Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (hereafter abbreviated as TJHSST) is consistently regarded as among the top high schools in the country, public or private. It is a public magnet school in Fairfax county Virginia, and has a well-deserved reputation for academic rigor and excellence.
In this article then, we’re going to explore the school and its offerings in more detail. We will begin with the general facts and information about TJHSST, followed by their process for admissions (and what you need to do to apply). We’ll finish off by examining their offerings in more depth, and highlighting notable classes and campus programs. Let’s jump in!
TJHSST Basic Facts
The school was originally opened in 1964, but in 1985 was converted into a selective admissions magnet school, with a focus on STEM specifically. The governor helped to create the school as a regional school for technology, and the school therefore serves students from Fairfax, Arlington, Loudon, and Prince William counties, and from the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
The school has consistently been ranked highly academically, with US News ranking it the top high school in the country in 2021 and 2022. The school enrolls 1,800 students, and has an 18-1 student to teacher ratio, far better than the national average. The school has the following demographic breakdown:
- Asian 72%
- White 18.3%
- Two or more races 4.8%
- Hispanic 3%
- Black 1.8%
Additionally, the student body is 59% male and 41% female.
The school’s curriculum is focused on preparing students for college, and on introducing them to advanced topics in the sciences and technology. The school boasts a 100% graduation rate, and many of the students go on to attend the nation’s top universities.
While TJHSST is a public school and receives much of its funding from taxes, it is also supported by a number of community groups and local businesses, who see the school as an ideal way to reinvest in their community.
Admission to TJHSST
We should note that there is an ongoing court case regarding TJHSST’s admissions policies, Coalition for TJ vs. Fairfax County School Board. This case is still on hold, and the decision could dramatically alter the school’s admissions policies. We will describe the admissions policies as they currently stand, and then return to update this article should the situation change.
In order to apply, you must reside in one of the geographic areas served by the school, there is no way for students from outside this area to apply. In addition, students must meet the following prerequisites in order to apply:
- They must be in Algebra 1 or higher for math
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
The application requires you to complete a math or science problem solving essay, an application sheet which demonstrates your skills and character, and details about your socio-economic background.
Each public middle school in the region served by TJHSST is automatically able to send 1.5% of its class to the high school. All of the other seats available are given to the highest evaluated students. During evaluations, students are only referred to by a number; admissions officers do not know your name, gender, or ethnicity.
Prior to 2020, the admissions process also included the results of a math, science, and reading exam. This was changed to increase the diversity on campus, and the lawsuit currently pending is seeking to revert to the former admissions status quo. We will see if and when the court issues a verdict on the ruling; the lower court may be waiting to see how the Supreme Court rules on affirmative action.
By Environmental Protection Agency. Office of the Administrator. Office of Public Affairs. Office of Multimedia.
Notable Options at TJHSST
There are numerous notable options at this school, both inside and outside the classroom, as one would expect from the top high school in the country. We will go through these by section, for ease of finding what you are interested in.
Classes and Curricula
As a technology focused high school, there are numerous high level course offerings available to students. First, here are the course requirements to graduate:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math (through at least Algebra II)
- 3 years of laboratory science
- 3 years of history and social studies (including courses on US and Virginian history, and US and Virginian government)
- 2 years of health and physical education
- 2 years of a combination of world languages, fine arts, or career/technical education (at least one year of which must be fine arts or career/technical)
- 1 year of economics and personal finance
- 4 years of electives
- Students must complete at least one AP or IB course, or receive at least one technical certification to graduate
- Students must complete first aid training, including CPR and use of a defibrillator
- Students must complete at least one course online, which may be a non-credit bearing elective
Note that these are the minimum requirements; most students take four years in each core academic subject.
The school offers not just lab sciences, but hands-on technical classes where you may learn the applications of the principles of physics and chemistry. These include automotives, construction, cosmetology, carpentry, electrical construction, and HVAC. This is on top of more formal engineering courses.
Students interested in business can find classes in marketing, entrepreneurship, and management, economics, and introductions to ethical leadership and law, both fields prized by business students.
Students interested in medicine can take practical courses in nursing and healthcare, along with more specialized courses in dental medicine, pharmacy, emergency medicine, physical therapy, or veterinary science. This is on top of biology, advanced biotopics such as microbiology or neuroscience, and biotech courses.
The school does not neglect the fine arts because of its focus on science. It offers courses on dance, band, orchestra, choir, theatre and technical theatre. It also offers classes in the visual arts, including photography, studio art, digital art, and art history.
The math offerings are as advanced as you could expect, with classes on linear algebra, differential equations, and multivariable calculus.
Students interested in computers can find a plethora of options, from coding courses, to machine learning, app development, data structures, AI, game design, robotics, network administration, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. (They don’t include technology in the school’s name for nothing).
The school offers a great number of languages, including American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese. These are all offered at multiple levels, from absolute beginner to master. AP options are offered in each language which contains one.
Research Options
All students are required to undertake a research mentorship or technical apprenticeship while at the school, so TJHSST has a number of well equipped laboratories and mentorships designed to help students pursue their research. This is presented each year at the Thomas Jefferson Symposium to Advance Research, and students may choose to publish their results in a journal produced by the school which is widely regarded for its quality.
The mentorship program allows students to pursue these interests even further outside of school, partnering them with a researcher or academic from the surrounding area (which includes Washington DC). You are still monitored by and report to the school’s research director, but have more of an opportunity to apply your skills and explore your interests in the real world.
Extracurriculars
On top of having a swath of extracurriculars, students at TJHSST are given an “8th period” at the end of the school day on Wednesdays and Fridays specifically to participate in extracurricular activities.
Clubs run the gamut, from offerings you find at any high school to those which can only exist due to the advanced lab facilities that this school boasts. They are not just limited to science and technology either; students can participate in artistic endeavors, explore their various hobbies, or participate in varsity sports.
While the focus of the school is academics, students still find time outside of class to pursue their passions. They have seen success here as well, with their academic teams often recognized for their talent.
Final Thoughts
The high school you go to matters for your college applications, as how well it prepares you for the rigors of college is something they look at closely. TJHSST is a very rigorous school, with options for advanced exploration that go far beyond what many other schools offer either public or private. It is very difficult to get into, but this is understood, as the opportunities it offers are sought by many students.
The high school you go to is an important choice, be it public or private. If you want advice on which high school is best for you, or on how to approach a high school application, schedule a free consultation today. We know this can be a challenging process, but we have a depth of experience on helping students find the best option for them.
