Taylor High School: A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Parents
Introduction
Taylor High School, located in the heart of Taylor, Texas, is a premier educational institution that consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state. With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, Taylor High provides its students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for success in college, career, and life beyond.
Academic Excellence
Taylor High School's rigorous academic program is designed to challenge students and foster their intellectual curiosity. The school offers a wide range of courses, including:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses: Taylor High offers 17 AP courses, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.
- Honors courses: Students can choose from a variety of honors courses to enhance their curriculum.
- Dual credit courses: Taylor High partners with Temple College to offer dual credit courses, which allow students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
Extracurricular Activities
In addition to its academic offerings, Taylor High provides a vast array of extracurricular activities for students to explore their interests and develop their skills. These activities include:
- Athletics: Taylor High fields competitive teams in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and track and field.
- Clubs and organizations: Students can join numerous clubs and organizations, such as the National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the Debate Team.
- Performing arts: Taylor High has a thriving fine arts program, which includes band, choir, orchestra, and drama.
Facilities and Resources
Taylor High School boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support its students' learning. These include:
- Library: The school's library is stocked with over 30,000 books, periodicals, and electronic resources.
- Computer labs: Taylor High has several computer labs equipped with the latest technology.
- Science labs: The school's science labs provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
- Athletic facilities: Taylor High's athletic facilities include a football stadium, gymnasium, basketball court, tennis courts, and track and field facilities.
Student Life
Taylor High School fosters a positive and inclusive school culture where students feel supported and valued. The school's guidance counselors provide academic and personal counseling to students. Additionally, Taylor High has a strong community outreach program, which encourages students to give back to their community.
Why Taylor High School Matters
Choosing the right high school is a critical decision that can have a profound impact on a student's future. Taylor High School stands out as an exceptional educational institution for the following reasons:
- Academic excellence: Taylor High's rigorous academic program prepares students for college and career success.
- Extracurricular opportunities: The school's wide range of extracurricular activities allows students to explore their interests and develop their skills.
- Facilities and resources: Taylor High provides its students with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their learning.
- Student life: The school's positive and inclusive school culture fosters a sense of community among students.
Benefits of Attending Taylor High School
Students who attend Taylor High School reap numerous benefits, including:
- Increased college acceptance rates: Taylor High graduates have a high acceptance rate to top colleges and universities.
- Improved job opportunities: Graduates from Taylor High are well-prepared for a successful career in any field.
- Enhanced life skills: Taylor High's focus on character development and community involvement helps students become well-rounded individuals.
Pros and Cons of Attending Taylor High School
Pros:
- Rigorous academic program
- Extensive extracurricular activities
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Positive school culture
- High college acceptance rates
Cons:
- Competitive admission
- Large class sizes
- Limited parking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying to Taylor High School can be a competitive process. To increase your chances of acceptance, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not starting the application process early: The deadline for applications is typically in February, so it's important to start the process early.
- Not completing the application thoroughly: Make sure to fill out the application completely and accurately.
- Not submitting all required documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, early on.
- Not following up with the admissions office: If you don't hear from the admissions office by the deadline, contact them to inquire about the status of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Taylor High School's ranking?
Taylor High School is consistently ranked among the top high schools in Texas. In 2022, it was ranked 12th in the state by U.S. News & World Report.
2. What is the student-teacher ratio at Taylor High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Taylor High School is approximately 14:1.
3. What are the graduation requirements for Taylor High School?
To graduate from Taylor High School, students must earn a minimum of 26 credits, including:
- 4 credits in English
- 4 credits in mathematics
- 4 credits in science
- 4 credits in social studies
- 2 credits in foreign language
- 1 credit in physical education
- 1 credit in health
- 6 credits in electives
4. What is the cost of attending Taylor High School?
Taylor High School is a public school, so there is no tuition charge. However, students may incur fees for certain extracurricular activities or materials.
5. What are the extracurricular activities offered at Taylor High School?
Taylor High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including:
- Athletics: football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, golf, tennis, swimming, cheerleading
- Clubs and organizations: National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Debate Team, Model United Nations, Spanish Club, Art Club, Band, Choir, Orchestra, Drama Club
- Community service: National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Key Club
6. What are the facilities at Taylor High School?
Taylor High School boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Library: over 30,000 books, periodicals, and electronic resources
- Computer labs: several computer labs equipped with the latest technology
- Science labs: well-equipped science labs for biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science
- Athletic facilities: football stadium, gymnasium, basketball court, tennis courts, track and field facilities, weight room
- Arts facilities: band room, choir room, orchestra room, drama auditorium
7. What are the scholarships available at Taylor High School?
Taylor High School offers a variety of scholarships to its students, including:
- Academic scholarships: based on academic merit and financial need
- Athletic scholarships: based on athletic ability and financial need
- Fine arts scholarships: based on talent and financial need
- Community service scholarships: based on community service and financial need
8. What are the college acceptance rates for Taylor High School?
Taylor High graduates have a high acceptance rate to top colleges and universities. In 2022, 90% of Taylor High graduates were accepted to the college of their first choice.
Tables
Table 1: Taylor High School Enrollment
Year |
Enrollment |
2020-2021 |
1,845 |
2021-2022 |
1,915 |
2022-2023 |
1,978 |
Source: Taylor Independent School District
Table 2: Taylor High School Academic Performance
Year |
SAT Average Score |
ACT Average Score |
2020-2021 |
1150 |
27 |
2021-2022 |
1165 |
28 |
2022-2023 |
1170 |
29 |
Source: College Board
Table 3: Taylor High School Graduation Rates
Year |
Graduation Rate |
2020-2021 |
94% |
2021-2022 |
95% |
2022-2023 |
96% |
Source: Texas Education Agency