Taft is one of the most rigorous and well-respected educational communities in the world.
It is also a school that lives its motto each day: NON UT SIBI MINISTRETUR SED UT MINISTRET. The school's motto, which translates to "Not to be served but to serve," permeates every aspect of the Taft community.
Taft's 609 students, who hail from 34 states and 51 countries, love their experience not simply because they are challenged by the academic rigor they experience daily, but because they develop life-long friendships with faculty members and students alike.
No matter how hard they are working, Taft students celebrate their responsibility as human beings to serve rather than be served.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 609 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $75,250
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $55,500
- Acceptance rate: 19%
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Taft School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 277 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
School Resources
Selectivity
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1890
1907
Campus Size
226 acres
125 acres
School Motto
Not to be served but to serve
School Mascot
Rhinos
School Calendar
First Day of School
Thu. Aug 28, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. May 9, 2026
Student Body
Enrollment
609 students
319 students
% Students of Color
41%
27%
% International Students
22%
20%
% Students Boarding
83%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$327.2 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$75,250
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$55,500
$36,000
Summer Program Cost
$8,700
(Day student tuition for the summer program is $4,600. Two-week residential programs available at $4,200.)
(Day student tuition for the summer program is $4,600. Two-week residential programs available at $4,200.)
% Students on Financial Aid
35%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$56,500
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
19%
64%
Director of Admissions
Amanda Bohnsack
Associate Director of Admissions
Jessica Shannon
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
19
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
26
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Art and Literature Magazine, Cultural Coffeehouse, FOCUS- Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools, Math Club (competitions & tutoring), Red Inc. (Literary Magazine), Red Rhino Foundation, Republican Club, S.H.O.U.T., School Monitors, Service Work, Step Team, Student Ambassadors, Student Tutoring at Taft, The Annual (Yearbook), The Papyrus (School Newspaper), Tour Guides, United Cultures at Taft, Volunteer Council, Winter Hiking, Writing Tutors
Arts and Music Programs:
All-School Play, Individual Music Lessons, Individual Vocal Lessons, Instrumental Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Wall and Rock Climbing, Yoga
Art and Literature Magazine, Cultural Coffeehouse, FOCUS- Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools, Math Club (competitions & tutoring), Red Inc. (Literary Magazine), Red Rhino Foundation, Republican Club, S.H.O.U.T., School Monitors, Service Work, Step Team, Student Ambassadors, Student Tutoring at Taft, The Annual (Yearbook), The Papyrus (School Newspaper), Tour Guides, United Cultures at Taft, Volunteer Council, Winter Hiking, Writing Tutors
Arts and Music Programs:
All-School Play, Individual Music Lessons, Individual Vocal Lessons, Instrumental Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Wall and Rock Climbing, Yoga
College Matriculation
Year: 2018 - 2022
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Georgetown University
29
University of Pennsylvania
23
New York University
20
Brown University
19
Bucknell University
19
University of Richmond
18
Colgate University, Cornell University, Southern Methodist University, Wake Forest University
17
Northeastern University, Tufts University, Yale University
16
Middlebury College, Tulane University
15
University of Miami, University of St. Andrews, University of Virginia
12
School Notes
- Taft is one of the most rigorous and well-respected educational communities in the world. It is also a school that lives its motto each day. Our motto, NON UT SIBI MINISTRETUR SED UT MINISTRET, which translates to "Not to be served but to serve," permeates every aspect of the Taft community. Taft's 609 students, who hail from 34 states and 51 countries, love their experience not simply because they are challenged by the academic rigor they experience daily, but because they develop life-long friendships with faculty members and students alike. No matter how hard they are working, Taft students celebrate their responsibility as human beings to serve rather than be served.
- The Taft School accreditations: NEASC, TABS, SSATB, CAIS
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Ozzie Parente, Award-winning Coach -
- Ryan Shannon '01, Head Coach Boys' Varsity Hockey -
- Morgan Manz '13, Varsity Volleyball & Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Taft School cost?
The Taft School's tuition is approximately $75,250 for boarding students and $55,500 for day students.
What schools are The Taft School often compared to?
The Taft Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Choate Rosemary Hall, Deerfield Academy, Loomis Chaffee by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Taft School?
The acceptance rate of The Taft School is 19%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%. The Taft School's acceptance rate is ranked as one of the top boarding schools with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from The Taft School?
The Taft School famous alumni include: Ozzie Parente, Award-winning Coach, Ryan Shannon '01, Head Coach Boys' Varsity Hockey and Morgan Manz '13, Varsity Volleyball & Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach.
What sports does The Taft School offer?
The Taft School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
Does The Taft School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Taft School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is The Taft School's ranking?
The Taft School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Large financial endowment, Highest endowment/student and Low acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for The Taft School?
The application deadline for The Taft School is Jan. 15.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
There is an Independent Study Program, through which you can do whatever you want - academic research, community project, arts, or sports. It helps you to make your independent work more systematic.. . .
Taft really emphasizes supporting your community and . Taft has an incredible campus, with beautiful brick architecture and landscaping. In contrast to most boarding schools, the heart of Taft's campus consists of larger dorms and. . .
We had the Jigg shop which was a central hang out spot for ALL of the students on campus. If you wanted to find someone, they were most likely in the Jigg.At Taft we had. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Taft School also viewed these schools: Choate Rosemary Hall, Deerfield Academy, Loomis Chaffee, Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter Academy.
The nearest boarding school to The Taft School is Westover School (5.5 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
867 students 19.4 miles 333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
19.4
9-12, PG
867
653 students 69.9 miles 7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
69.9
9-12, PG
653
736 students 30.1 miles 4 Batchelder Road
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 687-6400
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 687-6400
30.1
9-12, PG
736
1,154 students 125 miles 180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
125
9-12, PG
1,154
1,106 students 146.3 miles 20 Main Street
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
146.3
9-12, PG
1,106
Recent Articles
Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody.
Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement
We compare and contrast the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement. We also explore their distinct educational philosophies, curriculum structures, assessment methods, and global recognition to help students and parents make informed decisions about which rigorous academic program best suits their educational goals and learning preferences.
Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds
The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods. Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature, but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility. Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.
