Portrait of a Learner

In 2001, Head of School Willy MacMullen ’78 created the Faculty Forum, a 10-member committee charged with examining Taft’s academic program—what and how we teach, and to what end—to answer the central question: What do we want Taft graduates to know and be able to do? Their work produced the Portrait of a Graduate, a living document that guided curriculum design, inspired reflective learning, and evolved alongside the school’s mission to prepare students for life in a global community.

In 2025, Head of School Peter Becker ’95, working with the Strategic Design Committee and Greenwich Leadership Partners, built on that legacy with the introduction of the Portrait of a Learner—an evolution of Taft’s original vision.

Informed by community feedback and rooted in Taft’s mission and core values, the Portrait of a Learner defines the mindsets and habits we seek to cultivate in every student. Grounded in a rigorous curriculum that builds knowledge across disciplines, it reflects our commitment to nurturing a growth mindset, fostering lifelong learning, and preparing students for purposeful lives beyond Taft.

Our mission is to deliver on the Portrait of a Learner, to ensure that Taft Graduates will:

Strive for Wisdom

Engage Curiously
Foster Focus
Think Critically
Analyze Data
Reflect and Grow

Find Joy in Purpose

Explore Passions
Embrace Active Learning
Cultivate Creativity
Lead with Positivity
Seek Inspiration

Nurture Relationships

Prioritize Empathy
Communicate Thoughtfully
Embrace Diversity
Practice Compassion
Balance Technology Use

Build Resilience

Grow Through Challenge
Persist Through Adversity
Cultivate Self-Regulation
Prioritize Well-Being

Practice Humility

Embrace Lifelong Learning
Practice Self-Awareness
Value Service

Pursue Excellence

Set High Standards
Distinguish Progress from Perfection
Reflect on Growth

Live with Honor

Be Honest
Take Responsibility
Act with Integrity