Kirby Hall School was established as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Texas on July 9, 1976. On September 7, 1976, the school opened, leasing the second floor of Kirby Hall, formerly a dormitory for women attending the University of Texas at Austin. Kirby Hall School was granted tax-exempt status (AUS-EO:1730) on September 22, 1976.

Kirby Hall School first was accredited by the Texas Education Agency in 1978 and has been continually accredited since that time. The Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools, which accredits schools under the auspices of the Texas Education Agency, has given the school itŐs most recent accreditation. Kirby Hall is a member of the Texas Association of Non-Public Schools.

Kirby Hall School has enrolled more than 2,000 students since its founding in 1976. Enrollment for the fall semester, 1993 is 151 students distributed as follows: 97 lower school (grades K through 6), 28 middle school (grades 7 and 8), and 25 in the upper school (grades 9-12).

Educational philosophy

Every organization claims uniqueness. So, in late 20th century America, what is unique or different about Kirby Hall School?

Kirby Hall School is founded on the belief that expert teaching of able students is best achieved in a loving home-like environment that encourages high ethical and academic standards. In keeping with the home-like environment, the small student-faculty ratio enables teachers to provide instruction that takes into account the individual strengths and weaknesses of each student.

Most private schools attract students based on the need of parents to extend through their children, and instill in them, particular social or religious values. In fulfilling this expectation, they attract students from remarkably similar religious, social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Kirby Hall School appeals to parents, and therefore their children, because of its devotion to quality education. In this way, it attracts a much more diverse group of students than most private schools-diverse racially, economically, and socially. Most educators consider exposure to diversity as positive and necessary in todayŐs interdependent world.

Unfortunately, much of education today is focused on preparing students to take and do well on standardized tests. School boards rate the superintendent, and the public rates the school boards on how well students perform. The need to ensure that students perform well on these tests imposes on schools a mandate to issue education by formula and press students into the proper mold. By contrast, Kirby Hall School breaks the mold, or perhaps more truthfully, makes the mold fit the student. Kirby Hall is small enough that teachers know students well and tailor instruction to each individual. Children are respected for their specific strengths and interests. They are taught in a way which will strengthen these particular inclinations and preferences.

Kirby Hall School has close ties with the University of Texas at Austin. In fact, students from the Upper School (grades 9-12) often take courses at The University. Also, graduate students and professors from U.T. teach at Kirby Hall School. In many ways, Kirby Hall School is a small university. Many bright students know their major interest and have chosen career areas by their high school years. Schedules are made to further and encourage expertise in those fields, as is done in college. Like a university, Kirby Hall hires teachers who are experts and have degrees in their teaching fields.