Academics
At the core of Mr. Taft’s mission to educate the whole person lies an emphasis on high scholarship and intellectual endeavor, along with the belief that character, above all else, determines success in life. Our Portrait of a Graduate translates that mission into a roadmap for learning that is bolstered by a broad, evolving, and innovative curriculum, advanced by our Honor Code, built on a strong intellectual and academic foundation, and brought to life by dedicated and caring faculty, made up of highly educated experts in their respective fields.
We continually evaluate and modify our academic program to reflect the most advanced teaching and learning methodologies, while providing students with unique opportunities for pursuing their passions. Taft offers more than 200 courses—both required and elective—every semester. Taft students may also choose to study away from Taft for a semester or two, propose an independent course of study, or enroll in Global Online Academy classes.
Portrait of a Graduate
Taft's Portrait of a Graduate answers the question, “What do we want Taft graduates to know and be able to do?” It is a living document, one that will change and evolve as we prepare our graduates to find their place in the global community.
Honor Code
Every assessment—whether daily homework or a final exam—ends with the student's written pledge: "I have neither given nor received aid on this paper." It a simple but important commitment: Honesty and integrity matter, and your word is your bond.
College Counseling
Our College Counseling Office helps students and families successfully navigate every step in the college process, from initial search to ultimate enrollment, with the goal of finding the best match for each student.
Hulbert Taft Jr. Library
With 55,000 print volumes and digital resources spanning more than 70 databases, the Hulbert Taft Jr. Library brings the world to Taft, and rivals many college libraries.
Academic Requirements
Taft students may choose from more than 200, one-unit courses offered in each of our two academic-year semesters to fulfill our 36-unit graduation requirement.
Students in grades 9 and 10 must carry a minimum of five academic courses each term, while students in grades 11 and 12 must carry a minimum of four academic courses.
Minimum Course Requirements by Discipline
- 1 unit of English every semester
- 4 units of History (1 full year of US History and 2 semesters of non-US)
- 4 units of laboratory science
- Level III of Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish
- Algebra II and Trigonometry
- One semester of Arts each year