The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders is an all-girls public school serving grades 6-12 for the Austin Independent School District (AISD). On August 27, 2007, the school welcomed its first 6th and 7th grade classes, adding one grade level each academic year until all grades were represented in the fall of 2012.

Governor Ann Richards was instrumental in developing the school’s vision. Founded to give young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the skills and confidence necessary to pursue college educations and careers, it now stands as one of the largest single-gender public schools in the nation and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Governor Richards.

Today, more than 900 students represent a student body that reflects Austin’s diverse community. Each Ann Richards Star receives a world-class education thanks to a public-private partnership between the Austin Independent School District, and the Dallas-based Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN), and the Ann Richards School Foundation. At the Ann Richards School, the mission is to ensure that students are not only admitted to college but are also equipped to graduate from the college of their choice.