Mission, History & Values

Our Mission

Baylor's mission is to foster in its students both the ability and the desire to make a positive difference in the world. Baylor fulfills its mission by providing:
• a rich academic program that opens the minds of students, preparing them for college and for an ever-changing world;

• a school rooted in tradition yet receptive to change, staffed by talented adults who are devoted to teaching and who model for students a lifelong love of learning;

• a wide variety of co-curricular experiences that require active participation and personal commitment, extending learning beyond the lessons of the traditional classroom;

• a diverse academy having at its heart a vibrant resident community of faculty and students from around the world;

• a balance of emphases on activities of the mind, body, and spirit, encouraging students to grow into happy, caring, and honorable adults, ready and unafraid to be leaders for the public good.

Our History

In early 1893, a group of Chattanooga businessmen set out to find an educator who could open a college preparatory school for "the young men of the city." Their search leads them to John Roy Baylor, a graduate of the University of Virginia. On September 12, 1893, Baylor's University School opens in an old house in downtown Chattanooga with a student body of 31 boys ranging in age from 10 to 17. The tuition was $100.

In 1915 the school moved to its present location overlooking the Tennessee River. The move to the new campus was spearheaded by local businessman John Thomas Lupton, whose family amassed a fortune through their Coca-Cola bottling companies. Throughout the century Baylor has evolved from a non-military school, to a military school, and back to a non-military school in 1971. With the exception of a brief period from 1900-1911, Baylor was an all-male school, until 1985 when the shift to co-education took place. Today, Baylor enrolls students in grades 6-12. Our boarding program draws students from around the country and the world, who are attracted to the school by a strong academic program, diverse extracurricular activities, and a nurturing residential atmosphere.

Our Values

Honesty
Baylor's Honor Code is the cornerstone of our values as a school and a community . The honor system was adopted by the student body in 1916 and patterned after the famous and effective system used by the University of Virginia. When they enter the school, students sign a pledge to comply with the Honor Code, which states: "The Honor System is an understanding among Baylor student that they do not want among them one who will lie, cheat, or falsify information. I understand this principle, and I recognize that I shall be expected to live in accordance with it."

Respect
At Baylor, we foster an environment where kids learn the valuable social skills of cooperation and mutual respect – something they will need to succeed in today's world. Baylor students are also deeply committed to the community. Each year Baylor's Community Service program provides tutoring to inner-city children, assistance to the elderly, and aid to the homeless.

Spirituality
At Baylor we believe that faith is central to every person's life and that the study of religion is an essential part of a complete education. While the majority of our students and faculty are Christian, all major world religions are represented in the school and we welcome and respect all faiths.

Leadership
Leadership is not just talked about at Baylor. Through our Leadership Baylor program, we require students to consciously consider and develop their leadership potential. We are also committed to an inclusive process of leadership development. Rather than singling out only the top students - our goal is to reach out to all of our students and help them discover and develop their emerging leadership skills.

Academics
Demanding academic courses are the heart of our program. Curiosity and hard work are expected of all students, and a high level of academic performance is the norm. Baylor students are surrounded by peers who value academic achievement and a faculty whose main aim is to help students achieve it.

Character
The development of a student's character is central to the mission of Baylor. We believe that a student's moral and ethical strengths lie in their intentions and actions. It is through dialogue, accountability, and education that students reflect upon their character and inspires them to want to make a positive difference in the world.

Individuality
Our extremely talented faculty are able to see the individual potential of each child and encourage them to participate in a broad range of academic, artistic, athletic, and extracurricular activities.