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 1,045 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 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,045 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- 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%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Taft Union High School's student population of 1,045 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,045 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Year Founded
1912
Colors
Blue, Gold
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 0.50, 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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
62%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
35%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
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 87%.
How many students attend Taft Union High School?
1,045 students attend Taft Union High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Taft Union High School students are Hispanic, 35% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, 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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