Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School

Posted: May 6, 2026

I gave this school two stars because it is simply not the best school. The environment at Irma Rangel is extremely stressful, and many students feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to succeed academically. It often feels like the school values statistics, rankings, test scores, and perfect grades more than the actual well-being of its students. If you are struggling academically, mentally, or emotionally, there is very little genuine support offered to help improve the situation. Instead of helping students grow and learn from mistakes, the focus is mostly placed on performance and results.

The workload can become exhausting very quickly, and the amount of pressure placed on students is overwhelming at times. Many students are constantly anxious about grades, assignments, and maintaining expectations. It can feel like you are never allowed to slow down or take a break without falling behind. The stress this creates is rarely acknowledged, even when students are clearly burnt out.

Another major issue is the social environment. Some students can be extremely rude, judgmental, and disrespectful, and hurtful comments are often brushed aside. Bullying and mean behavior do happen, yet it feels like very little is done about it unless the situation becomes severe. Teachers occasionally step in, but most of the time the behavior is ignored or minimized. This creates an environment where many students feel unsupported not only academically, but emotionally as well.

My mental health has declined exponentially since applying to Rangel. While I have met some people that I love, and I know I will love forever, the amount of times ive cried has outweighed the times I've laughed.

Posted: May 6, 2026

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Posted: May 5, 2026

I am giving this school one star because the building is far too yellow. I walked in expecting a nice, neutral beige or perhaps a sophisticated eggshell, but no—it’s yellow. Every time I see the walls, I’m reminded of lemons, and I personally find lemons to be very aggressive citrus fruits. How am I supposed to concentrate on Algebra when the hallway is constantly shouting 'lemonade' at me?

Also, I saw a pigeon on the sidewalk outside that refused to make eye contact with me. Very rude. Between the color palette and the local wildlife’s lack of manners, I simply cannot recommend.




Also everyone is too smart

Posted: May 5, 2026

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Posted: May 4, 2026

The fact that they shut down Google Reviews page tells you everything you need to know. Irma is basically the same as any other DISD school, only that they claim to "empower girls." I was struggling as a minor with my mental health and I received no support here during the seven years I spent at this school. It's physically cold all the time in the building, no sports activities, every year the heating system went down in January like clockwork. If your child gets bullied or isolated, and it's likely since the school is insanely cliquey, she will be on her own. Nobody is going to support students. Heck, one teacher even told me I was going to become the next school shooter because I was so quiet. I received nonstop harassment from fellow students and teachers and now as an alum I am trying to pick up the pieces on my own all this time later. I have told them to not contact me as I had a horrible experience, yet they're still going to ask you to donate/go to events/etc. Why would I donate to you if you fail to protect student's mental health and just generally provide a horrible experience to those students that struggle? And no, pausing classes for one day and telling them they can vent in a "safe environment" is not true support. If you're an eight grader and they bring in alum to beg you to stay, ignore them and go somewhere else.

Posted: May 4, 2026

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Posted: November 12, 2025

As a current student of Rangel, im not going to get on here and lie. This school is good and bad at the same time. For one, the students are very active in their school life and do their part at the school well, but as a black person, there is a select number of students who are incredibly racist and believe that they can just say racial slurs which is totally not okay at all. There is so much drama here, I considered leaving in my first month here (in the end I’m glad I did not) which again is only from a select number of students. Some staff and teachers here are so disrespectful, It makes no sense at all. The opportunities and learning are amazing, but the teachers give out so much work it’s exhausting. Overall, this school is a 5/10 as a current student in Rangel

Posted: November 12, 2025

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Posted: October 21, 2024

It’s such a mundane environment. The school lacks what makes high schools actually fun. I really only like being in high school when I’m hanging out with people who go to other high schools. It’s disappointing how our middle school counselor deals with serious issues like bullying and mental issues and how I have been told about other students issues when they’re supposed to have privacy. Students vape and throw up in the bathroom and it’s really unsettling. Students also stop trying in high school since the smarter ones go to TAG. I may be a bit pessimistic, but this school really has nothing to offer.

Posted: October 21, 2024

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Posted: July 14, 2019

Posted: July 14, 2019

A beautiful journey I would never trade for any other school. It gifted me friendships I will keep for life, and it helped me achieve things I'd never thought I could. Rangel has its flaws, but when you look past them, it really is a one in a lifetime experience.

Posted: July 14, 2019

It's a lot of homework, sure, but by sophomore year you learn to prioritize the important and work efficiently. For example, working on assignments when you have a free period, in the mornings, or during the day helps ease the load when you get home. I honestly finished 60% of my homework in school the day it was assigned, and the rest was done at home. It was maybe a maximum of 2 hours of work at home but mostly it was barely an hour I spent unless it was a project.

Posted: July 14, 2019

Ms Smith, Señora Martínez, Ms Woo, and Ms Hamilton are all examples of amazing teachers who teach very effectively. They make class fun and interactive, and they also care a lot about your well being. Not to mention Ms Marano is the BEST college bound advisor you will EVER meet. If not going in for the academics, going in for the college bound program will be the best decision yet.

Posted: July 14, 2019

It's such an amazing environment to grow up on. Sure there's fights every so often and drama, but it really does form a true sisterhood.

Posted: July 14, 2019

It's a leadership school. As simple as that. Even when I started off as a very closed off 6th grader, I slowly grew out of my shell and by senior year I was able to go up on stage to make a speech admitting my mental issues and how Rangel helped me overcome them.

Posted: July 14, 2019

Posted: August 9, 2017

Even if the counselor isn't available, someone will be there to listen.

Posted: August 9, 2017

About average. I really like the teachers but not the students.

Posted: August 9, 2017

The teachers make sure the students understand the material and are very happy to help. The teachers don't teach for a test, and don't stress over tests.

Posted: August 9, 2017

The students are polite and know how to act in social situations, but they are snakes to each other. Yes, this has to do with the fact that we are teenage girls, but the girls could learn to be more compassionate.

Posted: February 19, 2016

I was very excited whenever I got my acceptance letter. I was overjoyed. That first year was good. But, everything went downhill from there. Lots of teachers were moved from the grade they taught which caused the school to hire other teachers. These new teachers didn't have experience at teaching and were not there to help us. There was a handful of teachers that were really there for the students, but, a lot of them have left.

Fine arts was downsized for a year, and the counseling staff for middle school was not very good. Upon going through some problems the counselor said I was "doing it for attention."

There has been a change in the leadership in the school. Our old principal has left but she will never be forgotten. This year the spirit of the school has died.

I lost my individuality when I entered this school. I was sucked up in a vortex that only allowed me to fit into this place where everyone was the same. I lost my spirit. But, since leaving, I'm me again.

In my opinion, I did not like Rangel, but this may be different for other people. But, the school is not the same as it used to be whenever I enrolled, and I don't think it ever will be that safe, welcoming environment that it was.
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Rangel Alumni

Posted: January 15, 2016

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My daughter is happy and exceling with teachers that care and who spend a lot of time with the girls. The administration offers a safe and trusting environment. The social activities and sports options are growing.

Posted: November 15, 2015

The 2015-2016 school year changed a lot of things that made Rangel a decent place. The principal of 10 years retired and the replacement principal and vice principal were elementary principals their entire careers. They both obviously have no experience dealing with 6th through 12th grade (Rangel students). They treat the students as if they don't attend a college preparatory campus. While teachers work their hardest, the principals acknowledge nothing. Not only is the administration at Rangel lacking, but the experience has drifted. Irma Rangel no longer informs its student of the Breast Cancer inflicted woman of the schools namestake- not to mention the principals lack of knowledge of the school creed. Many classes don't have teachers. There is at least one core class teacher missing per subject, and while substitutes attempt to teach subjects they retired from years ago. Besides academics, the school has no culture. By sending your daughter here, she will not have the traditional high school experience. She will gain an education but lose a personality.

Posted: May 19, 2014

Rangel attracts students who have proven themselves through good grades, high test scores, and good citizenship. Other positives include a well-stocked library, college advisor, summer camps, and programs. Rangel is not the best school for an introverted or sensitive person. And although the art and drama teachers are excellent, the school itself may not be the best place for someone who values creativity over production. It is a good school for a driven, focused person who easily grasps math and science and doesn't get discouraged by lack of positive reinforcement. The workload is intense. My daughters have had midnight online deadlines on Saturdays. The block schedule makes deadlines hard to remember. Some assignments are due before school, others at the start of class, others online. Tutoring is available but not always helpful, because certain teachers can be intimidating. Nevertheless, the school is safe, the students are introduced to the wide range of possibilities for women, and outside funding from the Foundation for the Education of Young Women gives Rangel students access to camps, field trips, guest speakers, and literature that other schools cannot provide.

Posted: October 27, 2013

This school is very challenging and you have to be willing and determined to face the school. Once you are in the school, you will soon realize that although you may be struggling in your core classes, every teacher is there to help and guide you individually through tutoring. One of the most genuine characteristics about the school we are all sisters. We are all going to be there for each other, and follow the Rangel creed, "I believe I am my sister's keeper."

Posted: November 13, 2012

This school gave me a whole lot of homework and experience. I got to Atwell now, but I will forever miss Rangel, because the girls were always there for me and they were my sisters. However, my teachers were absolutely horrible.

Posted: July 20, 2012

This school helpped me do alot for my future. I am a student in Irma Lerma Rangel YWLS and I never thought I would! My first school year was so much fun, filled with friends, homework, and awsome extra caricular activities. All the teachers there are very welcoming so you can get used to your first year there. Since I am a second year student, I know how hard it is to be there when your in 6th grade. Your the first year students and don't know anybody. That is perfectly fine. That is what the awesome summer camps are for. So you can meet and interact with other panthers your age! It might be hard trying to catch up with all your classes the first few weeks, but you'll be happy you went there!! :)

Posted: September 28, 2011

Rangel is a great place that is doing many wonderful things, truly empowering young women with the tools succeed in college and beyond. National Blue Ribbon School, and Texas Business & Education Coalition Honor Roll School. The first public all girls school in the state, and a model for the 4 new all girls schools (Houston, Austin, Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Lubbock). Many thanks to the Posey family, the administrators, and the educators at Rangel.