Strategic Design 2025-2030
At The Bay School, we balance challenging academics and innovative thinking with a mindful approach to learning and life. Our goal is to see students unlock their individual and collective potential so they begin to realize their roles in a dynamic world.
Bay Community,
As Bay evolves and adapts into its third decade, we remain deeply committed to our founding spirit of innovation, our connected community, and our precepts. Bay’s mission and precepts along with our commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging ground this Strategic Design, as do the learnings from our 2018 Strategic Plan and the research of the Strategic Design Task Force over the last year. We are building upon two decades of educational innovation to further a school culture, program, and vision designed to actively address the needs of students today and in the future.
Our distinctive program, including Immersives, produces ethical, civic-minded leaders who approach the world’s complexity with humility and curiosity, and who can skillfully navigate challenging conversations to arrive at thoughtful solutions. We teach our students the skills needed to explore multiple perspectives and solve problems by building understanding with others. Ultimately, we seek to widen the circle of compassionate leaders entering this world who will build it better than they received it.
Bay provides exceptional preparation for college and beyond by combining the knowledge acquisition and analysis of a traditional college-preparatory curriculum with the impact and inspiration that comes from collaborative, multidisciplinary, experiential learning. And, along the way, we find ample joy and fun in the day-to-day life of being a high school community.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to share Bay’s vision for its future in this Strategic Design.
We hope you will join us as we embark on our next chapter!
Luke Felker
Head of School
Luke Felker
Head of School
Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, The Bay School was founded in 2004 to provide something truly groundbreaking.
The Bay School’s academically challenging, experiential curriculum sets us apart from other high schools. Our students develop an adept intellect, integrity, self-knowledge, and an expansive approach to learning. They are more than just prepared for college: They are equipped to confidently approach the challenges of an unpredictable world.
Belonging
at Bay
From our founding, Bay has intentionally embraced the premise that for students to effectively learn, we must first create a community of belonging. Twenty years later, this call to action is as critical as ever. We are working to further embed the skills of diversity, equity, and belonging throughout our programs so that our students can take these experiences forward and work to change their communities for the better.
Over the next five years, we will build upon Bay’s foundation to enhance our practices, systems, and outcomes to meet the evolving needs of the students and families we serve, centering those communities that have historically been marginalized.
Priorities
New multiuse community spaces
Greater financial access and support
Enhanced diversity, equity, and belonging programming, including further investment in student affinity groups
Assessment and sharing of institutional progress
Learning
at Bay
The Bay School’s location in the vibrant Bay Area offers unparalleled opportunities for hands-on, place-based learning. By connecting students to the natural environment and fostering partnerships with local organizations, we extend learning far beyond the classroom.
For over two decades, Bay has been a leader in experiential education. Our new Strategic Design deepens this commitment, integrating immersive experiences that enable students to connect ideas to action, whether through projects in the Presidio, interdisciplinary coursework, or real-world challenges.
In the next five years, we will expand these programs, strengthening the ties between academic learning and the rich resources of our community. This investment will further achieve our mission of launching agile young adults whose preparation for college and employment is unmatched, and whose capacity to collaborate, innovate, and navigate ambiguity proves transformative.
Priorities
Deepen and broaden immersive, project-based learning model, including launching international Immersives
Expand strategic partnerships with Bay Area nonprofits, the Presidio National Park, and other community partners
Further integrate hands-on, real-world learning within core semester academic offerings
Reimagine Bay’s technology vision, leveraging AI while ensuring a grounding in ethics
Thriving
at Bay
At The Bay School, thriving means more than success—it’s about joy, balance, and well-being. We’re committed to creating a community where students, faculty, and staff feel supported, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
In an era of rapid change and rising demands, Bay prioritizes a mindful approach to learning and life. Through expanded wellness programming, enhanced staff support, and opportunities for connection, we aim to nurture a sustainable, joyful culture for everyone in our community.
Over the next five years, this commitment will include new initiatives to enhance mental and emotional well-being, develop professional growth pathways, and create experiences that help every member of our community thrive.
Priorities
Expand on wellness programming for students, faculty, and staff
Amplify opportunities for growth and sustainability for Bay employees
Bolster employee benefits program, including the launch of Bay’s sabbatical program for faculty and staff
Center joy through the experiences and fabric of the community
Innovating
at Bay
Innovation is at the heart of The Bay School’s experiential approach to education. By continuously refining our curriculum and exploring bold ideas, we ensure our programs remain relevant, impactful, and inspiring for generations to come.
As Bay transitions into its third decade, we are strengthening our foundation to support long-term growth. This includes funding programmatic initiatives, enhancing financial sustainability, and fostering community partnerships that extend our impact.
Over the next five years, we will create a more sustainable model for program delivery, ensuring our institutional resources and systems align with our vision for educational excellence.
Priorities
Enhance financial sustainability through an inspiring capital and endowment campaign
Create a Partnerships Director role to enhance and broaden our community engagement programs
Strengthen Bay’s visibility and appeal by evolving our positioning and recruitment approach for our third decade
Extend the Bay community through meaningful alumni connections that amplify Bay’s impact