Taft Elementary School

1829 North Cambridge Street

School District

Orange Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:27
Type

public

School Map for Orange Unified School District

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 December 05, 2024

This School is GREAT! There aren't enough good things I can say. The Principal is involved and approachable always! The Office staff are very hands on and keep great communication with you in regards to your child. Their special ed classes are wonderful and they give your child the attention they need to achieve their best potential. Everyone the staff, custodians, guards outside they are all very welcoming and nice. There is always something to do here to get the kids engaged along with the activities the parents are invited to. I never have to worry about the school calling with issues, they are so accommodating for early drop off and late pick ups for those parents that have to work later than the release time. The drop offs/pick ups are well orchestrated, and never chaotic. The parents you run into are all very chill and most always are happy to pick up their kids. This has been a real pleasure for me at this school cause the previous school we came from the drop offs/pick ups were very nerve racking and they just never seemed to handle the hovering bougie parents to clear space for others. I know that this school to some might seem not the school for you, should you be looking for "high testing scores" and "heavy" academics but I would rather my kid get the extra attention he needs to learn everything than to drill away at the academics just so the school can get more funding and recognition. I can rest safe that my son is protected at this school and that they have my best interest in hand as well as his. Thank you to the staff!
Submitted by parent on July 19, 2018

Teachers and staff are all great. The principal is always looking for ways to help students grow. It would be of great help to see more parent volunteers. My son has been going to here since Kinder and every teacher every year takes the time to help my son whenever he is falling behind. This year my son joined the robotics club and really enjoyed it.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2016

I want there and it was amazing they protected the kids that were being bullied. The teachers gave the kids one on one time and they were the best school I have ever been to i wish I could go back it was lots of fun. There was this teacher she rescued so many animals and I know your saying what does this have to do with anything but she would bring some in and we would have a farm day in the school and no kid ever got injured because the animals were trained. They had ya making teachers and staff. I always talk about them they were to nice. The test scores might be alittle low but they do so much to try to get them back up.
Submitted by other on January 27, 2015

I am a grandparent and my daughter and granddaughter live with us. It's a beautiful way to grow old. My granddaughter entered into the TK in Sept & now, halfway through, my daughter has transferred her out of Taft & into another school. We had a terrible experience. First, she has had 5 teachers since Sept. Teacher #1 is pregnant & we are told there will be a long term sub. The long term sub turned into 4 subs of varying time frames & no contact with parents that these changes keep occurring. Also you CANNOT walk the child to her classroom but must drop them off at the gate so you NEVER KNOW who is actually teaching your kid that day. They call it 'fostering independence but I call it trying to dodge questions. And, we found out that kids had to be sent home with lice. NOTHING was said to the other parents so they could check their kids before sending them to school. Lastly sub #2 scheduled parent/teacher conferences a week before conference week, then left & didn't tell anyone about the parents showing up for scheduled conferences. Once my daughter went to the conference she spoke to a sub who did not know her child. There s more but I m done!
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2014

Taft elementary school s a terrible school the test scores drop each year instead of going up! How much lower do the scores have to go before they change things.This school is more worried about protecting it's under performing staff than it is about the students.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2014

I love this school. Teachers are very nice. Office staff also really cares about kids. They have quite a variety of kids. They don't give up on those that struggle. They also have family nights that teach kids you can have fun and learn. If tests scores are low they would have been lower if it hadn't been for the good teachers that help.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2013

My daughter went there for grades 3-5, its ok but the parking really sucks. Wouldn't let her go back if someone paid me.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2011

My 3 children have/still go here & all received individual attention from teachers, staff & principal.The teachers go above & beyond in addressing the children's individual needs & responding to parents' input. (Yes, a few need to retire perhaps, but with the strong young principal, they'll either get with the program or move on.) Innovative interventions have resulted in rising test scores. Parents are encouraged to visit any time by the principal: "This is your school", and she means it. The positive atmosphere is a result of principal, staff, teachers & parents working together. Parents are responding to outreach efforts by the PTA with enthusiasm. I have seen a number of other schools and they don't have the welcoming community feel and the determination to succeed (even the wealthy ones.) Safe, motivated, positive and growing. A "can-do" spirit despite budget cuts, Taft is where each child is treated with respect as an individual: I love this school.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2011

This school has some problems, but it is heading in a better direction. Teachers AND parents need to get involved to turn this school around. There are only a couple of each helping and that is not enough.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2011

Taft provides excellent support for our children. Their newest principal assures that students achieve their quarterly/yearly goals with the help of the staff & parents. I can honestly say, with the exception of a couple teachers, that Taft Elementary is a great school with a very dedicated staff. Some teachers have the gift of language down. They know how to use their words in a way that everyone around them feels good about themselves and motivated to do their work. However, there are some teachers out there who let their adult sense of humor and frankness go too far. I say to these teachers Think about your words carefully, because once you ve spoken, there s no taking it back . If a teacher isn't always encouraging and motivating his/her students, how should we expect our students to thrive in their learning environment? Bottom line - if a teacher needs to be told what not to say, they shouldn't be in the classroom at all.
Submitted by student on April 22, 2010

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Submitted by parent on March 04, 2010

Taft Elementary now has the best and hardest working principal in the district. Mrs. Coe is highly motivated and her efforts are starting to show. The office staff couldn't be more helpful and kind to all. Now Taft need's a great PTA and more parent involvement to match the input and commitment the staff have in our children.
Submitted by student on April 30, 2009

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Submitted by parent on May 13, 2008

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Submitted by parent on August 12, 2007

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