Thomas Jefferson High School

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