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GreatSchools Rating

Taft High School

Public | 9-12 | 2527 students

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted September 2, 2012

Taft embodies the warmth and charm of a small town community. Friendly; from administration to teachers to students. My daughter is in her first year of high school. Freshman orientation was great! It offered the right amount of hand holding yet with enough learning opportunities for both me, as a parent, and my daughter, as the student to navigate on our own to become familiar with the new high school environment. When we had questions, anyone, everyone was there to answer them for us. A solid good school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 23, 2011

The school's education is average, the rough atmosphere is extremely intimidating. The academic program is not challenging, teachers are too lenient about the school work. The staff is great, but if you're looking for a more motivating and challenging education this is not the place to go. Even the AP classes are average. I feel like a waste a lot of time at school because I spend most of the day sitting around doing nothing.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 8, 2010

I am a parent of a student who attended Freshman year at Taft H.S. I will say that the Choral Music Dept. headed up by Ms. Welsh and Mr. Rodgers was incredible! They teach these musically inclinded kids to be leaders and feed them with nothing but positives. Sadly I have to say the office staff, and a few teachers who I chose not to name, are completely lacking in both compassion and tact. Not only with the students, but with the parents as well. It's almost as if there is no communication what so ever. All in all, I found my child to be VERY happy with her choice to be involved with the Vocal music Dept, but often wanted to change schools due to the lack of interest she was shown by several of her teachers, and several of these classes were Pre AP advanced courses!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 25, 2010

I was part of the first Four year class of Taft High School. I had a wonderful education and I enjoyed High School.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 24, 2009

I believe this is the best school to go to. Great athletic program, great choir and a wonderful band. Alot of different people, so you would fit in great.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 4, 2008

I was a student who graduated in 2003 and I have nothing but good things to say about Taft. It may not have been the best school in San Antonio, but the academics were good, the athletics were great, and I feel like it prepared me for college.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 24, 2005

Taft is an average school. It offers a decent education and the students are disciplined mostly.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 26, 2005

I'm looking at transferring my daughter from this school to another one due to the fact that I believe it is lacking in comparison to other schools available.
—Submitted by Tony, a parent


Posted May 1, 2004

I'm actually a student that graduated from William Howard Taft in 2000 and I had my younger sister graduate from there in 2003. The faculty and staff are all great. Except for the new principal, which I will decline to talk about because words used to describe him are not approprite for this review. All I can say is that he is determined to take away all the fun and tradition that the school had, like Powder Puff football which he has cancelled. I did enjoy my 4 years there. Some of the best of my life. It definately prepared me for college. In fact, I have a 3.8 GPA, a full-ride scholarship, and many awards here in college.
—Submitted by Amanda Ries, a former student


Posted January 20, 2004

Excellent School! I recomend Taft high scool for your child. The teachers are very involved with students. Also great administraters. You can't get past them.
—Submitted by Ashley Flores, a student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 70% in 2011.

618 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
67%

2008

 
 
59%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 89% in 2011.

633 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
89%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 91% in 2011.

604 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
88%
Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

593 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
66%

2008

 
 
68%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2011.

594 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
71%

2008

 
 
72%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2011.

588 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
91%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 95% in 2011.

527 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
96%
Math

The state average for Math was 90% in 2011.

533 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
89%
Science

The state average for Science was 91% in 2011.

533 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
88%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 99% in 2011.

534 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
99%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Math

All Students76%
Female79%
Male72%
Black or African American65%
Asian79%
Hispanic73%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White82%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged83%
Special education36%
Not special education79%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English76%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant76%
Gifted/talented100%

Reading

All Students94%
Female95%
Male92%
Black or African American89%
Asian100%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education75%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)69%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

All Students93%
Female97%
Male90%
Black or African American91%
Asian100%
Hispanic93%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged93%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education58%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)70%
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students77%
Female80%
Male74%
Black or African American67%
Asian88%
Hispanic75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White86%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Special education30%
Not special education80%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English77%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant77%
Gifted/talented99%

Science

All Students85%
Female82%
Male87%
Black or African American80%
Asian75%
Hispanic83%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White94%
Economically disadvantaged78%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special education41%
Not special education88%
Limited English proficient (LEP)88%
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Gifted/talented99%

Social Studies

All Students95%
Female97%
Male93%
Black or African American98%
Asian100%
Hispanic94%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education72%
Not special education96%
Limited English proficient (LEP)88%
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

English Language Arts

All Students97%
Female97%
Male98%
Black or African American98%
Asian100%
Hispanic96%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged95%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Special education71%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)20%
Proficient in English98%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%
Gifted/talented100%

Math

All Students91%
Female91%
Male91%
Black or African American90%
Asian100%
Hispanic88%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged87%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special education50%
Not special education94%
Limited English proficient (LEP)43%
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%
Gifted/talented100%

Science

All Students93%
Female91%
Male95%
Black or African American95%
Asian100%
Hispanic90%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White99%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Special education67%
Not special education95%
Limited English proficient (LEP)50%
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Gifted/talented99%

Social Studies

All Students99%
Female98%
Male99%
Black or African American98%
Asian100%
Hispanic98%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
White100%
Economically disadvantaged97%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special education86%
Not special education99%
Limited English proficient (LEP)75%
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Gifted/talented100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) was used to test students in reading in grades 3 through 9; in writing in grades 4 and 7; in English language arts in grades 10 and 11; in mathematics in grades 3 through 11; in science in grades 5, 8, 10 and 11; and in social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. TAKS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas. The grade 11 Exit Level TAKS is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Texas Education Agency; if there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

  • In 2010-2011, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Recognized".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Academically Acceptable".

About the tests


Texas uses Accountability Ratings to indicate the overall performance of each school and district. The ratings are based on TAKS test results, dropout rates for grades 7 and 8 and school completion rates for grades 9 through 12. Schools and districts rated under standard accountability procedures are designated as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Schools and districts rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures are designated as either AEA: Academically Acceptable or AEA: Academically Unacceptable.

See Texas' state standards

Source: Texas Education Agency

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 59% 48%
White 29% 34%
Black 10% 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 10%N/A10%
Gifted/talented students 13%N/A8%
Limited English proficient (LEP) 3%N/A17%
Economically disadvantaged 36%N/A55%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Beginning teachers 5%N/A8%
1 to 5 years 31%N/A30%
6 to 10 years 22%N/A20%
11 to 20 years 23%N/A23%
21 or more years 19%N/A19%
Source: TX Education Agency, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

11600 F M 471 W
San Antonio, TX 78253
Website: Click here
Phone: (210) 397-6000

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