Taft High School is a public four-year high school located in the Norwood Park neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Serving 4,487 students in grades 7-12, Taft High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 27% (which is equal to the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 4,487 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Taft High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
School Overview
Taft High School's student population of 4,487 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 275 teachers has grown by 43% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Total Students
4,487 students
Total Classroom Teachers
275 teachers
Year Founded
1939
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
School Rankings
Taft High School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Taft High School is 0.64, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1255 out of 3542 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
6%
Hispanic
45%
29%
Black
3%
16%
White
39%
45%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
14%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taft High School's ranking?
Taft High School is ranked #1255 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Taft High School often compared to?
Taft High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lane Technical High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Taft High School?
The graduation rate of Taft High School is 89%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Taft High School?
4,487 students attend Taft High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Taft High School students are Hispanic, 39% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Taft High School?
Taft High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Taft High School offer ?
Taft High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12
What school district is Taft High School part of?
Taft High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Taft High School located?
Taft High School is located in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 4 other public schools located in Norwood Park.
School Reviews
Review Taft High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
