Environmental Stewardship and Education

Baylor School’s Advanced Scientific Research Program offers students the opportunity to engage in post-graduate-level research in various fields, including biomedical science, engineering, environmental science, and sustainability, which aligns well with the environmental focus of the National City Park movement. 

The school’s location by the Tennessee River and campus wetlands provides a natural laboratory for studying aquatic environments and biodiversity and a working solar farm on our campus helps students understand the principles of renewable energy and its real-world applications.  

For example, students have been actively involved in efforts to save the Laurel Dace, one of North America’s most endangered fish species. Working closely with the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI), which is located adjacent to Baylor’s campus, students assist biologists in field outings to collect and identify Laurel Dace specimens from nearby streams, primarily in Bumbee Creek atop Walden Ridge in Rhea County, Tennessee -- one of the few remaining habitats for the federally endangered Laurel Dace. 

The Baylor faculty hired to lead this program have each earned their Ph.D.’s, and they diligently and thoughtfully guide students in considering the broader environmental impact of their research on the community.  The program provides students with a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, while raising awareness on the importance of preserving endangered species and the role of scientific research in conservation and making an impact on local biodiversity. 

Community and Cultural Enrichment

Created in 1999, the Community Service grant writing program enables Baylor students to conceive of and seek funding for additional projects, services, or items that would benefit the scholars at the Carver and Westside Community Centers.  

Interested students complete a grant application that includes project goals, plans, budget, and anticipated impact. Students work on their proposals throughout the summer, then present their final grant proposals to a panel that includes a Parent Alliance representative, a Community Service board member (who also helps coordinate scheduling), faculty, and staff. Selected grants are then funded in part by the Parent Alliance, and the amount of each award varies.  

Community Service Director Takisha Haynie notes that arts grants make a significant impact. “A lot of our scholars are little people who don’t always know how to deal with really big feelings. Student writers are using the arts to help them relax and work through difficult moments. 

Wanda Officer, founding CEO of Alpha and Omega Outreach, a ministry based at Carver Community Center since 2000, echoed Haynie’s thoughts. “In February I do a Black Legacy program. Our kids might not have the opportunity to do ballet, but (Baylor student) Isabella Moore ’25 taught a dance in spring and fall that the kids did for the community, parents, and City Council representatives,” said Officer. “The kids really enjoyed that, and it has impacted their lives. Exposure brings about expectations,” said Officer. 

Unrivaled Access to Nature and a Culture of Outdoor Activity

Baylor's nationally recognized Walkabout outdoor program marks its 50th year in 2024-25.  One of the keys to Walkabout's success is due to the fact that students get to spend time with their teachers outside of the classroom context. This shared adventure builds relationships that enhance the classroom experience.  

In addition to daily outdoor activities that take advantage of Baylor’s 690-acre campus and the surrounding outdoor trails, mountains, and rivers, Walkabout offers trips each weekend and breaks for all Baylor students at all skill levels.  Walkabout faculty and student leaders provide the opportunity for self-discovery and the chance for students to develop relationships with their classmates and teachers.  

Baylor Leads.