The interiors were shot in historic Woodrow Wilson High School (built 1928) in the Lakewood area of Dallas, Texas. Many students, including the late Lance Bircher, were used in the filming. The students had trouble understanding the concept of separate schools for blacks and whites and the resulting struggles as the school was cited by the Supreme Court as a model for natural integration during the Dallas desegregation case. They were thrilled to receive a visit from Miss Woodward's husband, Paul Newman.