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The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders - Frequently Asked Questions

 

General Information

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Academics & Student Life

What is STARS?
The STARS (Success through Academics, Resilience, and Service) class is a unique elective taken every year by ARS students. It focuses on leadership and community service, reflecting the Ann Richards School’s mission. STARS activities include community building, gardening, public speaking, resume building, interviewing skills, SAT preparation, college planning, and more.

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What are Service Hours?
As part of ARS’s leadership focus, students must complete a required number of service hours each year. Middle school students begin with 10 hours, and the number increases as students progress through high school. Hours must be completed at a nonprofit or public organization and verified by an adult affiliated with the organization. Students in National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and National Honor Society (NHS) have additional service hour requirements.

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What are Junior Internships?
The Junior Internship Program is a week-long work and learning experience designed to give 11th-grade students hands-on exposure to STEM careers. Students apply classroom knowledge in one of three pathways: Biomedical Science, Engineering, or Media Technology (Film & Animation). Internships are assigned based on students' performance in a formal interview. This experience helps students develop professional skills, network with industry professionals, and prepare for college applications.

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What is Intersession?
Intersession takes place during the first two days after Winter Break and allows students to explore unique, hands-on learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. Topics vary each year and have included car maintenance, Lego building, screen printing, and the mysteries of the Titanic. Seniors sign up first, and selection proceeds down through 6th grade.

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What are Mission Mondays?
As a leadership school, ARS provides students with opportunities for academic support, leadership, and service through Mission Mondays. These flexible learning days, scheduled on select Mondays, consist of six 55-minute sessions where students can engage in tutoring, enrichment, intervention, wellness activities, and service projects.

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What is there to look forward to at each grade level?

  • 6th

    • Animal Enrichment Project: In their STEM class, students get to know the maker space by designing and building enrichment activities for animals at the Austin Zoo.

  • 7th

    • Building Mini-Golf Courses: Students design and build a mini-golf hole. Afterward, the ARS Foundation hosts a fundraising event where donors can play the course!  

  • 8th

  • 9th

    • Getting to attend High School Dances & Activities

    • Starting Pathways classes

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  • 10th

    • Running the HOCO Dance

    • Taking first AP (Advanced Placement) class

    • First Overnight College trip

    • Cornerstone Project: Students engage in a long-term project in their Pathway.  Successful completion of the project earns the Letterman Jacket as a Junior. 

  • 11th

    • Letterman Jackets- Every student earns a Letterman jacket for completing the Cornerstone project for their pathway. Jackets are presented in an all-school Morning Assembly and teachers from all grade levels sign up to present the jackets to each Junior.   

    • Junior Internships

    • SAT prep Course: As a part of the STARS curriculum, the Foundation pays for Juniors to take a SAT prep course in their STARS class. 

    • More opportunities for AP classes

  • 12th

    • Senior Speeches: Every Senior gives a speech at one of the morning assemblies about something they have learned at Ann Richards.  Families are invited to see their Star’s speech. 

    • Capstone and Legacy Projects- Every Senior participates in a Capstone Project related to their Pathway.  They also do a Legacy Project which gives back to the school or community.  

    • Senior Loft: This special room upstairs in the Library is for Seniors only!  

    • Intersession: During Intersession there is a special opportunity for seniors to sign up to “run the school”.  They take the roles of Principal, front office staff and more!

    • Senior Traditions: there are a number of traditions that the Seniors organize each year for assemblies, Homecoming and other special occasions. In recent years these have included Senior Prank day, Homecoming overalls, Senior parking spaces, Senior Sunrise and more.

    • Last week: The last week of the Senior year is focused on celebrations and preparations for their next adventure. They participate in College Survival day, Senior Parent Breakfast, yearbook signing, the transition of the Senior loft to the next Senior Class, and Senior Portrait day where they add their portraits to the Graduates wall (in the Gym hall).  

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College Preparation

How does ARS prepare students for college?
ARS offers a comprehensive college readiness program, including:

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Classes: Starting sophomore year, students take AP-level courses, and juniors and seniors have required AP courses. All students in AP classes must take the AP exam, and many graduate with college credits.

  • College Trips: Students visit different colleges each year:

    • 6th & 7th Grade: Local universities (e.g., UT Austin, St. Edward’s)

    • 8th Grade: Texas State University

    • 9th Grade: University of Texas at San Antonio

    • 10th Grade: 3-day overnight trip to colleges in Dallas and Oklahoma

    • 11th Grade: Overnight trip to Houston-area colleges

    • 12th Grade: No scheduled visits, but focus shifts to college applications, scholarships, and commitments.

  • College Fair: Each year, ARS hosts a College Fair featuring 80+ college representatives. High school students attend, and additional college visits occur throughout the year.

  • College Success Day: After winter break, students participate in a panel discussion with ARS alumni who share insights on college life.

  • College Essay Writing Workshop & Senior College Days:

    • Summer after Junior Year: Students attend an essay writing workshop to start their college applications.

    • Week before Senior Year: Students return for College Days, where they set up accounts for the Common App, participate in mock admissions exercises, polish resumes, and request teacher recommendations.

  • Family Nights: The College Center hosts Family Nights for Juniors and Seniors to prepare families for the college application process. The Finding Money for College Night covers financial aid, scholarships, and funding options.

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School Support & Community Involvement

What is the Foundation?
ARS is supported by a public-private partnership between AISD and the Ann Richards School Foundation. While AISD covers traditional school costs (salaries, facilities, transportation, books, and computers), the Foundation funds:

  • STEM curriculum & professional development for teachers

  • Summer camps & educational field trips

  • College visits & college advising programs

  • Fundraising events like the Reach for the Stars Gala & Golf Classic

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What does the PTSA support?
The ARS Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) enhances the school community by funding:

  • Community events

  • Teacher/staff appreciation

  • Senior scholarships

  • Campus beautification

  • Library resources

👉 Click here to explore PTSA programs.

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Events & Traditions

👉 Click here to learn more about the cherished events and traditions that make ARS special!

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