Chattanooga, TN, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Baylor School has unveiled a plan to build a new dormitory complex on Rike Field to enhance boarding enrollment by 2027. The complex will feature two dormitories for male and female students, offering 96 beds, along with an event space, a centralized Admissions Office, and relocated counseling offices. This ambitious project is set to be completed by spring 2027, coinciding with a projected increase in boarding students to 240 this academic year. The design will respect Rike Field’s historical significance while renovating the Health Center for improved student support.
Chattanooga, TN – Baylor School has announced plans to construct a new dormitory complex on Rike Field as part of its initiative to expand boarding enrollment by 2027. This new development will feature two dormitories, designed to accommodate both male and female students, providing a combined total of 96 beds. In addition, the complex will include an event space and an Admissions Office, creating a more centralized hub for prospective students and their families.
The counseling offices currently located on campus will also be moved to this new complex, enhancing accessibility for students seeking support. Furthermore, Baylor’s Health Center will undergo significant renovations, its first since opening in 1989. These improvements aim to ensure that the health and well-being of students remain a top priority as enrollment increases.
The project, revealed by Head of School Chris Angel through a video announcement, is expected to be completed by spring 2027, in time for students to move in that fall. An official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for September of this year, marking the beginning of construction on this ambitious project.
Baylor School is poised to reach a record number of boarding students this academic year, with an enrollment target of 240 boarding students, a step up from 220 two years prior. The school has been diligently pursuing strategies to enhance its boarding options and overall enrollment numbers. As part of this trend, Baylor’s campus is set to welcome 256 new students, comprising both freshmen and transfer students, for the upcoming fall semester.
Currently, Baylor School has a total enrollment of 1,114 students and will officially kick off its 133rd school year on August 13. Its diverse boarding community includes domestic students from 19 different states, while international students make up 29% of the boarding population, representing 18 countries across four continents. The school’s tuition is structured at $32,650 for day students, $66,000 for domestic boarding students, and $71,250 for international boarding students.
The design of the new dormitory complex will honor Rike Field’s historical significance while enhancing its park-like atmosphere. The architectural features will draw inspiration from existing buildings on the Baylor campus, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Throughout the construction process, the school administration will prioritize the preservation of long-standing traditions such as Friday night tailgating and the Tiger Walk, ensuring that community culture remains intact.
Through these continued efforts in building additional housing and improving facilities, Baylor School aims to position itself as a leading choice for families considering boarding school education. The anticipated enhancements underscore a broader commitment to provide a supportive environment for the student body while addressing the needs of a growing enrollment.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the new dormitory complex at Baylor School?
The new dormitory complex aims to expand boarding enrollment and improve housing options for students, offering two dormitories for male and female students, event space, and a relocated admissions office.
- When is the expected completion date for the new complex?
The anticipated completion date is spring 2027, allowing for student move-in that fall.
- How many new boarding students is Baylor School planning to enroll this year?
Baylor School aims to enroll 240 boarding students this year, an increase from 220 students two years ago.
- What is the current total enrollment at Baylor School?
Currently, Baylor School has a total enrollment of 1,114 students.
- What will happen to the existing counseling offices?
The counseling offices will be relocated to the new dormitory complex, enhancing student accessibility to support services.
Key Features of the New Dormitory Complex
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dormitory Capacity | 96 beds split between male and female dormitories |
| Event Space | Area for school events and gatherings |
| Admissions Office | Relocated admissions office for easy access |
| Counseling Offices | Newly relocated to the complex for better accessibility |
| Health Center Renovation | Renovation of the Health Center, first since 1989 |
| Completion Date | Expected by spring 2027 |
| Groundbreaking Ceremony | Scheduled for September |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Baylor School to Break Ground on New Dormitory
- Chattanoogan: Baylor Has Record Number Of Boarding Students
- Realtor: Bilt Rewards College Students with Housing Loans
- Wikipedia: Boarding School
- Google Search: Baylor School
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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