Thomas Jefferson Applications Now Available

Applications for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), the Governor’s regional school for science and technology in Northern Virginia, are now available both online and in paper form, Fairfax County Public Schools announced.

Earlier this year, U.S. News named the high school second best in the United States and the best high school in Virginia. The school is highly competitive, drawing an average of 3,300 applications for fewer than 500 open slots every year. Over the summer, the Fairfax County School Board started to discuss what a different admissions process may look like to alleviate concerns about some lack of diversity and some slippage in test scores.

Here are the details on the admissions process:

Students can online applications can be accessed at www.TJAdmissions.org.

Students may apply using either method; paper forms are available from designated counselors in all public middle schools in participating school districts and many private schools. 

If a student cannot obtain an application from the middle school or private school, or if the student is home schooled, call the Admissions Office for an application at 571-423-3770.

Admissions Test the First Step

The initial application registers the applicant for the TJHSST admissions test in December. All applications are due to the designated middle school counselor or to the TJHSST Admissions Office (Fairfax County Public Schools, Gatehouse Administrative Center, 8115 Gatehouse Rd., Suite 2600, Falls Church, Virginia 22042) no later than Friday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. 

This is a firm deadline to which no exceptions will be made for any reason, the school system says. Enrollment in a test preparation class does not constitute application or acceptance to TJHSST.   

Additional information regarding the TJHSST admissions process can be found at www.TJAdmissions.org.

TJHSST will hold its the annual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., for eighth grade students and their parents to learn about the school. Reservations are not required. The Open House will include school tours, presentations about the school program and admissions, and an opportunity to talk with TJHSST students, teachers, parents, and alumni.

TJHSST is located at 6560 Braddock Rd. in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. For additional information, contact the TJHSST admissions office at 571-423-3770 or  tjadmissions@fcps.edu.

See also: Fairfax School Board Explores Changes to Thomas Jefferson Admissions.