1980 - 1992

Dr. Eugene Ruth was succeeded as Head of School by Dr. Neen Hunt in June 1980. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Neen moved the school’s program toward one that combined an individualized approach to learning with renewed emphasis on academic standards and structure. She set up procedures for a ten-year cycle of external review of each department’s curriculum. 

Throughout this process, Neen managed to preserve a sense of balance and reaffirmed the school’s commitment “to create a humane environment.” The school worked to recruit more students of color, and organized parent and faculty committees devoted to gender and multicultural education. Community service—both in and outside the school—was central to its philosophy. In 1984, requirements for graduating seniors were expanded to include the fulfillment of at least 60 hours of community service over the course of the Upper School years.

In 1985, Calhoun was one of 269 schools nationwide to be named an "Exemplary Elementary School" by the U.S. Dept. of Education.  Jeff Wallis, Director of the division, went to Washington D.C. with Head of School Neen Hunt and art teacher Rose Marie Cooper to accept the award.

Calhoun established a reputation for its writing and research program, critical thinking, drama and forensics, and leadership in the areas of gender issues and cultural diversity. Recognition of Calhoun’s academic excellence and progressive leadership started to get national attention by the mid-80s. In 1985–86, Calhoun was one of 269 elementary schools nationwide designated as an “exemplary elementary school” by the U.S. Department of Education. Three years later, Calhoun’s Middle School was designated a “Center of Excellence” by the National Council of Teachers in English for its fifth/sixth grade interdisciplinary curriculum, designed by teachers Julie Core and Ruth Licht. In 1990–91, Upper School teacher John Roeder was honored with the Tandy Technology Scholar award as an “outstanding teacher” in the field of science.

Upper School social studies teacher Marion Truslow (back center) prepared students for a Model United Nations program in 1987.

In the fall of 1991, Calhoun was granted a charter to become a member of the prestigious Cum Laude Society—a national organization which, at the time of Calhoun’s induction, had conferred the honor on fewer than a dozen other independent schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx, and only 324 schools nationwide. Calhoun’s election was unanimous, based on a study of its academic program, faculty strength and stability, profile of Upper School students, test information (SATs, AP examinations), and selectivity of the school’s college placements.

The school became known for its dedicated and accomplished faculty, who were an integral part of curriculum planning and decision-making as well as the social life of the school. Teachers and administrators were regular participants in annual parent-led and student-driven activities. And it was not unusual for teachers to mark their 15th, 20th and 25th year anniversaries at the school, which were duly celebrated at Calhoun’s 90th Birthday Party.

The cohesiveness of its faculty, the strength of an active parent body, and the maturation of a progressive educational model with high academic standards brought Calhoun to another turning point in the mid-80s. The school would once again have to expand its facility to meet the demands of its own success, the new requirements of education in the 21st century, and changing demographics that pointed to a mini-baby boom.

In the early 1980s, the school mounted a new search for additional space and acquired a building at 160 West 74th Street that would house three-year-olds through first graders. Named for Trustee and benefactor, Robert L. Beir, the building was dedicated in the fall of 1989. Once the younger grades were moved into the new 74th Street Lower School building, which also houses the Gayfryd Steinberg Theatre, room for expansion opened up at the 81st Street building. A beautiful, centralized library was created on the first floor, dedicated in the fall of 1991 and named after Dr. Neen Hunt. Each of the division floors was renovated, including new science labs and redesigned seminar space for the Upper School; and more room was finally available to accommodate the newest educational revolution—computer technology.