Thomas Jefferson Independent Day

Excellent school, involved teachers who care about their students and are motivated to help them succeed. The academics are challenging and prepare the kids to go on to college in a safe environment full of tradition where they make friends that last a lifetime.
--Submitted by a parent

I wish I could give more stars! We moved our 'spirited' 2nd grader and pre-k students from Carl Junction public school to TJ this year. We just finished the first quarter and my kids are exploding intellectually! My pre-k student is sounding out words and reading by himself, he is speaking numbers & basic words/songs in French, & his vocabulary has expanded profoundly. My 2nd grader was being paired with 'less advanced' students in public school the past two years to help them learn. When she should have been receiving harder/more challenging work so she could learn something. At TJ, the teachers actually love teaching & are very skilled. They have quickly indentified my kids positive/negative attributes so we can be more successful. My 2nd grader is finally being challenged and actually says her brain gets tired by the end of the day... but she loves it! Top notch staff!
--Submitted by a parent

amazing school. we drive four hours per day to take our kids here. teacher to student ratio impressive. current (if not ahead) on technology. Very motivated parents! liberal and open-minded. non-sectarian (that's a big deal in this part of the Bible belt). constantly changing and evaluating new ideas. limited sports as they focus on superb academics (a plus in my book), but the athletics they do have are top notch. very nice music program (though this could do with a larger facility), the director is outstanding. long (for just having been around for a fairly short period of time) history of prior student support and recognition. well known in the area. motivated teachers and staff. my daughter has become a different person there as we moved her from public school in Monett, MO to TJ - best investment I have made!
--Submitted by Bobby Pittman, a parent

Thomas jefferson is really the only option for motivated children in the Joplin area. 7 seniors out of 20 graduating are National Merit Finalists, the only Finalists in the area. Excellent small classes and superior leadership at Headmaster. A gem in the Ozarks. French,Latin, and superb science program. District champions in multiple sports. 3 time state academic bowl champions, if you want your kids to go to Harvard this is the place.
--Submitted by a parent