Ann Richards Middle School was named after former Governor of Texas, Ms. Ann Richards. Ann Richards was born Dorothy Ann Willis on September 1, 1933 in Lakeview,Texas. Known for her sharp wit, strong personality, and liberal political views, Richards fought for women’s and minority rights and worked to bring more women and minorities into power. She showed political promise in high school, excelling in debates. Her strong debating skills earned her a college scholarship, graduating from Baylor University in 1950. She went on to get a teaching certificate at the University of Texas in Austin in 1955. Ann Richards became Texas governor in 1990 for one term, losing to George W. Bush in the 1994 elections. Because of her background in education and her fight to give women and minorities equal rights, La Joya ISD named our school after this strong woman politician and governor.

At Ann Richards Middle School academics are priority #1. Our purpose is to prepare all of our students to be successful at the next academic level. Our excellent faculty and staff are committed to working with parents to realize the potential of every student. We look forward to the day our students are fulfilling their dream in either college or the workforce.