Thomas D. Baird (July 14, 1819 – June 9, 1873) was an educator born in Newark, Ohio, United States.

He held this position for three years before deciding to open a private school in Baltimore, which was devoted to the study of classics and mathematics.

He remained in this position for three years before returning to Baltimore to serve as the fifth principal and professor of moral and mental philosophy at the Central High School of Baltimore—later renamed Baltimore City College, the third oldest public high school in the United States.

Baird increased the rigor of entrance examinations to the school as well as standards required for promotion to the next grade.

The school was renamed the Baltimore City College and a five-year course of study was created, in addition to the standard four-year course.