Overview
William Howard Taft High School is a public secondary school serving grades 9–12 on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Operated by Chicago Public Schools, Taft draws students from several nearby neighborhoods and functions as both an academic institution and a neighborhood resource. The school is named for President William Howard Taft and provides a broad curriculum intended to prepare students for college, careers and civic life.
Academic programs
Taft is notable for its long‑running International Baccalaureate offerings. The school began offering IB courses in the early 2000s and, since 2014, has operated as a "wall‑to‑wall" International Baccalaureate campus, integrating IB frameworks across grades and programs. Alongside IB, Taft offers a mix of college‑preparatory courses, elective options in the arts and technology, and support services such as counseling and college counseling. The combination of district curricula and IB philosophies emphasizes critical thinking, global perspectives and community engagement.
Student life and activities
Extracurricular life at Taft includes sports teams, performing arts, visual arts, academic clubs and student organizations. Athletic programs provide opportunities for competitive teams and recreation, while drama, music and visual arts offer creative outlets for students. Student clubs often reflect local interest and diversity, and the school hosts events that engage families and residents from surrounding neighborhoods.
Attendance area and community connections
Taft serves students from a number of adjacent communities, including Norwood Park, Edison Park, Jefferson Park, Forest Glen and the O'Hare area. This geographic reach shapes the student body and reinforces the school's role in a diverse, residential part of the city. Taft often partners with local organizations, businesses and higher‑education institutions to expand opportunities for internships, mentoring and community service.
History and notable associations
Established in the 20th century, Taft has evolved alongside its neighborhoods and the wider Chicago public school system. It gained wider cultural recognition because writer Jim Jacobs attended Taft and drew on his memories of youth in Chicago when creating the musical Grease. That connection is frequently mentioned when discussing the school's place in popular culture. Over time, Taft's academic profile has been shaped by district initiatives and its adoption of IB methodologies.
Important distinctions and resources
- Operated by the district: Chicago Public Schools.
- Designated as a wall‑to‑wall IB campus: International Baccalaureate programs in multiple grades.
- Serves multiple northwest side neighborhoods, including Norwood Park and neighboring communities.
For prospective students and families, Taft presents a mix of rigorous academics and community‑based activities. Those seeking more specific and current details about enrollment, course offerings and extracurricular calendars should consult the school's official pages and district resources via the links below.
Official and related pages: Taft High School site, four‑year high school information, district overview at CPS, cultural note on Grease and the IB programme.