The project began to seem possible when Dr. Rase found the historic Kirby Hall. An opening date was set, September 7, 1976. Owner David Barrow was willing to lease the second floor. The next major effort would be the selection of top faculty. Kirby Hall would not pirate faculty from other schools. Most of Kirby Hall's first excellent teachers were found through the files of UT's Education Placement office and were selected based on their scholastic achievements and character traits of kindness, positive attitude, and enthusiasm. In addition, five seasoned educators were chosen to provide wisdom gained from years of outstanding teaching.
Dr. Marguerite Moehlman, a friend and mother of a fellow Wellesley alumna, was the first faculty member hired for Kirby Hall. She had begun teaching French in her native Nice when she was 18 years old. She had taught all her adult life and had retired from the public schools.
Miss Eula Gill was known for teaching of creative writing throughout the state. Since retirement, she had given many teacher workshops on the subject. Poetry of all kinds was written in her classroom. For inspiration she brought shells and flowers and pictures and articles for her students. One of her central missions was to try to develop a keen sense of humor in her students. A giggle could often be heard coming from her classroom.
Mrs. Gina Ducloux, well-known soprano, taught voice lessons at Kirby Hall during its first years. Her husband Walter Ducloux, conductor of The University of Texas Orchestra, Chairman of the Opera Department and founder of Austin Lyric Opera, brought opera performances to the school. Together Dr. and Mrs. Ducloux ensured that Kirby Hall students attended fine arts events on the university campus.
Mrs. Martha Duncan Ingerson, newly retired from teaching sixth grade in public school, had a special interest in American history. she was the first Lower School Faculty Administrator. She brought her own ideals of high standards to the new school and influenced younger faculty members to conform. She is honored every graduation by an award for the teaching of American History from the Martha Duncan Ingerson Memorial Fund, given by her cousin, Mrs. Margaret Ashmore.
Andrew Romach was head of the science department the first fourteen years of the school. He produced some doctors and research people with his intriguing laboratory experiments and some outdoors enthusiasts with his many field trips.