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Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders

Since 2007, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders has embodied its namesake’s lifelong passion for advancing education, empowering young women and creating opportunities for girls who may otherwise be held back from achieving their full potential. The Ann Richards School received a full modernization as part of the 2017 Bond Program, which created a new, state-of-the-art facility that opened January 2021. 

The 184,000 square-foot school includes collaborative and flexible spaces that foster community, nurture future leaders and support a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Key design features include a large dining commons, makerspaces, learning neighborhoods for each grade level and a running track and practice field. The media center is the heart of the school with a two-story slide, learning staircase and outdoor reading porch overlooking the Austin skyline. The building achieved LEED Silver certification and was designed with energy-efficient lighting, water-reducing fixtures and improved air quality filtration. 

Community input was critical to ensuring the new spaces met the needs of all students and reflected the Ann Richards School spirit. The Campus Architectural Team guided the project team throughout the design process, resulting in a modern yet comfortable campus that enhances the student experience in every way. 

Project Timeline

*Timeline and rendering subject to change

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Key Information

  • Modernization Budget: $70,000,000
  • Total Budget: $70,416,000
  • Opening Date: January 5, 2021
  • Trustee: Geronimo Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Location: 2309 Panther Trail, Austin, TX 78704
  • Existing Capacity: 924
  • Planned Capacity: 1,015
  • 2016/2017 Utilization: 85%

Project Team

  • Architecture & Engineering Team:
  • Construction-Management-at-Risk Team:
  • Campus Architectural Team:
    • Kristina Waugh, Principal
    • Shamaa Lakshmanan, Staff Representative
    • Teri O’Glee, Foundation Representative
    • Jeanne White, Business/Community Partner
    • Shawn Mauser, CAC Representative
    • Sonya Banda, Parent
    • Josie Hughes, Parent
    • Senior Class President, Student
    • Junior Class President, Student
    • Sophomore Class President, Student