Taft Union High School is located in Taft in Kern County, California, in the United States. Taft High was founded in 1912. Taft is a small city of fewer than 10,000, and the school also serves the surrounding rural area, which in the early 21st century has a total population of about 20,000.
Serving 1,064 students in grades 9-12, Taft Union High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 8% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,064 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Taft Union High's attendance zone covers the entire school district, encompassing approximately 557.6 square miles around Taft, CA. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 37.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Taft Union High School's student population of 1,064 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,064 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1912
School Calendar
School Rankings
Taft Union High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Taft Union High School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7353 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
12%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
62%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
36%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
93%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taft Union High School's ranking?
Taft Union High School is ranked #7353 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Taft Union High School?
The graduation rate of Taft Union High School is 93%, which is higher than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Taft Union High School?
1,064 students attend Taft Union High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Taft Union High School students are Hispanic, 36% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Taft Union High School?
Taft Union High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Taft Union High School offer ?
Taft Union High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Taft Union High School part of?
Taft Union High School is part of Taft Union High School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Taft Union High School is by far one of the best High Schools in the county. They offer some of the highest levels of academic classes but still provide a large variety of extracurriculars any student can participate in. Everything from welding to softball are available at Taft High. On top of their outstanding academics, TUHS is top in their division for football, softball, baseball, and swimming. The teachers are some of the nicest people you could ever meet, and are willing to help any student in need. No other school in the county offers as much as Taft Union High School.
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