Taft Grade School

1605 South Washington Street

School District

Taft 90
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 11, 2024

It is a first year here for my family. This is the public school that is more like a private school. It does give a family feel appeal. The pros with the students from what I can see it holding them to accountability for their learning and workload. The workloads seem balanced and the teacher response is great. This is the first year for the Principal as a Principal. I would say the communication there could be better outside a newsletter. I love the fact the Superintendent makes it his business to know the kids, I hope he takes time to know the families as well. So far so good, I will review again after this year concludes.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2017

This is a fantastic school. My kids come home with smiles on their faces every day. They are really flourishing here, we are so happy we have chosen Taft as our school for our out kids.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2017

Taft has been the family-feel, small school atmosphere we were hoping for. My children have thrived here. My oldest is now a freshman at LTHS and is taking ALL honors classes. He never would've been able to qualify for such a challenging load of courses without the foundation that Taft gave him. A dedicated superintendent; enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers; as well as a clean, remodeled school round out the reasons why my husband and I have been so happy with Taft. Some extra fundraising has been needed due to budget cuts, but it has totally been worth it. I feel like I know almost all of the parents there because it is so small. I have made many amazing friends because of Taft and so have my kids.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2017

The superintendent and staff are all wonderful!
Submitted by other on April 18, 2017

Small class sizes make it easy for my kids to get extra help when they need it. The teachers care and so many of the families do too. You get to know each other well. You feel safer knowing that everyone is looking out for each other.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2015

Our little school feels like a family. Love our teachers and staff. Great parent support.
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2015

Taft is a small district with a big heart. The Taft family has been so welcoming and helpful in all situations. I never feel that we cannot express a concern if one arises.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2014

The real deal on Taft School SD 90 in Lockport. The facts speak for themselves. My daughter and her five best buddies all went to Taft school in Lockport Il a few years back. Looking back, the school had a small town feel to it, Teachers were interested in the well being of your child. They always seemed to be concerned about making your child be the best they could be. Well it must of worked . Fast forward, all six went on to Lockport High School, all honor students, one class president , one homecoming queen and on the school valedictorian. Pretty good for this small feeder school.After that they all graduated with honors and all six went on to College universities. Two went to Ivy league schools and the other four went to Big Ten schools, Two are now in Masters programs and one is a PHD student. That's the real results from Taft School. Not too shabby Thanks Taft !!
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2014

Taft is a really good school that is lacking resources that could greatly benefit its students and staff. The superintendent is a strong leader and has raised the level of enthusiasm at Taft. The school has plans to update the building, which will improve the way it looks and the way students learn.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014

I am so proud to be a part of such a unique 1 building district. All of my kids are able to attend the same school, K-8, without the private school tuition costs, yet our school has that close knit community feel! The building is rich in history, yet with current curriculum, and dedicated teachers. The positive energy is derived from the superintendent, and is spreading through the school! Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014

I am a parent of two children at this school and while the facility itself leaves a lot to be desired (waiting for the state to make good on its promises,) the staff are amazing. The leadership cares tremendously and are always looking for ways to improve. I feel fortunate to be part of this school.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014

I am a parent of 2 children at Taft and am glad to be a part of the Taft family. There is a feeling of community there and the kids all sense it too. The teachers get to know the families over the years and really care about the students. While I wouldn't mind a better facility at times, I know my kids take pride in being a Viking and enjoy being able to participate in all the activities they choose to. The administration also looks to create leaders by rewarding students and recognizing accomplishments.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2014

I love Taft School! From the teachers to the staff and administration, the various parent groups and all the families. Taft has a nice small community where you can walk up and talk to a parent and/or student and you can tell they're proud to be in the Taft family. I was worried when moving back to Lockport because I've heard there were some issues with the school, but every school has their issue, yeah this school is old, but they're working in updating a lot of the problems, they have new leadership that is getting the school and the school board more involved with the city of Lockport, I honestly can't say that about many of the other schools in the area. I'm proud to be a Viking Family and hope others thinking about moving in the district will give it a chance, I know once they do, they'll feel the same.
Submitted by teacher on April 09, 2014

As a teacher at this school I am very proud. Proud of my students, coworkers, administrators, parents, community, and school board. Everyone works extremely hard to get the best for our kids. The teachers find every resource possible to use to differentiate each lesson to meet the needs of our students. My students work so hard everyday and bring a smile to my face. I love the parent involvement we have. The PTA, & Taft foundation work so hard to get things the students and school needs and I know we are all so grateful! I am happy to say I work here and to be apart of the Taft family
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014

The teachers and administration care -- really care -- about the students. All of the teachers are friendly and hard working. It's a small school, so everyone knows everyone and you and your child will make close, lifelong friends. True, we don't have as many amenities as other neighboring schools, but we spend more time on the basics (like math!) Plus, there are many opportunities for parents to get involved with their children's school lives through volunteering with the PTA or Sports Association. And when it comes to sports, everyone makes the team!
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2014

We have fabulous things going on at Taft.................great parent involvement, teachers and staff communicate regularly with families to keep everyone "in the know", the students are excelling academically and the building is in the process of getting updated. Glad to be a part of the community!
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2014

My children have been attending Taft for several years and I could not be an prouder to call them a Viking! In the past year and a half they have had VERY positive changes. The curriculum is challenging, they are working on the technology and hopefully soon the building. The staff is great! Taft feels like a family and that is very important to me. If people don't believe me then they need to check out the test scores of these students. We owe a big thank you to the Superintendent, Principal, School Board, Teachers, Staff and PTA. Proud to be a Viking!
Submitted by other on February 22, 2014

The only school district in Lockport to make adequate yearly progress on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test. Students grew 9% in mathematics, 5% in reading, and 7% composite (reading and mathematics combined. The teachers are amazing! Parent involvement and student ownership have skyrocketed. Technology infrastructure has been recently upgraded. How this district, while making substantial growth, can have a score of "3" on Great Schools while others are failing, but have higher scores on Great Schools is an atrocity! Taft, it's students, families, and community are better than that, and this rating should be changed!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2014

Moving forward with technology purchases and school remodeling projects. The school is implementing google education which will allow the students to become familiar with spreadsheet, word processing and publishing programs while allowing them to be able to transfer projects created while in grade school to Lockport Twp High School, which also uses the google education suite. Class sizes are small and the teachers are very active in the students education. The school community is very vibrant and active with many of the parents taking active roles in the education system, whether it be through the very active PTA, foundation or sports association programs. Many parents volunteer at the school through the WatchDogs program or the PTA "Give 2" campaign. The school has addressed the discipline problems within the school, and the new Superintendent, Dr. Skogsberg, has taken a very active role in reducing the number of bullying issues that were present. This school has been great to my children and I currently have 3 children enrolled at Taft.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2013

My son has gone to Taft the past 2 years and he absolutely loves it! The teachers are very involved, I am notified and kept in the loop with all of his academics. The building is old historic Lockport, and has great charm! Even the office staff and nurse are friendly! My son is looking forward to going into 3rd grade at Taft this year.