Thomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology

All smart kids come to this school and work so hard to survive, which makes the life of teachers so easy here. Lot of teachers don't even know how to teach and they are all beyond retirement age. Teachers expect students to all the work on their own. Pricipal is very good at covering his staff and does nothing about poor performance of teahcers. It is only kids who stuggle a lot to get the results for TJ. As lot of others mentioned here, TJ students have no life. Lot of tax $$$ are wasted in this school in the name of transportation, renovation etc. I believe Loudoun county is planning to get out of TJ program and lot of Loudoun parents have expressed their OK in the recent survey. This school is nothing but "Hype". If your base school is decent enough and if you want your kid to have a balanced life and real learning please don't send them to TJ.
—Submitted by a parent

[cont'd student body] No, most people don't have the time to hang out each weekend or to run by Moe's for a burrito after class (my twin went to base school and in a well-intentioned effort to draw me out of studying, my base school friends would often take me along, textbooks in tow, for just that very thing). Oh yes, it is QUITE a dedication of time and effort. I don't think that it's for everybody and I know a lot of bright individuals who, because they weren't ready for that kind of work at 14-18 years of age, would have loathed TJ. However, if you think you can manage it-- go for it. What all of that said: It is NOT a big deal if you don't get into TJ. One of my closest friends didn't manage to get into Jefferson. This shocked all of us in middle school-- the girl has serious brains! But the beauty of self-determination is that it's not a one-shot effort. She went to base school, did well, loved her high school career and bam! Now she's at, I kid you not, MIT. For the record, the base school in question was barely in the bronze medal category of the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
—Submitted by a student

The principal is a tool. My D was bullied by a teacher. Even another teacher in the room admitted the first one lost it. No apology and it took moving heaven and earth to have my D moved to a new class.
—Submitted by a parent

TJ is not all that it's hyped up to be. Sure the "academics" are great, but SAT scores don't tell the whole story. The environment here is toxic. The VAST majority of students care little about "STEM" and learning, most are here for one of 4 reasons: 1.Their parents are forcing them to attend 2.They would be bullied at other schools 3.Their lives consist entirely of studying 4.To get into a good college Speaking of schoolwork: the amount of cheating here is RIDICULOUS. Kids care more about getting into college than learning, and this shows in the amount of rampant cheating we have at TJ. TJ robs kids of a high school experience. TJ pulls from all over NOVA, but geographic distances make good friendships impossible until kids can drive. Sports are fun, but the time commitment can kill grades. Many parents mistakenly think TJ will protect their kids from Drugs/Alcohol. Sorry to disappoint, but at TJ drug use is just as common at other schools. The workload is insane. Many of my friends get 2-5 hours of sleep on an average night. In conclusion, TJ is an ok school if all you care about is learning, and don't intend on doing anything fun outside of it. Otherwise, don't come.
—Submitted by a student

I heard this is a best high school in the nation. Anybody could help me to find our the student attendance map zone? And the nearby middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this is a great school because of the exceptionally talented kids that attend and the amount and variety of the extra-curricular activities. Most of the teachers are amazing. TJHSST is one of the finest schools in the nation.
—Submitted by a student

The students here are accomplished, the teachers are good for the high-level classes but generally awful for the lower-level ones. The academic culture here is toxic; everyone is focused on college and almost nobody cares about learning for its own sake. It's a safe environment for children who would be stuffed into trashcans at any other high school.
—Submitted by a student

TJHSST is one of the finest high schools in the nation. Students are continuously challenged by advanced coursework that prepares them for college and for life-long success.

challenging and unique classes
—Submitted by a parent

The students and teachers at this school are absolutely wonderful - we found only a few teachers who did not have the ability to understand their students and teach them. It is a shame that the current principal has so little investment in integrity and no interest in correcting problems parents try to bring to his attention. The four star rating must be due to the excellent teachers and truly motivated students.
—Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of 2007 now graduating from college as a licensed elementary school teacher, I appreciate the work that TJ is trying to accomplish. While the goals of the school are noble and have the best interests of students at heart, sometimes policy implementation does not serve the needs of students or the wider Jefferson community. I don't know that I would have been better or worse off at my base school, McLean High, but everything great about TJ needs to be taken with a grain of salt. We are very caught up in ourselves and how great we think we are. Sometimes, it would be nice to see TJ's administration step off their shiny pedestal for once.
—Submitted by a student

Two children and almost eight years later, my feelings about TJHSST are the same: One of the best schools for children who are motivated to learn. Some of the teachers at TJ have triggered a passion for reading, questioning, forming informed opinions, and being active participants in life outside school. My children are truly blessed to have attended this school and their education will cast long shadows throughout their lives - on their personalities, their dealings with others and their own intellectual honesty!
—Submitted by a parent

the kids who love to learn, the teachers who love to teach, and the staff who can't do enough for students, teachers and parents. students are bussed from miles away to get an outstanding education. friendships develop that last for many years to come.
—Submitted by a parent

It is such a great place where the kids, teachers and the administration all care about learning. They have terrific school spirit and great attitudes.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has top-quality teachers, lots of choice in advanced courses, a diverse, honest, hard-working group of fellow students, and - get this - he's an adolescent boy but HAPPY.
—Submitted by a parent

Good Education, good children, good teachers, great environment.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a really great, close-knit community of people, both students and teachers, who are dedicated to learning.
—Submitted by a student

I think TJ is the best thing that ever happened to me. Everyone is willing to help each other and most of the teachers are great. I especially appreciate the amount of trust that teachers give to students. The only downside is the incredibly long commute.
—Submitted by a student

This school is outstanding in every way--teachers, extra-curricular activities, caring administration--unbelievable!
—Submitted by a parent

I love TJ. Some people hate it because it's a lot of work, the workload forces almost every student to abandon every aspect of their life except the school part. However, in the end, it is worth it. Everyone is smart, interesting, has unique interests, and learned a lot more than the average person at another school. Going to TJ is a small sacrifice for all the benefits its education will provide in the future.
—Submitted by a student