Horace Dutton Taft founded our school in 1890 with a simple, yet compelling mission: To shape lives by educating the whole person. Today, Taft students are intellectually curious and socially aware. They are actively involved, dedicated to personal growth and excellence, driven by compassion, and committed to service. From 51 countries and 34 states, our 609 students are change agents, artists, athletes, and global citizens. The Admissions Committee seeks prospective students who will embrace all that it means to be a Taft student—the rigors, the fun, the commitments, and the rewards.
Unique Characteristics
Taft combines “Big School” facilities & curriculum with “Small School” community warmth. Extensive extracurricular offerings enable artists, musicians, dancers, & athletes to perform at the highest level. Our unique campus promotes a family atmosphere among students from many cultures.
Taft’s two-year Global Leadership Institute pairs 24 new students each academic year—12 students from Taft, and 12 students from public schools in the city of Waterbury. GLI Scholars enter the program the winter of their sophomore year, complete the program in the spring of their junior year, and participate in a summer service internship. GLI Scholar pairs collaborate on a culminating Global Leadership Project.