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Thomas Jefferson As A High School Option

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is a unique Fairfax County public school that provides an innovative, specialized learning environment for selected students. A Virginia Regional Governor's School, TJHSST currently is open to students from Fairfax, Arlington, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and Falls Church City (the "participating school divisions").

TJHSST is located at 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22312. The school is three miles inside the Capital Beltway (Rte. 495) and just east of Annandale, Virginia. An extensive network of bus routes services the 1,100-square-mile school boundary area. Most participating school divisions provide transportation for their students.

Admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is a competitive process for students interested in an intensive, challenging program focused on math, science, and technology. The majority of students attending the school enter as ninth graders during a winter round of admissions that begins in October. A summer round of freshman admissions is available for students who move into the area after September 30, 2007. A small number of rising sophomores and juniors also are selected for the vacancies at these levels. All students enter TJHSST in September each year. Students may not enter TJHSST mid-year.

TJHSST seeks highly motivated students who demonstrate:

• High ability, aptitude, and genuine interest in math, science or technology;
• Intellectual curiosity and self-motivation to pursue scientific research;
• A desire to be challenged with an extensive curriculum focused in math, science, and technology;
• An interest in the relationship and integration between the humanities and science and technology;
• The highest academic and personal integrity;
• An aspiration to become a member of a community of learners, explorers, mentors, and leaders; and
• The capability to become citizens and leaders of the twenty-first century.

All students entering Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are expected to earn the TJHSST Diploma, which requires completion of the following 26 credits: four in mathematics (students must complete Algebra 1 prior to ninth grade); four in science; four in English; four in social studies; three in one foreign language; two in physical education; four in technology (ninth grade technology; computer science; elective in math, science, or technology; and senior research laboratory or mentorship); and one in fine arts, practical arts, or cultural studies.

TJHSST, therefore, is a high school option for rising high school students who reside in a participating school division, who are strong academically, and who have a genuine interest in, and passion for, science, math, and technology. Interested students should investigate all high school options, including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, before deciding to apply.

Applications to TJHSST should be undertaken with the understanding that no particular prior testing, grade point average, or gifted-and-talented program participation automatically qualifies a student for acceptance. Only five hundred students can be offered admission to the freshman class every year, and some who assume acceptance are disappointed. Only about 17% of the total applicants are offered admission each year.

The admissions process for TJHSST is overseen by the TJHSST Admissions Office. The Admissions Office is located at the Holmes Middle School Annex, 6525 Montrose Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22312. This location is across Braddock Road and a few blocks east of TJHSST. The Annex is behind Holmes Middle School and can be reached via parking-lot Entrance Two. The Admissions Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

In addition to overseeing the admissions process, Admissions Office personnel provide presentations to local schools and community groups about TJHSST and the admissions process. Admissions Office staff also is available to answer your inquiries regarding the admissions process via telephone or e-mail at Contact Us. Admissions Office staff do not make admissions decisions, and cannot change admissions decisions.