J. P. Taravella High School is a secondary school located in Coral Springs, Florida which teaches grades 9–12. The school is a part of the Broward County Public Schools district. The school was named after Joseph Phillip Taravella (1919–1978), who was the president and chairman of Coral Ridge Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and a founder of the City of Coral Springs.
Recognition
Taravella is ranked as a public high school 148th in the State of Florida and 2022nd nationally. There is an Accelerated Program pass rate of 51% at the school. It was the recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 1987.
It had a Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test school grade of "A" for the 2011–2012 academic year.
In 2018, the school received a "C" grade by Broward County.
In 2007, Taravella won the Grand Championship and also swept all awards at the Vero Beach Crown Jewel Marching competition.
In 2008, the J.P. Taravella Marching Band was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee as one of two bands (the other being Florida A&M) to represent Florida in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.
In 2014, the J.P. Taravella Drama Club was selected to perform in the Florida State Thespian Festival Mainstage for their musical Ragtime
In 2016, the J.P. Taravella Newspaper, known as the JPT Chariot was selected by the Florida Scholastic Press Association for their renowned online website and print newspaper. The JPT Chariot took the Silver Prize (Second) for 'FSPA 2015–16 Newspaper Evaluations' in Florida.
In 2017, J.P. Taravella's ACE Mentoring team, won first place in the county ACE competition.
In 2023, J.P. Taravella's SECME/Engineering Club had a team that placed third at the SkillsUSA 2022–2023 Florida State Leadership and Skills Conference in Engineering Technology and Design.
Taravella has a very active vocal music department which has received many accolades both within Broward County and throughout the state of Florida.
J.P. Taravella Marching Band was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to represent Florida in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.
J.P. Taravella Marching Band finished 10th in Bands of America in 2018 Regional Competition in Orlando and competed in Regional Finals.
The school was renowned for its competitive Speech and Debate team, previously coached by Beth Goldman, whose members garnered numerous accolades—both locally and nationally. At the 2009 NFL National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama, all three Taravella national qualifiers finished in the top six. Captain John Mern finished sixth in the nation in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, and Debate Co-Captains Mickael Silangil and Brian Zakarin finished fourth in the nation in Public Forum Debate. John Mern also finished 1st in the state tournament in United States Extemporaneous speaking. In Goldman's final year, captain Rohit Bhandari placed 6th at the University of Pennsylvania National Invitational and 3rd place at the state tournament in United States Extemporaneous speaking. Goldman has now left and has been replaced by Jon Price.
Demographics
As of the 2021–22 school year, the total student enrollment is 2,752. The ethnic makeup of the school is 47.9% White, 43% Black, 32.4% Hispanic, 3.3% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 4.5% Multiracial, and 0.9% Native American or Native Alaskan. 59.9% of the student body is on the free-and-reduced lunch program.
Activities
Drama club
The Taravella Drama Club has won several accolades during its 25-year teachings by Ms. Lori Sessions. Locally, the club has locally won awards for acting and technical work for district competition. The Drama Club has won several "Cappie" Awards for its talented critics, tech crew, and acting as well. They have also been selected to perform at the state festival for their shows like Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast; along with several one act plays that have recently been directed by Mr. Daniel Bonnett
Academy of Finance
The Academy of Finance (AOF) connects high school students with the world of financial services, offering a curriculum that covers banking and credit, financial planning, securities, insurance, accounting, taxes and economics. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to enhance classroom learning, including work-based learning activities, field trips, guest speakers, and cooperative learning projects.