Tara began as a vision and a belief shared by Greg and Laurel Fisher and Betsy Barricklow, the directors and co-founders of the school. In their experience as educators they found that many students were motivated and inspired by the performing arts. They observed that working within a yearly schedule which concentrates on a play or music at specific times actually strengthened and enlivened the students' academic studies.

Initially established in 1994 as an after school performing arts program, Tara has grown into a vibrant educational community of approximately fifty students, their families, and the school's staff. Tara celebrated its first graduating class of seniors in 2001 and is a member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.