James E. Taylor High School is a public high school in unincorporated Harris County, Texas, in Greater Katy. The school, which serves grades 9 through 12, is part of Katy Independent School District. Established in 1979, Taylor High School is a Blue Ribbon School and is ranked among the best in graduation rates, SAT scores, college admittance, and AP scores in the nation. In 2013 the school was ranked the 536th "Best High School in the Nation" by Newsweek Magazine.NamesakeJames "Jimmy" Edgar Taylor was born on October 25, 1912 in North Zulch, Texas. He attended Madisonville High School and received a master's degree in education from Texas A&M University. He was a lieutenant in the United States Army for four years during World War II.He began his career as a teacher in North Zulch and then a high school principal in Junction. He moved to Katy as superintendent, and remained so for 31 years. During his tenure, Katy ISD grew from a Class A district to one which opened its second Class 5A high school in 1979, named James E. Taylor High School.
