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BAYLOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026
BAYLOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026 Schedule
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. .............Check-In (Guerry Dining Hall) 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. .............Welcome to Academic Day! 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. ..........Class #1 10:10 - 10:40 a.m. ........Class #2 10:50 - 11:20 a.m. ........Class #3
To Register 1. Read through the class descriptions and narrow your choices to those that are most interesting to you. 2. Scan the QR code below or CLICK HERE to access your Admission & Enrollment Portal to register and select your classes. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to submit your student’s application prior to registering for Academic Day. 3. Select three classes along with two alternatives on the online registration form by Sunday, Nov. 8.
Dear Students and Parents: The Baylor Experience is truly extraordinary, and I am pleased to invite you to join us for a glimpse into what makes us so special and distinctive! On Saturday, November 14, 2026, we will host prospective students and parents for our annual Academic Day. While Baylor’s doors are always open, this is your unique opportunity to gain insight into our dynamic academic program that truly, in the words of our founder, John Roy Baylor, “prepares students for university and the business of life.” We have designed the Academic Day program for both students and parents with the common denominator being Baylor’s nationally acclaimed and award-winning faculty. We invite you to experience what Baylor students enjoy every day: learning and growing in an environment of intellectual inquiry, personal attention, honor, and, yes, fun. Baylor School offers one of the finest college preparatory programs in the nation…a program that inspires our students to excel. Academic Day allows prospective students and their families to picture themselves as members of this exceptional educational community. You will witness first-hand why Baylor students love coming to school every day. See you Saturday, November 14th! Sincerely,
Christopher B. Angel ’89, President and Head of School
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS A Knot… Or Not? How many different ways can you tie a tie? Is your half-Windsor a proper mathematical knot? What’s the deal with bow ties? And what do the “Matrix” movies have to do with all of this? Step up your fashion game by exploring both topology and knot theory. Ties will be provided. Justin Burner: B.A. Colby College, M.S. University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign; Instructor of Mathematics A Walk Through Baylor’s History (Parents Only) Explore the rich history of Baylor School, founded in 1893, on a captivating walking tour that highlights its storied past and beautiful campus. James Scott ’00: M.Litt. University of Glasgow; Instructor of History Accelerated Spanish at Baylor Did you know that Baylor offers a specialized class for middle school students who are already fluent Spanish speakers? Whether students are coming from an immersion elementary program or from a Spanish-speaking household, this course welcomes sixth through eighth grade students as they grow their literacy skills through reading different genres, class discussions and presentations, and a variety of writing prompts and prepares them to take AP Spanish Language and Culture as freshmen. Attend this session with Accelerated Spanish instructor, Señora Gil González, along with several middle school students currently enrolled in the course to learn about our Accelerated Spanish track at Baylor. María Gil González: B.S. Universidad de Navarra; M.Ed. Temple University; Instructor of Spanish An Introduction to African Drumming The basic elements of music performance — rhythm, dynamics, pitch, and ensemble musicianship — are often first explored at Baylor using hand drums from West and North Africa. In this class, explore djembes, doumbeks, and talking drums to make wonderful musical moments — no experience required! Vincent Oakes: M.M. Emory University; Director of Choral Music & Chair of the Fine Arts Department AP Business and Personal Finance (Parents Only) Parents are welcome to hear about our newest AP course offered at Baylor, AP Business with Personal Finance. Baylor serves as a pilot school for the new course, and the instructor, Jack Studer, will share with parents an overview. Jack Studer ’01: B.S.E. Princeton University; Instructor of Mathematics and Economics
Autonomous Adventure: Maze Navigator Ready to think like an engineer? In this hands-on session, you’ll become a robotics programmer tasked with a classic challenge: the autonomous maze escape. Using Scratch word block programming, you will write the code that gives your LEGO Spike Prime robot a mind of its own. You’ll problem-solve, test your logic, and debug your sequences as you program your robot to sense its environment, make decisions, and successfully navigate its way to freedom. No prior experience needed — just bring your creativity and a readiness to crack the code! Andrew Beckman: B.S. University of Alabama; Instructor of Science Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency What exactly is a currency, and why is digital money reshaping how we think about value? Could tuition someday be paid in crypto wallets instead of checkbooks? Why did decisions made in the 1970s pave the way for Ethereum? And who is Satoshi Nakamoto, the shadowy figure behind Bitcoin? If you’ve ever wanted to cut through the hype and understand why crypto keeps showing up in headlines — and what it might mean for the next generation — this talk is for you. Jack Studer ’01: B.S.E. Princeton University; Instructor of Mathematics and Economics Creative Writing Activities Writing doesn’t always mean sitting quietly with a pencil. Sometimes writing feels like a game! In this session, students explore a variety of fun activities to spark their creativity. Using imaginative photos, collaborative storytelling, and Mad Libs, students experience writing in a playful way. Hal Gruetzemacher: B.A. University of Georgia; M.A. University of the South; Instructor of English English Department Overview (Parents Only) Tim Laramore will give an overview of the English program at Baylor, describing how students develop their skills as readers and writers from grade six to twelve. He will also outline the grade-wide contests, unique projects, and advanced and elective courses that make the English program at Baylor unique and transformative. Tim Laramore ’99: B.A. University of Montana; Chair of the English Department
The Exchange Program: Making a Positive Difference in the World One of the many opportunities that make Baylor so unique is The Exchange Program. Through it, students in their sophomore year can apply to participate in either a cultural- or language-based exchange with a partner student attending schools in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, or Spain. Come hear about the program directly from Baylor students who have participated in the exchange, are eager to share what they learned, and how they grew from heading out across the globe to represent Baylor. Natalie Rodriguez-Nelson: B.A. Princeton, M.A. University of Virginia; Instructor of History and Exchange Program Coordinator Fall in Love with Hedges Library Join us in Hedges Library for a fall-themed scavenger hunt where you’ll visit our cozy Academic Day Café, create a literary-themed craft, and find plenty of new books to add to your TBR (To Be Read) list along the way! As you explore our library and complete the scavenger hunt tasks, you’ll test your book knowledge and expand your creativity. Get ready for a morning of adventure and a touch of library magic! Lauren Callihan: B.A. Berry College; M.A. Auburn University; M.S.I.S. University of Tennessee; Director of Hedges Library Rhonda Sixto: B.A. University of Georgia; M.A.T. Agnes Scott College; Reading Librarian Laura Stephens: B.S. Berry College, MLIS University of Alabama; Research and Instruction Librarian Fine Arts at Baylor (Parents Only) Get a peek into the rich and diverse offerings of Baylor’s Fine Arts Deparment with department head Vincent Oakes. Vincent Oakes: M.M. Emory University; Director of Choral Music & Chair of the Fine Arts Department The History Department (Parents Only) Parents are invited to attend this session to learn about the different course offerings in the History Department. History Department Chair, Heather Biebel, will get parents up to speed on both the required and elective courses offered. The presentation will also address the skill work teachers will tackle with students in sixth through twelfth grade. Heather Biebel: B.A. Emory University, M.A. The University of San Diego; Chair of the History Department
How and Why Languages Change “Why don’t I understand all the words my children use? Are they just ‘ruining’ English? Why is Shakespeare so challenging to read nowadays? Why can’t language just stay the way it is?” Language is never not changing. In this session, you will hear an overview of why change is the case, exploring examples from a variety of different world languages — with an emphasis on the history of the English language. Along the way, you will discover millennium-old fossils lurking in your own native language and gain a greater appreciation for language as a living, breathing thing. Ben Swakopf: B.A. Covenant College; M.A. Indiana University; Instructor of English How Do Insects Smell? Have you ever wondered how an insect smells? Students will mimic the pheromones of insects native to Baylor’s campus and lead them on a trail of their own design. Allison Johnson: Ph.D. University of Georgia; Instructor of Science Introduction to the World Languages Program at Baylor (Parents Only) In this session, we will explore the full scope of Baylor’s five language programs and learn how our international boarders contribute to the global mindedness of the student body and to the cultural and linguistic diversity of our wider community. Come see and hear firsthand from Baylor World Languages students about the ways their language study has inspired and empowered them to explore their world, both in and outside the classroom. Kali Rosenberger: B.A. Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Chair of the World Languages Department and Instructor of Spanish Languages Unlocked: Chinese In an ever-connected world, Chinese has become a vital language for international business, finance, and technology. Boasting 1.4 billion nativespeakers and millions more who use the language for work, life, and so much more, Chinese is truly a global language. It can seem scary to learn a new language with a completely different writing system and tonal pronunciations, but this beautiful language is not as hard as it looks. Plus, it comes with 5,000 years of history, culture, and -- most importantly -- food to explore! During this session, you’ll see how Baylor students are quickly able to exchange greetings, count like a pro, even write using this artistic script, and ultimately understand how speaking Chinese is actually a breeze. Come for the snacks but stay for the wonder of a whole new world! Chen “Jenny” Wang: B.A, Teacher’s College of Beijing Union University; Instructor of Chinese and International Admissions Coordinator
Languages Unlocked: French Did you know that French is an official language of 29 countries and is spoken by 320 million people worldwide? Learning French can help you connect with these many world citizens, and learning French at Baylor allows you to acquire the language naturally (by hearing and understanding information... in French). With the help of a few famous Disney characters, you will understand and (gasp!) even be able to speak some basic French by the time you leave. Whether you’re a parent or a student, this is “not your parents’ French class!” Erin Segroves: B.A. and M.Ed. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Instructor of French and Spanish Languages Unlocked: German Willkommen! German is an official language of six countries and boasts 200 million speakers worldwide. We’ll start with listening — the first step in learning any new language. You’ll also notice that many English words have German roots, and you’ll learn how German compounds nouns to create long, interesting words. By the end, you’ll see how approachable (and playful) learning German can be. Sheila Earl: B.A. Penn State University; Instructor of German Languages Unlocked: Latin Breaking news: Latin is alive and well and all around us! Granted, you won’t have the opportunity order a restaurant meal in Latin...but this not-too-dead language is actually very present in your life today. Learning Latin at Baylor helps you navigate the world around you with open eyes, gives you a leg up in learning any Romance language, and helps you understand your own native language in a deeper way. So come along and see how “Latin lives today!” Kristin Vines: B.A. Hollins College; Instructor of Latin Languages Unlocked: Spanish ¿Por qué el español? In this session you’ll see how studying Spanish can open doors to wonderful cultural experiences and growth opportunities. In this immersive language experience, participants will leave having a greater sense of how Spanish allows us to connect with diverse communities, both locally and globally. You’ll also walk away having experienced firsthand the immersive language experience that Spanish I students experience in their early days with the language! Michelle Bertani: B.A. and M.S. University of Tennessee, Ed.S. Lincoln Memorial University; Instructor of Spanish
The Many Forms of Research at Baylor (Parents Only) The Science Department at Baylor embraces the development of investigatory skills at all levels of instruction. Parents are invited to learn about the variety of paths through Baylor’s science curriculum, and the courses and clubs that support their students’ growth. This growth can culminate in the school’s Scientific Research program, where students can spend up to three years doing in-class independent research. Jesse Young: B.S. Colgate University, M.Ed. Johns Hopkins University; Chair of the Science Department The Many Pathways to Success at Baylor (Parents Only) Learn how Baylor supports students at every stage of their middle and high school journey. Discover how our approach encourages healthy struggle, builds self-advocacy skills, and fosters long-term success. Noah McIndoo: B.S. The University of the South: Sewanee; Director of the Learning Center Mathematics at Baylor (Parents Only) The study of patterns, numbers, shapes, and sets at Baylor prepares our students for college and the business of life with inspiring teachers and rigorous coursework at all levels. Every Baylor student takes a math class every single year, and many even double up as upperclassmen. In this session, we will examine various paths a student can take from sixth grade math all the way through to calculus, statistics, linear algebra, and beyond. Nader Mohyuddin: B.A. Duke University, M.Ed. University of Tennessee; Chair of the Math Department Order Matters! Patterns, Puzzles, and PEMDAS How do numbers work, and what patterns can we uncover using integers? Can the order of operations help us creatively construct every whole number? In this session, you’ll explore the rules of arithmetic and put them into practice through a fun, hands-on number puzzle. Celyn Christensen: B.S. in Applied Mathematics (STEM Education) Florida State University; Instructor of Mathematics Performance Playground (Students Only) Come explore the world of acting and performance opportunities at Baylor! We will explore theatre games, character development, pantomime, and so much more in a fun and low-stakes environment. All abilities and interests are welcome! Allison Lamb: B.F.A. Baylor University; M.A. Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University; Instructor of Middle School Theater and Director of Middle School Play
Photos Throughout American History Photographs are a great resource for studying American history. They serve as primary sources that provide a unique perspective on specific events. Students will attempt to place a set of photographs in chronological order based on clues seen in each photo. Students will then briefly study each historical event captured in the photos. Tom Stack: B.A. Wofford College; Instructor of History The Power and Limitations of Haptic Observations – or – What’s Inside the Mystery Box? This exciting course is inspired by the classic parable of the six blind men and the elephant. It dives into the amazing power (and tricky limitations!) of how we use our sense of touch to learn about the world when we can’t see everything. This class is ideal for curious individuals who want to see the world from a completely new perspective. We’ll explore the science of haptics — the active process of feeling and gathering information with our hands. Students will learn how to make detailed observations, communicate what they feel, and piece together fragmented clues to form a complete picture. The highlight of the course is the Mystery Box Challenge. Each person reaches into a sealed box to feel a part of a complex, secret object. Working together, students will have to combine their different observations to identify the whole object. This activity is a powerful way to understand how essential it is to listen to multiple perspectives and overcome the limits of having only partial information. R. Antonio Herrera: B.S. Yale University, Ph.D. New York University; Lead Biomedical Scientist at Baylor Research Sweet Colors! The Art of Mixing and Modeling Come discover the magic of color mixing! You will blend primary-color modeling clay to create secondary colors, then use your colorful creations to sculpt a one-of-a-kind modeling clay lollipop. It will be a sweet combination of color theory, creativity, and hands-on fun! Lana Peppers: B.F.A. University of Georgia; Instructor of Visual Arts Turning Words Into Art In this hands-on session, students use markers and imagination to transform a page from a book or a magazine into something completely new, poetic, and eye-catching. By blacking out some words and keeping others, students create a hidden message or poem within a unique artistic piece. Penny Batt: B.A. Georgia State University, M.A. Middlebury College; Instructor of English
Who’s Who in the Symphony Explore the sights and sounds of the many instruments in the symphony orchestra. Learn the different families of instruments and hear live demonstrations of what makes them sound the way they do. Ben Sposet: B.M.A. Vanderbilt University; Director of Orchestras & AfterSchool Music Coordinator
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT BAYLOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC DAY! CLICK HERE to access your Admission & Enrollment Portal to register and select your classes. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to submit your student’s application prior to registering for Academic Day.