Thomas Jefferson High School

Best high school in Denver. Great all around experience and well rounded education. The school has a great history in athletics and academics.
—Submitted by a student

TJ has been a really great choice for my 9th grader. In addition to an excellent professional computer/journalism program, that you won't find anywhere else, there are honors and AP offerings for every subject. The honors/AP classes are challenging,even for kids coming from IPM or HGT programs. The teachers and administration treat the students with respect and like young adults. Most of the students respond well to this and so there is a relaxed learning atmosphere of mutual respect. The principal is very down to earth and doesn't sweat the small stuff. She actually seems to enjoy being around the students..even the boys! And the cool thing is watching all these kids of different ethnicities and backgrounds getting along so well. We could all learn something from them. Oh...also great sports, theater and lots of other clubs and extras!
—Submitted by a parent

I enrolled at TJ for the second semester of my junior year since I had recently moved in to the area. I had previously attended GW.My first day there was terrible simply because my counselor was never happy to help me.My teachers never bothered to welcome me or give me the information I needed in order to be successful in their class.A couple of weeks later my grades began to suffer due to the lack of support from my teachers.When I felt the need to talk to a counselor for help I asked other students which counselor they recommended and everyone let me know that students never go to the counselors but instead go to the asst. principal for support.I couldn't believe that the counselors at TJ were so unpopular, knowing that at GW I needed my counselor weekly to get help with my grades and preparing for college.About a week later I found myself back at GW.Although TJ was at a much more convenient distance it was not worth the potential for failure that I had there.Overall, my experience at TJ was terrible and I would definitely recommend that if possible you avoid this school if you want your student to have all the support necessary for success in high school and in college.
—Submitted by a student

I now have 2 children attending this school. The academics are great, teachers are great, and the opportunities to play sports are great too. Both kids completely fit in there!
—Submitted by a parent

I think that Thomas Jefferson High has an excellent Special Education department . The teachers and Paraprofessionals are great ! So is the Dr. and the nurse ! They have had to have patience and understanding with my son and I . He has been there since the 9th grade and is now in 11th . We went through some difficult times and with the help of all these professionals we made it though . Some of them have really gone out of their way to help us . We are so thankfull to them and would like them to be reconized . Hopefully, when my son graduates . Thank you to a certain security/coach as well for making us feel welcome and trying to help my son get into sports and self confidence. Most of all they all showed true caring and compassion for my son and I. Thank You!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has an overall outstanding program for the kids the want it but the problem is they don't. I am a student and it is hard to focus because the other kids slack off.They teachers are also something to worry about. There are a few teachers that i have had that hate kids and just shouldn' tbe teachers.
—Submitted by a student

i just graduated from this school and i can say it definatley prepared me for college. i loved the diversity, for i know it is hard to find being an African-American male in Denver. This school was awsome..
—Submitted by a parent

I think TJ is a wonderful school...academically and athletically!...I have experienced first hand how supportive everyone is, from Mrs. Just, the principal, to the fabulous baseball coaching staff, to Jenny Humphrey(in the office)...TJ helps my son shine!
—Submitted by a parent

I truely believe that this school changed by sons life. He is always cheerful, which makes me happy. He loves attending TJ. Not only is it an advantage for him, but as well as for me, too. The curiculum is outstanding and I know my son is getting his full education.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not come close to it's potential. The best teacher that my son had was let go. She was the only one who communicated and acted on her desire to see my son succeed. With her intervention my son's GPA went up nearly 2 points! There seem to be too many politics at this school and not enough quantifiable actions! The principal seems to care but I question her judgment and level of experience. Equally as important the school's staff does not represent its students. There needs to be a more direct way for parents to communicate with on another so that we can effect change.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter enrolled for her freshman year and enjoyed it very much! The teachers were kind and helped her when she needed it and kept us informed, without pestering us. I recommend this to any parents wanting an excellent curriculum that teaches you to think for yourself and question things to advance your learning opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has become overall, intolerable and immoral after the departure of Ms. Bailey (our beloved and caring principal who knew by heart, the first and last names of every student enrolled, whom she personally greeted while passing through the halls). This school severely lacks decency and experienced personnel in positions of power.
—Submitted by a parent

great school excellent academic curriculum
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended for just one year, her freshman year. Everything is fine except there's a couple of teachers to be a bit wary of. Get to know your childs teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

thomas Jefferson is the best school that I have ever been to. The teachers are great and the people are also kind to me and anyone else there it dosen't matter who you are. Thomas Jefferson should be the top school of Denver we may not have alot but the students and teachers make up for all of that. Not to mention the work is equally a challenge it's more and harder to do because it's all new and so hard but yet out teachers still somehow get us on track and make sure we get the proper education. Sorry it's not a review but it's opinon almost the same thing.
—Submitted by Cheria Cauley, a student