The Taft School: Admissions, Tuition, and Key Highlights
The Taft School is a prestigious coeducational boarding and day school located in Watertown, Connecticut. Established in 1890, Taft is renowned for its rigorous academics, strong arts and athletics programs, and commitment to service and leadership development.
Academic Excellence
The Taft School offers over 200 courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) and post-AP options in STEM, humanities, and arts.
Signature programs include the Global Studies and Service program, which integrates academics with global awareness and civic engagement.
The average class size of 11 students ensures close interaction with a highly experienced faculty.
School Reputation
The Taft School is consistently ranked among the top boarding schools in the U.S., known for academic excellence and fostering global citizenship.
Notable alumni include philanthropist Robert A. Taft and writer E. Digby Baltzell.
The school’s substantial resources, supported by a strong endowment, provide exceptional facilities and learning opportunities.
College Placement and Alumni Success
College Placement
Over the past five years (2020–2024), Taft students have enrolled at 191 different colleges and universities in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and six foreign countries.
During the same period, five or more students have enrolled at the following institutions:
- Amherst College: 10 students
- Babson College: 8 students
- Barnard College: 6 students
- Bates College: 8 students
- Boston College: 14 students
- Boston University: 9 students
- Bowdoin College: 6 students
- Brown University: 10 students
- Colby College: 5 students
- Colgate University: 5 students
- College of the Holy Cross: 5 students
- Columbia University: 5 students
- Cornell University: 5 students
- Dartmouth College: 5 students
- Duke University: 5 students
- Elon University: 5 students
- Georgetown University: 5 students
- Hamilton College: 5 students
- Harvard University: 5 students
- Lehigh University: 5 students
- Middlebury College: 5 students
- New York University: 5 students
- Northeastern University: 5 students
- Northwestern University: 5 students
- Princeton University: 5 students
- Southern Methodist University: 5 students
- Trinity College: 5 students
- Tufts University: 5 students
- Tulane University: 5 students
- Union College: 5 students
- University of Chicago: 5 students
- University of Miami: 5 students
- University of Pennsylvania: 5 students
- University of Richmond: 5 students
- University of Southern California: 5 students
- University of Virginia: 5 students
- Wake Forest University: 5 students
- Wesleyan University: 5 students
- Williams College: 5 students
- Yale University: 5 students
These results showcase The Taft School's excellence in preparing students for higher education.
Notable Alumni
The Taft School has nurtured numerous accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields:
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Peter Berg: Acclaimed actor, director, and producer known for works like "Friday Night Lights" and "Lone Survivor."
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Mary Chapin Carpenter: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter recognized for her contributions to country and folk music.
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Jason Blum: Founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, a film and television production company known for producing horror films like "Paranormal Activity" and "Get Out."
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Trey Anastasio: Lead guitarist and vocalist for the rock band Phish, celebrated for his musical innovation and philanthropy.
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Jeff Baxter: Renowned guitarist and defense consultant, known for his work with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers.
These examples highlight The Taft School's ability to cultivate leadership, creativity, and academic excellence among its students.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Students at The Taft School can engage in over 70 clubs and activities, including Model UN, robotics, and sustainability initiatives.
Taft’s athletics program features 25 varsity sports, with standout teams in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse, supported by state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
The arts program includes theater, music, dance, and visual arts, with frequent performances and exhibitions showcasing student talent.
Student Life and Campus Culture
Diversity: The Taft School's student body includes individuals from more than 40 U.S. states and 30 countries, promoting a multicultural and inclusive environment.
Values: The school emphasizes character development and service, aligning with its motto, “Not to be served, but to serve.”
Community: The boarding and day programs create a close-knit community where mentorship and collaboration are central to the experience.
Location and Safety
The 226-acre campus in Watertown, Connecticut, features a mix of historic charm and modern facilities, surrounded by scenic landscapes.
The Taft School provides a safe and nurturing environment, with easy access to New York City and Boston for cultural and academic excursions.
Admissions Requirements
Selectivity: The Taft School’s acceptance rate is approximately 16%, reflecting its competitive admissions process.
Testing: Applicants typically score in the 85th percentile or higher on the SSAT. International students are required to submit TOEFL scores.
Holistic Review: Admissions decisions evaluate academic records, essays, extracurricular achievements, leadership potential, and recommendations.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual Tuition: Boarding tuition is approximately 52,000.
Financial Aid: The Taft School meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, with nearly 36% of students receiving financial assistance. The school ensures that financial constraints do not limit access to its programs.