Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
- A+Overall Grade
- Public, Magnet
- 9-12
- Alexandria, VA
- 466 reviews
- AcademicsA+
- DiversityA-
- TeachersA
- College PrepA+
- Clubs & ActivitiesA+
- Health & SafetyA
- AdministrationB+
- SportsB+
- FoodB
- Resources & FacilitiesA-
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology Rankings
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- Cost of LivingC-
- Good for FamiliesA-
- HousingC-
Area Feel
Urban
Median Household Income
$84,007
National
$55,322Median Rent
$1,660
National
$949Median Home Value
$462,800
National
$184,700Culture & Safety
Health & Safety
A
Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
Poll
- 96%
- of students agree that they feel safe at their school.55 responses
Poll
- 85%
- of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.55 responses
Students
Diversity
A-
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
1,789
Free or Reduced Lunch
2%
- 94%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.62 responses
- 60%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.62 responses
- 29%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.62 responses
Teachers
- 77%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.75 responses
- 79%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.75 responses
- 81%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.75 responses
Clubs & Activities
Clubs & Activities
A+
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average
Expenses Per Student
$15,160/ year
National
$12,239- 92%
- of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.76 responses
- 72%
- of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.76 responses
- 91%
- of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.76 responses
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology Reviews
466 reviews
All Categories
TJ is an amazing place because it provides rigorous academics and countless extracurriculars for free. The research labs provide an unmatched opportunity to connect with DC-area scientists and explore research questions without being limited by cost or supplies. Eighth period offers time to engage in clubs, and many students participate in sports as well. TJ also values integration of subjects as shown in our IBET and HUM programs. Overall, it is a fantastic community to be a part of and provides resources like no other public high schools. In addition, the students truly make the atmosphere, and although it is sometimes falsely stereotyped as a cutthroat environment, for the vast majority of the student population, being surrounded by other equally-minded learners encourages achievement and promotes success. Really the only downsides are a heavy workload and long commutes, but both of these are definitely worth the positives.
TJ is an excellent challenge for any student who is hardworking and loves to learn. It is filled with all kinds of students, contrary to popular belief. However, there is not much diversity. To the majority Asian and White population, it does not seem bad, as most of them have one or two black or hispanic friends. However, it does seem like a problem to the black and hispanic population as even some of the few alienate their culture and try to be what they are not. As there is no actual way to change this problem, unless making the admission process easier for low-income and minority communities, another way must be found to incorporate these cultures into TJ, making the student feel more proud about their cultures. Such as empowering clubs like the black student union, which currently is just an excuse for kids hang out with friends in a free period. However, meeting the few minority students I always enjoy their company, and I hope for more of such students in the future.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, also known more succinctly by locals as "TJ," is a school of extremes. While opportunities to participate in extracurriculars and take advanced classes abound, these same opportunities lead to a significant downside of TJ, which is that it is somewhere between common and the absolute norm to get fewer than eight hours of sleep on a daily basis. The culture has its good and bad sides as well. On one hand, every student here is incredibly passionate about something -- whether it be biology or music. On the other hand, TJ is also plagued by a consistent mix of complaints about teachers and schoolwork (which are at times exaggerated, but almost always have a valid foundation) and "humble bragging", where students brag while simultaneously framing their accomplishments as nothing much.