Each March, as the first signs of spring bloom across our beautiful campus, we take a moment to celebrate more than just the changing seasons—we honor Women’s History Month. For us at The Knox School, this is a time to reflect, recognize, and draw inspiration from the women who have shaped our world, past and present.
Women’s History Month is not just a brief celebration on the calendar—it’s an annual reminder of the courage, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere. It’s a time to pause, pay tribute, and celebrate the women who have led with grace, strength, and purpose, overcoming adversity and paving the way for future generations. This month, we honor not just the trailblazing women throughout history but also the extraordinary women within our own community, particularly those whose vision gave life to The Knox School.
Our school’s roots are deeply intertwined with the vision of women who set out to create a place where empowerment and excellence could thrive. When Knox was founded in 1904, it was the product of Mary Alice Knox’s bold, progressive ideas. Her leadership was groundbreaking at a time when opportunities for women in education were few and far between. Miss Knox had already made history by teaching at Wellesley College and serving as principal of The Emma Willard School—unprecedented positions for women at the time. Her dream was to open a school that would foster a rich blend of music, art, and progressive educational methods, close to New York City. And in doing so, she helped to plant seeds of empowerment that continue to flourish at Knox today.
Though her tenure was tragically cut short following a devastating train accident in 1911, which resulted in the loss of several students, Miss Knox’s dream did not fade. Another incredible woman, Louise Phillips Houghton, stepped up to carry the torch. With her extensive experience and dedication to education, Mrs. Houghton’s leadership transformed the school and ensured its survival, propelling it forward. And alongside her was Mary Louise Bancroft, whose quiet strength and dedication would help shape the school for decades, serving as Assistant Principal for an astounding 37 years.
Together, these women shaped Knox with vision, conviction, and unwavering dedication. Their legacies are felt today in every classroom, every tradition, and every corner of our campus. We walk in their footsteps when we pass the halls that bear their names—Houghton Hall, Bancroft-Phinney Hall—and when we gather together to celebrate what makes Knox unique: a commitment to education, community, and leadership.
Today, we are proud to continue their legacy. From our Board Chair to our Head of School, from our Dean of Academics to our department heads, administrators, and educators, women continue to lead with strength, compassion, and vision. The diversity of perspectives in our leadership team enriches our community and advances our mission. And while we celebrate the remarkable women leaders at Knox, we do so alongside our male colleagues—valued partners who collaborate with us to empower students and carry forward the vision of Knox.
Perhaps most inspiring of all is seeing this leadership reflected in our student body. This year, for example, the results of our student council elections were striking: a council led overwhelmingly by female students. These young women bring creativity, passion, and a sense of responsibility to their roles. From organizing events to upholding century-old traditions, they are shaping the future of Knox in bold and inclusive ways.
This success is no accident. It’s the result of a school culture that nurtures leadership by empowering students, challenging them, and surrounding them with mentors who show that leadership isn’t about commanding—it’s about listening, building, and uplifting others. At Knox, we believe in building character, confidence, and courage in every student, and it’s amazing to witness how leadership flourishes in so many different forms. Whether it’s in the classroom, on stage, in the dorms, or out on the athletic fields, our students are constantly discovering new ways to lead. And it’s not always the big moments that stand out—sometimes it’s the quiet ones, like when an upperclassman mentors a new student, or when a young person finds their voice and confidence through their Knox experience.
This month, and every month, we celebrate the women who lead with heart, strength, and purpose. At Knox, we’re not just preparing students to lead in the future—we’re empowering them to lead now.
Here’s to the women who came before us, the ones who walk beside us, and the ones who will lead us into the future.
