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Opening of Maury High School
Maury High School, the first specifically built public high school in Norfolk, is opened in 1910. -
West School Offers High School Curriculum
In 1914, the John T. West School, Norfolk's primary black school, began offering high school-level classes in addition to its primary education classes. -
Opening of Booker T. Washington High School
At the site of the Norfolk Mission College, Booker T. Washington High School was founded in 1916 as a separate institution from John T. West School. It was the first black high school in Norfolk. -
Opening of Junior High Schools
Blair Junior High School and Ruffner Junior High School opened in 1922 as the first Junior Highs in Norfolk. They are all-white. -
Teacher Pay Equality
After a lengthy appeals process, a judge rules in favor of teachers in Norfolk receiving equal pay regardless of race. -
Jacox Junior High School Opens
Jacox Junior High School, Norfolk's first black Junior High, opens in 1949. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The United States Supreme Court rules in Brown v. Topeka Board of Education that separate but equal is an invalid policy for school systems, ruling to end segregation in schools. -
Black Students Admitted
After a rigorous, court-supervised process, seventeen black students are cleared to attend previously-white high schools in Norfolk. -
School Lockout Begins
In response to state and local political pressures, Norfolk high schools are closed in reaction to integration attempts. -
School Lockout Ends
In the face of mounting legal actions and with support crumbling, Norfolk schools re-open in an integrated status. -
Civil Rights Act
President Lyndon Johnson signs into law the Civil Rights Act which will, among other things, guide attempts to integrate schools. -
Beginning of Busing
In compliance with federally directed efforts, Norfolk begins crosstown busing for students in an attempt to effect better racial integration. -
New Booker T. Washington High School Opens
A few miles from its original site, the new Booker T. Washington High School opens. -
Norfolk Ruled "Unitary"
In accordance with federal guidance, Norfolk is considered a "unitary school district" and in compliance with the Civil Rights Act. -
Crosstown Busing Challenged
In 1983, Norfolk School Board decides to end crosstown busing. -
Riddick v. School Board of Norfolk
Court rules in favor of City of Norfolk, clearing the way for an end to crosstown busing at the elementary school level. -
Middle School Busing Ended
Norfolk School Board votes to end busing for integration for middle schools.
