st or 2nd in both the JV and Varsity divisions of the District meet, even sending runners to the Regional and State Meets as well.

Volleyball

The school's high school volleyball team has been continually in the media since it played its first varsity season in 2012; previously it used a subvarsity program. The team has won multiple district titles since 2012.

The Ann Richards School Foundation

The Ann Richards School Foundation is a non-profit organization that funds The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. Ann Richards' daughter, Ellen Richards, is one of the foundation's directors. The Ann Richards School Foundation held the annual "Ann Richards Birthday Bash" as a fundraiser to the Ann Richards School from 2007 to 2013. In 2012, the Ann Richards Birthday Bash was held at the home of cyclist Lance Armstrong. In 2013 the Birthday Bash was replaced with the annual "Reach for the Stars" event held in May to celebrate the achievements of graduating seniors.