Summary: At Taft we continually re-examine and broaden the scope of our curriculum to provide students with a strong intellectual foundation. A combination of required classes with challenging electives and independent study provides the important foundation of knowledge and yet allows students to pursue a course of study to fit their needs and interests.

Department Director Jennifer Kennerson

Student/Teacher Ratio: 5:1

Average Class Size: 11

Summer Programs: Offered

Full Time Teachers: 129

Number of AP Courses Offered: 30

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 74%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

• Learning Center
• Peer Tutoring
• Study Skills Assistance
• Writing Center

English

• Classics
• Creative Writing
• Honors
• Literature
• Poetry
• Journalism

History

• Asian History
• Classical History
• European History
• Honors
• United States History
• World History

Foreign Languages

• Chinese-Mandarin
• French
• Latin
• Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

• Ethics
• Religious Studies
• Social Justice
• World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

• Economics
• Psychology
• Human Geography

Sciences

• Anatomy
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Oceanography
• Physics

Math

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Functions
• Geometry
• Honors Math
• Probability
• Statistics
• Trigonometry

Computer Studies

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Web Design

Music

• Band
• Choral Music
• Electronic Music
• Individual Instructions
• Music History
• Music Theory
• Orchestra
• Recording
• Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

• Acting
• Architecture
• Art History
• Ceramics
• Choreography
• Dance
• Debate
• Design
• Drama
• Drawing
• Journalism
• Painting
• Photography
• Pottery
• Printmaking
• Publications
• Public Speaking
• Sculpture
• Stagecraft
• Studio Art
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• 3-D Art
• Modern Dance

Special Programs

• Study Abroad
• Community Service
• Exchange Programs
• Independent Study
• Leadership

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 12

Average Students Per Dorm: 0

Number of Girls Dorms: 5

Number of Boys Dorms: 7

Dorm Amenities

• Laundry Facilities
• Lounge
• Vending Machines
• Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Student Life

Each day brings new excitement and to energy to Taft. Morning Meeting speakers come from across the globe to share fascinating ideas and different points of view. There are clubs and activities to enjoy, new friends to meet, and new ways to serve the community. No two classes are ever completely alike, and no two menus in the dining hall are every quite the same. Still, daily life at Taft falls into familiar patterns and rhythms. It is easy to feel comfortable here; it is easy to feel at home.

Facilities

• All-Weather Track
• Baseball Field
• Basketball Court
• Fitness Center
• Football Field
• Indoor Basketball Court
• Indoor Climbing Wall
• Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

16 Tennis Courts (4 indoor); 8 Squash Courts

Clubs & Organizations

• Amnesty International
• Asian Club
• Astronomy Club
• Chess Club
• Community Service
• Debate Club
• Diversity Club
• Dorm Proctors
• Environmental Club
• Foreign Language Clubs
• Habitat for Humanity
• Honor Council
• Horseback Riding
• International Club
• Investment Club
• Jewish Student Organization
• Literary Magazine
• Math Club
• Mock Trial
• Model UN
• Newspaper
• Outing Club
• Peer Counseling
• Peer Tutoring
• Photography Club
• Science Bowl
• Sexualities Club
• Student Activities
• Student Government
• Student Publications
• Weightlifting Club
• Yearbook
• Yoga Club
• Young Democrats
• Young Republicans
• Radio Station

Summary: Our mission has always been to educate the whole student--in class, on the athletic field, on stage, or in the local community. The Arts are an essential part of the school community. Taft graduates develop the skills and the discipline to be intuitive, imaginative creators and observers in all areas.

Arts Department Director: Bruce Fifer

Athletics Department Director: Robert Madden

Notable Achievements: Co-Director of Athletics: Rachael Ryan

Arts

• Acting
• Architecture
• Art History
• Ceramics
• Choreography
• Dance
• Debate
• Design
• Drama
• Drawing
• Journalism
• Painting
• Photography
• Pottery
• Printmaking
• Publications
• Public Speaking
• Sculpture
• Stagecraft
• Studio Art
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• 3-D Art
• Modern Dance

Interscholastic Sports

• Alpine Skiing
• Alpine Ski Racing
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Crew
• Cross Country Running
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Squash
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Recreational Sports

• Aerobics
• Basketball
• Cross Country Running
• Dance
• Equestrian
• Figure Skating
• Golf
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Ice Hockey
• Martial Arts
• Power Lifting
• Rock Climbing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Squash
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Weight Lifting
• Ice Skating

Summary: Four full-time college counselors devote their time to working with students and families throughout the various stages of the college search, application and selection process to find the best match between student and college.

College Information

Precentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Notable Alumni

Quotes From Alumni