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Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for the most recently asked FAQ’s.

Looking for testing dates?

Are you looking for information about testing? We’ve got dates for SATs, ACTs, APs, and just about any other test you can think of if you follow this link.

Course Guide Online

TJHHST has a wealth of fascinating courses. Check them out on the Course Guide Online.

Curriculum in the 21st Century

You probably know of TJHSST’s reputation as a leader in science and technology, but did you know that we’re a leader in integrative curriculum? Students have the opportunity to learn about the world as an integrative whole. The humanities, communication, science, and technology are not separated in the real world, nor are they separated at TJHSST. Read more about our IBET and CHUM programs.

Academics at TJHSST

The foundation of the curricular program at TJ focuses on an interdisciplinary approach aimed at maximizing the full potential of each student’s intellectual, technological and affective skills. Course work such as the ninth grade IBET program and Humanities courses are driven by six learning methodologies: acquiring powerful communication skills; developing collaborative skills, thinking and working in the context of systems; working with real projects and problems; managing change; and developing an ethical culture. More information about the various academic programs at TJ can be found in the school’s annually updated Course Selection Guide.

Meet Tommy

Tommy is taking a solitary stroll in preparation for an exciting school year! TJHSST is proud to have this founding father, known for curiosity, innovation, and eloquence.

What is TJHSST?

Established in 1985, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is the result of a partnership of businesses and schools created to improve education in science, mathematics, and technology. Representatives from business and industry and staff of the Fairfax County Public Schools worked together in curriculum and facilities development for the school. In recent years, local business leaders and Jefferson parents have formed the Jefferson Partnership Fund to help raise money to maintain and equip labs and classrooms in the school. As the Governor’s School for Science and Technology in Northern Virginia, the school is also supported by the Virginia Department of Education. In addition to providing a specialized education for selected students in Fairfax County, Jefferson also serves other school districts including Arlington, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William counties as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

Contact the Attendance Office

703-750-8315

Discovery and Innovation

Students at TJHSST do more than learn about the world. They contribute to the knowledge base. This begins from the moment they step foot in TJHSST their freshman year.

Ninth grade students begin their technology education by taking a required full-year technology survey course which is integrated with Biology and English courses. Through an active, project-oriented approach to learning, the technology survey course introduces students to the engineering design process and provides a uniform foundation in knowledge of content and basic skills upon which students may draw for later work in science and technology.

During the tenth and eleventh grades, all students are expected to explore their science and technology interests through elective courses. A broad range of technology courses are currently offered through the Science and Technology research laboratories. Through these electives, students learn the specific formal content and skills required for their senior research project.

During the 12th grade, all students are expected to complete a major science or engineering research project, either by working in one of the science and technology research laboratories, or by working in a commercial, government or university research lab or technical facility through our mentorship program.

12th grade students conduct the majority of their work in a specific laboratory, but are encouraged to make use of the facilities, equipment and resources in any of the laboratories. The mentorship program offers the students an opportunity to pursue research under the guidance of professionals from the scientific and technological community in a professional laboratory or worksite. Students are matched with a mentor based on mutual scientific and technological interests, as well as the goals of the senior research program. We welcome contributions from the scientific and technological community to help mentor students or provide other resources for student project work to our school-based research lab program. These contacts provide students electing to remain at the school an enhanced research experience.

Numerous student projects developed in the research laboratories and through the mentorship program have been honored with top awards from the Intel Science Talent Search, Regional, Virginia, and International Science and Engineering Fairs, the Virginia Junior Academy of Science, the Austin T. Brown Technical Writing Competition, and the Siemens Science and Technology Competition. Our students’ accomplishments are also evident in their participation in professional conferences and as contributors in published papers.