1970s


The 1970's brought many changes, even in the first years of the decade. Mrs. Mary Brown, the Sixth Grade teacher, organized the first trip to tColonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Mr. Glenn Ballard was named Headmaster. The Pre–Kindergarten class was added. Although the Lower School was well-established, no pre-school classes were offered at Hockaday until this time. And Ed Long began teaching at Hockaday.

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • Miss Idanelle McMurry Named Headmistress

    Idanelle McMurry was the first woman to hold this position since 1946 when Miss Hockaday retired. "Miss Mac" was no stranger to Hockaday; she had taught English at the School from 1951 - 1954. 

    Miss McMurry divided the Lower School into two parts, creating the new Middle School which was headed by Karen Drawz. Nedra Niles retired as head of Lower School in 1979, and Marion Crume, who had taught in Lower School for 25 years, became the new head of Lower School.

  • New Uniforms

    New uniforms included bell-bottom slacks and green and white plaid skirts in an of-the-moment polyester fabric. Students were also allowed to wear jewelry with the uniform during this time.

  • First Hockaday Medal

    The first Hockaday Medal was awarded to Aylett Royall Cox '32.

  • Bicentennial Celebration

    Faculty and students planned many events to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial. This was also a fortuitous year for both government and history classes, as it was an election year. Many students were encouraged to become involved in the presidential campaign. Many teachers added bicentennial television programs to their schedules. New courses were added, including The American Experience and special government courses. Some of the school-wide activities included the national flag-raising ceremony on November 11, 1976, at 11:00 a.m. The English and history departments also hosted a bicentennial essay contest.

  • Title IX

    The enactment of Title IX had a great impact on schools nationwide, but unlike most of their public-school counterparts, Hockaday girls were already heavily involved in sports, thanks to the enduring vision of Miss Hockaday. Athletics were made a Cornerstone because Miss Hockaday believed in the importance of physical activity and that girls could do anything. In 1972, Upper School girls participated in archery, basketball, field hockey, soccer, softball, swimming, synchronized swimming, tennis, and volleyball.

  • First Black Graduates

    The first African-American students graduated from Hockaday in 1977. They were Valencia Mack, Staci Williams, and Traci Williams.

  • Penson Gymnasium

    The new Penson Gymnasium and tennis courts were dedicated on April 27, 1979. Historic school athletic memorabilia was placed within the cornerstone of the new gym.

The Hockaday School

11600 Welch Road
Dallas, TX 75229
(214) 363-6311
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.