View source for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox school
 | name                    = Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
 | logo                    = tjlogo.png
 | streetaddress           = 6560 Braddock Road
 | city                    = [[Alexandria, Virginia|Alexandria]]
 | state                   = Virginia<!-- do not link per MOS:GEOLINK -->
 | zipcode                 = 22312
 | country                 = United States
 | coordinates             = {{nowrap|{{Coord|38|49|06|N|77|10|07|W|type:edu_region:US|display=inline,title}}}}
 | schooltype              = [[Magnet school|magnet]] [[High school#United States|high school]]
 | fundingtype             = [[Public school (government funded)|Public]]
 | established             = 
 | founded                 = {{Start date and age|1985}}
 | district                = [[Fairfax County Public Schools]]
 | principal               = Michael Mukai
 | teaching_staff          = 120.23 ([[Full time equivalent|FTE]]) (2023–24)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?ID=510126002034|title=Thomas Jefferson High For Science And Technology|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|accessdate=January 1, 2025}}</ref>
 | ratio                   = 16.78 (2023–24)<ref name=NCES/>
 | grades                  = 9–12
 | gender                  = [[Coeducational]]
 | enrollment              = 2,133 (2024–25)
 | conference              = {{ubl | [[National District (VHSL)|National District]] | [[Region 6C]]}}
 | team_name               = Colonials
 | accreditation           = SACS CASI<ref name="AdvancED">{{cite web |title=Institution Summary |url=http://www.advanc-ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary?institutionId=10426 |website=AdvancED |publisher=Advance Education, Inc. |access-date=March 16, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402233730/http://www.advanc-ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary?institutionId=10426 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 | newspaper               = tjTODAY<ref>{{cite news |date=2017 |title=tjTODAY - The student news site of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology |url=https://www.tjtoday.org/ |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=January 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107055507/https://www.tjtoday.org/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
 | yearbook                = Techniques
 | communities             = [[Northern Virginia]]
 | website                 = {{URL|tjhsst.fcps.edu}}
 | USNWR_ranking           = 14 (2024)<ref name=usnews>{{cite news |date=2024 |title=Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/virginia/districts/fairfax-county-public-schools/thomas-jefferson-high-school-for-science-and-technology-20461 |work=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217153430/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/virginia/districts/fairfax-county-public-schools/thomas-jefferson-high-school-for-science-and-technology-20461 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 | feeders                 = [[Northern Virginia]] schools
 | campus_type             = [[Suburb]]an
 | colors                  = {{Ubl | Red, white, and navy | {{Color box|red|border=darkgray}}{{Color box|white|border=darkgray}}{{Color box|navy|border=darkgray}}}}
}}
'''Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology''' (also known as '''TJHSST, Thomas Jefferson, or TJ''') is a [[Virginia]]  [[magnet school|magnet]] [[Secondary school|high school]] in [[Fairfax County, Virginia]] operated by [[Fairfax County Public Schools]]. The school occupies the building of the previous [[Thomas Jefferson High School (1964–1987)|Thomas Jefferson High School]], constructed in 1964. A [[Selective school|selective admissions]] program was initiated in 1985 through the cooperation of state and county governments and corporate sponsorship from the defense and technology industries. It is one of 18 Virginia [[Governor's Schools (Virginia)|Governor's Schools]], and a founding member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology.

Attendance at the school is open to students in six local jurisdictions based on academic achievement described in the Student Portrait Sheet—a compilation of 4 essays, problem-solving skills—assessed by the Problem Solving Essay, an unweighted grade-point average consisting of 7th grade final grades—8th grade first quarter grades—and summer grades, and socio-economic background.<ref name=admissions>{{Cite web |title=TJHSST Freshman Application Process {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |url=https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/tjhsst-freshman |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=www.fcps.edu |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823152607/https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/tjhsst-freshman |url-status=live}}</ref> Before the 2020–21 school year, the admissions process also involved a math, reading, and science exam.<ref name=Natanson>{{Cite news |last=Natanson |first=Hannah |date=October 8, 2020 |title=Fairfax school board eliminates admissions test at Thomas Jefferson High School |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/thomas-jefferson-high-admissions-change/2020/10/07/0a1f8faa-08a7-11eb-9be6-cf25fb429f1a_story.html |access-date=August 24, 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707204639/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/thomas-jefferson-high-admissions-change/2020/10/07/0a1f8faa-08a7-11eb-9be6-cf25fb429f1a_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

== History ==
===20th century===
[[Thomas Jefferson High School (1964–1987)|Thomas Jefferson High School]] was constructed and opened in 1964.<ref name=Baye>{{Cite news |last=Baye |first=Rachel |date=April 1, 2013 |title=Elite 'TJ' plans for $90 million expansion |language=en |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/elite-tj-plans-for-90-million-expansion |access-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830053519/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/elite-tj-plans-for-90-million-expansion |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Deborah |date=June 6, 1985 |title=Old and New Celebrated At Jefferson |access-date=November 23, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138647589/50F38E0746794116PQ |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002217/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138647589/50F38E0746794116PQ |url-status=live }}</ref> Fairfax County Public Schools' superintendent William J. Burkholder and his staff began working on the idea of a science high school in 1983 with advice from the superintendent's business/advisory council.<ref name=Henderson>{{Cite news |last=Henderson |first=Nell |date=August 27, 1984 |title=Educators, Businessmen Creating High-Tech High School in Fairfax |access-date=November 23, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138202735 |id={{ProQuest|138202735}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002222/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138202735 |url-status=live }}</ref> Burkholder announced the plans for the magnet school in January 1984.<ref name=Latimer>{{Cite news |last=Latimer |first=Leah Y. |date=January 18, 1984 |title=Bell Urges Business To Support Education |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 23, 2022 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138367236 |id={{ProQuest|138367236}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002216/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138367236 |url-status=live }}</ref> The school board chose Thomas Jefferson High School as the location for the new magnet school in June 1984<ref name=Painton>{{Cite news |last=Painton |first=Priscilla |date=June 29, 1984 |title=Jefferson High In Fairfax Will Become Magnet |access-date=November 23, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington post |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138220120 |id={{ProQuest|138220120}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002222/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138220120 |url-status=live }}</ref> and approved the funding in February 1985.<ref name=Carton>{{Cite news |last=Carton |first=Barbara |date=February 21, 1985 |title=Fairfax School Board Approves Budget |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 23, 2022 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138716460 |id={{ProQuest|138716460}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002218/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138716460 |url-status=live }}</ref> 

The school was originally intended to only serve [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax County]] students, but after Virginia governor [[Charles S. Robb]] chose Fairfax County as the location of a regional science and technology school, the school board voted to accept the funding from the state and allow students from [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington]], [[Loudoun County, Virginia|Loudoun]], and [[Prince William County, Virginia|Prince William]] counties and from the Cities of [[Fairfax, Virginia|Fairfax]] and [[Falls Church, Virginia|Falls Church]] to attend as well.<ref name=Painton2>{{Cite news |last=Painton |first=Priscilla |date=June 23, 1984 |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=High-Tech School Set In Fairfax |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138255905 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |id={{ProQuest|138255905}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002220/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138255905 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Painton3>{{Cite news |last=Painton |first=Priscilla |date=October 12, 1984 |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Fairfax to Open Science High School to Other Jurisdictions |access-date=November 23, 2022 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138131242 |id={{ProQuest|138131242}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002217/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138131242 |url-status=live }}</ref> The business community played a significant role in the creation of the school, providing around $3 million in contributions and advice on the school's curriculum.<ref name= Sugawara>{{Cite news |last=Sugawara |first=Sandra |date=June 18, 1989 |title=Companies and Classrooms |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/307148367 |access-date=September 1, 2022 |id={{ProQuest|307148367}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002218/https://www.proquest.com/docview/307148367 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hazleton Laboratories (now [[Fortrea]]), [[Honeywell]], [[AT&T]], [[Dominion Energy]], [[Sony Corporation]], [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[Xerox]], and other companies made contributions in equipment or finances to the school before it opened.<ref name=Blechman>{{Cite news |last=Blechman |first=Barbara H. |date=August 22, 1985 |title=Back to School: New Facilities, High-Tech Challenges Await Students in Fairfax County |access-date=November 23, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/138561982 |id={{ProQuest|138561982}} |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002220/https://www.proquest.com/docview/138561982 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Henderson /> Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology opened in fall 1985 with 400 ninth-graders and 125 seniors who were selected from 1,200 applicants.<ref name=Blechman />

===21st century===
From 2013 to 2017, the school underwent renovations, adding additional research labs, internet cafes, three-dimensional art galleries, a black box theater, and a dome reminiscent of President [[Thomas Jefferson]]'s [[Monticello]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Avni |title=Administration celebrates end of renovation with ribbon cutting ceremony |language=en-US |newspaper=tjTODAY |date=April 20, 2017 |url=https://www.tjtoday.org/20612/showcase/administration-celebrates-end-of-renovation-with-ribbon-cutting-ceremony/ |access-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830053538/https://www.tjtoday.org/20612/showcase/administration-celebrates-end-of-renovation-with-ribbon-cutting-ceremony/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Tim |title=Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria |language=en-US |newspaper=Connection Newspapers |url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2014/nov/20/renovation-keeps-rolling-thomas-jefferson-high-sch/ |date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830053538/http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2014/nov/20/renovation-keeps-rolling-thomas-jefferson-high-sch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The renovations cost $90 million.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Prestigious Fairfax School Plans $90 Million Renovation |language=en-US |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/prestigious-fairfax-school-plans-90m-renovation/2100725/ |date=April 2, 2013 |work=NBC Washington |access-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830053523/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/prestigious-fairfax-school-plans-90m-renovation/2100725/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 2020s, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) underwent three major controversies regarding its admissions process,<ref name="Natanson" /> intentionally delayed distribution of National Merit awards,<ref name=":0" /> and its relationship with Chinese entities.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=Thomas Jefferson High School gave permission to China-affiliated organizations to create schools in China using the Virginia school's name and likeness |url=https://defendinged.org/incidents/thomas-jefferson-high-school-gave-permission-to-china-affiliated-organizations-to-create-schools-in-china-using-the-virginia-schools-name-and-likeness/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Parents Defending Education |language=en-us}}</ref> The school replaced its test-based admissions with a holistic review process in 2020, leading to significant demographic changes and legal challenges.<ref name=":2" /> Additionally, it was revealed that between 2014 and 2021, the school's Partnership Fund had received $3.6 million from Chinese Communist Party-linked entities in exchange for the school's intellectual property and curriculum.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-10 |title=Youngkin’s Office Vows to ‘Get to the Bottom’ of CCP Influence after NR Exposes Effort to ‘Clone’ Premier Virginia School |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/youngkins-office-vows-to-get-to-the-bottom-of-ccp-influence-after-nr-exposes-effort-to-clone-premier-virginia-school/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=National Review |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Amidst these controversies, Principal Ann Bonitatibus resigned in October 2024;<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-23 |title=Thomas Jefferson High School principal resigns |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/education/elite-virginia-high-school-principal-steps-down/65-cc65fe8b-363e-4c28-9d0f-d4440a4e516e |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=wusa9.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-22 |title=Principal of top-ranked Virginia high school resigns |url=https://www.fox5dc.com/news/principal-top-ranked-virginia-high-school-resigns |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=FOX 5 DC |language=en-US}}</ref> she stated in an email to parents that she had "pursued and accepted" a "promotion" to the [[Fairfax County Public Schools]]' Human Resources department, which drew widespread skepticism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Asra Q. Nomani / Special to the Fairfax County |date=2024-10-25 |title=Controversial TJHSST principal set to resign |url=https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fairfax_county/controversial-tjhsst-principal-set-to-resign/article_e65653cc-924c-11ef-b92c-7b0de32075f0.html |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Fairfax County Times |language=en}}</ref> She was replaced by Michael Mukai, a TJHSST alumni, on January 9, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last= Times |first=Asra Q. Nomani |date=2025-01-09 |title=FCPS selects TJHSST alum Michael Mukai to be new principal |url=https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fcps-selects-tjhsst-alum-michael-mukai-to-be-new-principal/article_675df76c-cee9-11ef-9b2a-ab958f33eb91.html |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Fairfax County Times |language=en}}</ref>

== Admissions ==
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+ Admission statistics
|-
! Year
! Applicants
! Admits
! Admit rate
|-
| 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=TJHSST Admissions Statistics for Class of 2016 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404073947/http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/tj/tjadmissions0412.pdf |url=http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/tj/tjadmissions0412.pdf |archive-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref>
| 3,423
| 480
| 14.0%
|-
| 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=TJHSST Admissions Statistics for Class of 2017 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412004754/http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/tj/tjadmissions0413.pdf |url=http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/tj/tjadmissions0413.pdf |archive-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref>
| 3,121
| 480
| 15.4%
|-
| 2014<ref>{{Cite web |title=TJHSST Admissions Statistics for Class of 2018 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404073953/http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/tj/tjadmissions0414.pdf |url=http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pr/tj/tjadmissions0413.pdf |archive-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref>
| 2,900
| 487
| 16.8%
|-
| 2015<ref name = "Demographics">{{cite news |last1=Shapiro |first1=T. Rees |title=Asian students dominate admissions to elite Thomas Jefferson High School |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/asians-students-dominate-admissions-to-elite-thomas-jefferson-high-school/2015/03/31/fd6771be-d7de-11e4-ba28-f2a685dc7f89_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=April 19, 2017 |date=March 31, 2015 |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518034051/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/asians-students-dominate-admissions-to-elite-thomas-jefferson-high-school/2015/03/31/fd6771be-d7de-11e4-ba28-f2a685dc7f89_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2,841
| 493
| 17.4%
|-
| 2016<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 16, 2016 |title=FCPS - News Releases |url=http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=2955 |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416035840/http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=2955 |archive-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref>
| 2,868
| 483
| 16.8%
|-
| 2017<ref>{{Cite news |title=FCPS Offers Admission to TJHSST to 490 Students {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |date=May 16, 2017 |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-offers-admission-tjhsst-490-students |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824023206/https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-offers-admission-tjhsst-490-students |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2,902
| 490
| 16.9%
|-
| 2018<ref>{{Cite news |title=TJHSST Offers Admission to 485 Students for the Class of 2022 {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |date=April 9, 2018 |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-offers-admission-485-students-class-2022 |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824023208/https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-offers-admission-485-students-class-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 3,160
| 485
| 15.3%
|-
| 2019<ref>{{Cite news |title=FCPS' TJHSST Offers Admission to 494 Students {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |date=May 31, 2019 |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-tjhsst-offers-admission-494-students |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824023208/https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-tjhsst-offers-admission-494-students |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2,766
| 494
| 17.9%
|-
| 2020<ref>{{Cite news |title=TJHSST Offers Admission to 486 Students {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |date=June 1, 2020 |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-offers-admission-486-students |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824023116/https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-offers-admission-486-students |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2,539
| 486
| 19.1%
|-
| 2021<ref name=admissions2021>{{Cite news |title=TJHSST Offers Admission to 550 Students; Broadens Access to Students Who Have an Aptitude for STEM {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-offers-admission-550-students-broadens-access-students-who-have-aptitude-stem |date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824023207/https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-offers-admission-550-students-broadens-access-students-who-have-aptitude-stem |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 3,034
| 550
| 18.1%
|-
| 2022<ref name=admissions2022>{{Cite news |title=Thomas Jefferson High School Continues to Increase Access for All {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/thomas-jefferson-high-school-continues-increase-access-all |date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921170904/https://www.fcps.edu/news/thomas-jefferson-high-school-continues-increase-access-all |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2,544
| 550
| 21.6%
|-
|2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Class of 2027 Continues to Reflect Expanded Access to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |url=https://www.fcps.edu/node/47920 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=www.fcps.edu |language=en}}</ref>
|2,548
|550
|21.6%
|-
|2024<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-18 |title=Offers Extended to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Class of 2028 {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/offers-extended-thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-class-2028 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=www.fcps.edu |language=en}}</ref>
|2,627
|550
|20.9%
|-
|2025<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-28 |title=Offers Extended to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Class of 2029 {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/offers-extended-thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-class-2029 |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=www.fcps.edu |language=en}}</ref>
|2,605
|550
|21.1%
|}

The school is part of the [[Fairfax County Public Schools]] system of [[Fairfax County, Virginia]]. Students from [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax]], [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington]], [[Loudoun County, Virginia|Loudoun]], and [[Prince William County, Virginia|Prince William]] counties and from the Cities of [[Fairfax, Virginia|Fairfax]] and [[Falls Church, Virginia|Falls Church]] are eligible for admission.<ref name=eligible>{{cite web |title=TJHSST Eligibility Requirements |url=https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-admissions/eligibility-requirements |publisher=[[Fairfax County Public Schools]] |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826085949/https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-admissions/eligibility-requirements |url-status=live }}</ref> Students must be enrolled in Algebra 1 or a higher level math class in 8th grade and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 to be eligible.<ref name=eligible />

The admissions process is based on grade point average, a math or science related problem solving essay, a student portrait sheet demonstrating skills and character, and details about a student's socio-economic background including whether they are economically disadvantaged, a special education student, or an English language learner.<ref name=admissions /> Each public school is allocated a number of seats equal to 1.5% of that school's 8th grade student population; the remaining seats are unallocated and offered to the highest evaluated remaining students.<ref name=admissions /> During the admissions process, students are identified only by a number; admissions officers do not know their race, ethnicity, sex, or name.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Regulation 3355.16 |url=https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CEHHLJ490428/$file/R3355.pdf |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811024554/https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CEHHLJ490428/$file/R3355.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Before the 2020–21 school year, the admissions process also included a math, reading, and science exam.<ref name= Natanson />

===Demographics and exam controversy===

{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible floatright"; style="text-align:right"
|+ style="font-size:90%" |''Data are based on the 2020-2021, 2019-2020 and 2018-2019 academic years.''<ref name=usnews />
|-
! Race and ethnicity
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]]
|align=right| {{bartable|72.0|%|2||background:purple}}
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic whites|White]]
|align=right| {{bartable|18.3|%|2||background:gray}}
|-
| [[Multiracial Americans|Two or more Races]]
|align=right| {{bartable|4.8|%|2||background:red}}
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]]
|align=right| {{bartable|3.0|%|2||background:green}}
|-
| [[African Americans|Black]]
|align=right| {{bartable|1.8|%|2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian/Alaska Native]]
|align=right| {{bartable|0.1|%|2||background:orange}}
|-
| [[Pacific Islander|Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander]]
|align=right| {{bartable|0.1|%|2||background:yellow}}
|-
! Sex
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| Male
|align=right| {{bartable|59|%|2||background:blue}}
|-
| Female
|align=right| {{bartable|41|%|2||background:red}}
|}

{{See also|Coalition for TJ v. Fairfax County School Board}}

The admissions process and the demographics of the student body it produces, in particular the under-representation of [[African Americans|black]] and [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]] students relative to the school system overall, have been a source of controversy throughout the school's history.

After the school's early graduating classes included relatively few black and Hispanic students, FCPS created a race-based [[affirmative action]] program to admit more black and Hispanic students.<ref name=Kahn>{{Cite journal |last=Kahn |first=Hilde |date=June 26, 2018 |title=A Stubborn Excellence Gap |url=https://www.educationnext.org/stubborn-excellence-gap-despite-efforts-diversity-stalls-elite-public-high-school/ |journal=Education Next |access-date=August 26, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826082947/https://www.educationnext.org/stubborn-excellence-gap-despite-efforts-diversity-stalls-elite-public-high-school/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The program was in effect for the admissions process for the graduating classes of 1997 through 2002; the county ended it because of legal challenges to similar programs.<ref name=Kahn /> Following the end of this program, the share of black and Hispanic students at the school decreased from 9.4 percent in 1997–98 to 3.5 percent in 2003–04.<ref name=Kahn /> Black and Hispanic students remained significantly under-represented at the school through the 2000s and 2010s.<ref>{{Cite news |title=How should a premier magnet school boost Black and Latino enrollment? A suggested lottery spurs fierce debate. |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/how-should-a-premier-magnet-school-boost-black-and-latino-enrollment-a-suggested-lottery-spurs-fierce-debate/2020/10/02/ccd10348-04b1-11eb-a2db-417cddf4816a_story.html |access-date=August 26, 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914204903/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/how-should-a-premier-magnet-school-boost-black-and-latino-enrollment-a-suggested-lottery-spurs-fierce-debate/2020/10/02/ccd10348-04b1-11eb-a2db-417cddf4816a_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/30/AR2010103003460.html |title=Black, Hispanic students dwindle at elite Va. public school |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=February 14, 2011 |date=October 30, 2010 |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124221705/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/30/AR2010103003460.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012, a civil rights complaint against the school was filed with the [[United States Department of Education|U.S. Department of Education]] Office of Civil Rights by ''Coalition of the Silence,'' an advocacy group led by former county School Board member Tina Hone, and the Fairfax chapter of the [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People|NAACP]], alleging that it discriminated against black, Hispanic, and [[Disability|disabled]] students.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Jefferson High School For Science And Technology Hit With Civil Rights, Discrimination Suit |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/25/thomas-jefferson-high-sch_n_1700247.html |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=March 16, 2015 |date=July 24, 2012 |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226063219/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/25/thomas-jefferson-high-sch_n_1700247.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Turley |first=Jonathan |title=Thomas Jefferson High School Sued Over Minority Admissions |newspaper=Jonathan Turley |date=July 27, 2012 |url=http://jonathanturley.org/2012/07/27/thomas-jefferson-high-school-sued-over-minority-admissions/ |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116082756/http://jonathanturley.org/2012/07/27/thomas-jefferson-high-school-sued-over-minority-admissions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In response, the Office of Civil Rights, in September 2012, opened an investigation.<ref>{{cite letter |first=Dale |last=Rhines |recipient=Martina Hone, Coalition of the Silence, and Charisse Glassman, NAACP-Fairfax |subject=OCR Complaint No. December 11, 1503 |date=September 25, 2012 |type=typescript |url=http://coalitionofthesilence.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cp-tj-notif-letter-pdf.pdf| access-date = January 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Grace |title=Prestigious High School in Virginia Faces Civil Rights Lawsuit |url=https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/prestigious-high-school-in-virginia-faces-civil-rights-lawsuit |website=publicschoolreview.com |publisher=Public School Review |access-date=April 19, 2017 |date=May 30, 2016 |archive-date=April 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143309/https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/prestigious-high-school-in-virginia-faces-civil-rights-lawsuit |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2020, the school board made a number of significant changes to the admissions process meant to increase the ratio of black and Hispanic students admitted. These included the elimination of the application fee; the increase of the number of admitted students from around 480 to 550; the elimination of an entrance exam; the allocation of seats to each middle school equal to 1.5% of their 8th grade student population; and the addition of "experience factors" including whether students are economically disadvantaged, English language learners, or special education students.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2020 |title=School Board Chooses Holistic Review as New Admissions Policy for TJHSST {{!}} Fairfax County Public Schools |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/school-board-chooses-holistic-review-new-admissions-policy-tjhsst |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=www.fcps.edu |archive-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921170910/https://www.fcps.edu/news/school-board-chooses-holistic-review-new-admissions-policy-tjhsst |url-status=live }}</ref> Following these changes, the proportion of black and Hispanic students admitted increased from 4.52% to 18.36% while the proportion of [[Asian Americans]] decreased from 73.05% to 54.36%.<ref name=admissions2021 /> The proportion of female students admitted also increased, from 41.80% to 46.00%,<ref name=admissions2021 /> and to 55.45% the next year.<ref name=admissions2022 />

In March 2021, the Coalition for TJ, an advocacy group opposed to the changes and represented by the [[Pacific Legal Foundation]], sued the Fairfax County school board, alleging that the 2020 changes to the admissions process discriminated against Asian Americans.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fairfax County school system faces second lawsuit over changes to Thomas Jefferson admissions |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/thomas-jefferson-high-lawsuit-admissions-changes/2021/03/10/339e7c3c-81c0-11eb-81db-b02f0398f49a_story.html |access-date=August 26, 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027164608/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/thomas-jefferson-high-lawsuit-admissions-changes/2021/03/10/339e7c3c-81c0-11eb-81db-b02f0398f49a_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2022, judge [[Claude M. Hilton]] of the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia]] ruled in ''[[Coalition for TJ v. Fairfax County School Board]]'' in the Coalition for TJ's favor and ordered the school to return to the previous admissions process.<ref>{{cite news |last=Saul |first=Stephanie |author-link=Stephanie Saul |date=February 16, 2022 |title=Conservatives Open New Front in Elite School Admission Wars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/16/us/school-admissions-affirmative-action.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622034506/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/16/us/school-admissions-affirmative-action.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The school board appealed the decision to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit]] and in March 2022 that court issued a stay on the order that allowed the school to continue the new admissions process while the case was pending.<ref>{{cite news |last=Natanson |first=Hannah |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Court says Thomas Jefferson admissions can remain as case proceeds |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/03/31/fourth-circuit-rules-tj-lawsuit/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809191111/https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/03/31/fourth-circuit-rules-tj-lawsuit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Supreme Court of the United States]] rejected a request to vacate the stay in April 2022.<ref name=Howe>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2022 |last=Howe |first=Amy |title=Court allows elite Virginia high school to keep admissions policy while legal challenge continues |url=https://www.scotusblog.com/2022/04/court-allows-elite-virginia-high-school-to-keep-admissions-policy-while-legal-challenge-continues/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=SCOTUSblog |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826221755/https://www.scotusblog.com/2022/04/court-allows-elite-virginia-high-school-to-keep-admissions-policy-while-legal-challenge-continues/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The case was heard in the court of appeals on September 16, 2022, and decided on May 23, 2023.<ref name="4th">{{cite web|url=https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/221280.P.pdf|title=Coalition for TJ v. Fairfax County School Board|access-date=2023-05-24}}</ref> The Fourth Circuit, by a 2 to 1 vote, reversed the district court and restored the new admission plan. The Fourth Circuit's decision was appealed to the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court rejected to review the case on February 20, 2024 with Justice [[Clarence Thomas]] and Justice [[Samuel Alito]] dissenting from the denial.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marimow |first1=Ann E. |last2=Elwood |first2=Karina |title=Supreme Court won’t review admissions at Va.’s Thomas Jefferson school |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/20/supreme-court-affirmative-action-thomas-jefferson-high-school/ |website=Washington Post |access-date=21 February 2024 |date=20 February 2024}}</ref>

==Curriculum==
TJ's curriculum is focused on college preparation and provides students with the opportunity to achieve in all disciplines, with an emphasis on science and technology.<ref name=Profile>{{Cite web |title=Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology 2022-2023 |url=https://tjhsst.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/2022-23%20TJHSST%20Profile_0.pdf |access-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117022338/https://tjhsst.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/2022-23%20TJHSST%20Profile_0.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> 

=== TJ3Sat and TJREVERB projects ===
The Systems Engineering Course designed and built a [[CubeSat]] which was launched on November 19, 2013, from [[Wallops Flight Facility]] in Virginia. [[Orbital Sciences Corporation]] donated the CubeSat Kit to the school on December 6, 2006, and provided the launch for the satellite.  After a successful launch at 8:15PM EST, TJ<sup>3</sup>SAT became the first satellite launched into space that was built by high school students.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/release.asp?prid=581 |title=Thomas Jefferson High School and Orbital Establish Partnership |first=Barron |last=Beneski |author2=Alex Massie |author-link2=Alex Massie (Journalist) |date=October 8, 2006 |access-date=October 8, 2006 |archive-date=May 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524072317/http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/release.asp?prid=581 |url-status=live }}</ref> The launched satellite contained a 4-watt transmitter operating on [[amateur radio]] frequencies, and a [[text-to-speech]] module to allow it to broadcast [[ASCII]]-encoded messages sent to it from Jefferson.

TJREVERB, a 2U CubeSat, is the school's second CubeSat mission. After a 6-year period of planning, building, and testing from 2016 to 2022 that was interrupted by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Virginia|COVID-19 pandemic]], REVERB was launched aboard [[SpaceX|SpaceX's]] [[CRS-26]] on November 26, 2022, at 2:20PM EST.<ref>{{Citation |title=CRS-26 Mission |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xCrWbJQXgE |language=en |access-date=2023-02-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pope |first1=Troy |title=Virginia high school students' satellite to be deployed from ISS |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/thomas-jefferson-high-school-satellite-iss/65-bd7768ce-18f0-418a-8946-dacea821cfc7 |access-date=19 February 2023 |work=WUSA9 |date=28 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103161600/https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/thomas-jefferson-high-school-satellite-iss/65-bd7768ce-18f0-418a-8946-dacea821cfc7 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> REVERB was deployed from the [[International Space Station]] on December 29, 2022, via [[Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer|Nanoracks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=TJREVERB |title=TJREVERB |url=https://activities.tjhsst.edu/cubesat/tjreverb.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=activities.tjhsst.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Costa |first1=Jason |title=NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative Deploys 150th from Space Station |url=https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/nasa-cubesat-launch-initiative-deploys-150th-from-space-station |website=NASA |access-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105150055/https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/nasa-cubesat-launch-initiative-deploys-150th-from-space-station/ |archive-date=5 January 2023 |date=10 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> The satellite is being located through crowdsourcing, with help from [[AMSAT]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=TJ Space |url=https://www.facebook.com/tjspaceprogram |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> It will test the [[Iridium satellite]] radio<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sempsrott |first1=Danielle |title=Educational CubeSats Set to Launch to the Space Station |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex-crs-26/category/launch-services-program/cubesat-launch-initiative/ |access-date=19 February 2023 |work=NASA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127030500/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex-crs-26/category/launch-services-program/cubesat-launch-initiative/ |archive-date=27 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> and connect to the students' ground station through email.

=== Computer Systems Lab ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Syslablogol.png|thumb|right|150px|Logo used by the CSL, incorporating the [[Tux (mascot)|Linux mascot]].{{ffdc|1=Syslablogol.png|log=2021 July 28}}]] -->
The school's computer systems lab is one of the few high school computing facilities with a [[supercomputer]]. In 1988, a team from the school won an [[ETA10|ETA-10P]] supercomputer in the SuperQuest competition, a national science competition for high school students.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1988/12/14/08110051.h08.html |title=Virginia School Finds 'Super' Prize's Uses Multiply |date=December 14, 1988 |work=edweek.org |last1=West |first1=Peter |access-date=April 29, 2015 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210018/http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1988/12/14/08110051.h08.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ETA-10P was damaged by a roof leak in the 1990s. [[Cray Inc.]] donated a new [[Cray SV1|SV1]] supercomputer, known as Seymour, to the school on December 4, 2002, which is on display as of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://documentation.tjhsst.edu/machines/obsolete/cray-sv1-supercomputer |title=Cray SV1 Supercomputer - TJ CSL |access-date=May 26, 2020 |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128103025/https://documentation.tjhsst.edu/machines/obsolete/cray-sv1-supercomputer |url-status=live }}</ref>

The lab also supported a number of [[Sun Microsystems]] thin clients for use by students enrolled in AP Computer Science. In 2008, the school received a grant from Sun Microsystems for $388,048, which was student-written.<ref>https://livedoc.tjhsst.edu/index.php?title=Sun_Academic_Excellence_Grant_(AEG)#Overview {{Dead link|date=March 2022|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> The Syslab was given 7 Sun workstations, 12 Sun servers, and 145 Sun Rays for distribution throughout the school. These were placed in the existing AP Computer Science Lab and the science classrooms, support backend services, and serve as kiosks placed around the school for guests, students, and faculty. However, the Sun Rays were taken out of the AP Computer Science Lab due to teachers' objections. By 2014, the Sun Ray clients were decommissioned, and replaced with Linux-based thin clients running [[Linux Terminal Server Project|LTSP]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcps.edu/suptapps/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=780|title=TJHSST Receives Sun Microsystems Servers and Workstations|access-date=February 25, 2008|archive-date=February 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219004453/http://www.fcps.edu/suptapps/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=780|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sun.com/aboutsun/csr/report2008/citizenship/edu_performance.jsp|title=Sun Microsystems 2008 Corporate Social Responsibility Report|access-date=May 16, 2009|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219002227/https://www.oracle.com/it-infrastructure/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sun.com/customers/servers/tjhsst.xml|title=Sun Microsystems Customer Snapshot: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology|access-date=May 16, 2009|archive-date=February 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226084746/http://www.sun.com/customers/servers/tjhsst.xml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UgXRu_5q5A|title=News Channel 8 (Washington D.C.) story on Sun Grant at TJHSST|access-date=May 16, 2009|archive-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701163002/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UgXRu_5q5A|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
In 2021 and 2022, the ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' ranked TJ as the best overall high school in the United States.<ref name="usnews2021">{{cite news |date=2021 |title=Best U.S. High Schools |work=U.S. News & World Report |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315042036/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |archive-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name="usnews" /> It was previously ranked fourth in 2020,<ref>{{cite news |date=2020 |title=Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301064814/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |archive-date=March 1, 2020 |work=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=August 20, 2022}}</ref> tenth in 2019,<ref>{{cite news |date=2019 |title=Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301042703/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |work=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=August 20, 2022}}</ref> and sixth in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |date=2018 |title=Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301181019/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings |archive-date=March 1, 2018 |work=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=August 20, 2022}}</ref> In 2016, the school placed first in ''[[Newsweek]]''{{'}}s annual "America's Top High Schools" rankings for the third consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web |title=America's Top High Schools |website=[[Newsweek]] |date=August 11, 2016 |url=http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2016 |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=December 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223235147/http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=America's Top High Schools |website=[[Newsweek]] |date=August 19, 2015 |url=http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=June 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621162550/http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=America's Top High Schools |website=[[Newsweek]] |date=September 13, 2014 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-schools-2014 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820233522/https://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-schools-2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The average [[SAT]] score for the graduating class of 2020 was 1528 and the average [[ACT (test)|ACT]] score was 34.5.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology 2021-2022 |url=https://tjhsst.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/school-profile%202021-22.pdf |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123091053/https://tjhsst.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/school-profile%202021-22.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The school had 14 Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalists in 2007,<ref>{{cite web |title=Intel Science Talent Search |url=http://www.sciserv.org/sts/66sts/semibook07.pdf |publisher=[[Society for Science & the Public]] (was [[Science Service]])|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121035602/http://www.sciserv.org/sts/66sts/semibook07.pdf|archive-date=January 21, 2007}}</ref> 15 in 2009,<ref>{{cite web |title=2009 Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalists |url=https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=50 |publisher=[[Society for Science and the Public]]|access-date=April 18, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419102937/https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=50|archive-date=April 19, 2017}}</ref> and 13 in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=2010 Semifinalists – Intel Science Talent Search |url=https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=128 |publisher=[[Society for Science and the Public]] |access-date=April 17, 2017 |archive-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419192440/https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=128 |url-status=live }}</ref>  In 2024, 7 were named.<ref>{{cite web |title=Regeneron Science Talent Search |url=https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/STS/2024/Program-Books/Scholar.pdf |publisher=[[Society for Science & the Public]] (was [[Science Service]])|access-date=January 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111010550/https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/STS/2024/Program-Books/Scholar.pdf|archive-date=January 11, 2024}}</ref>

In 2007, for schools with more than 800 students in grades 10–12, TJ was cited as having the highest-performing [[Advanced Placement Program|AP]] Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP French Language, AP Government and Politics, U.S., and AP U.S. History courses among all schools worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007 |url=http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/ap/2007/2007_ap-report-nation.pdf |title=Advanced Placement – Report to the Nation |access-date=February 25, 2007 |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605232634/http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/ap/2007/2007_ap-report-nation.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2014, 3864 AP Exams were taken by students; over 97% earned a score of 3, 4, or 5.

President [[Barack Obama]] signed the [[Leahy-Smith America Invents Act|America Invents Act]] into law on September 16, 2011, at the school. The law was made to reform [[United States patent law|U.S. patent laws]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/09/16/america-invents-act-turning-ideas-jobs |title=The America Invents Act: Turning Ideas into Jobs |date=September 16, 2011 |access-date=July 4, 2015 |last=Palfrey |via=[[NARA|National Archives]] |work=[[whitehouse.gov]] |first=Quentin |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120180334/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/09/16/america-invents-act-turning-ideas-jobs |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1997, 2000, 2013, and 2017, the [[wind ensemble]] of the school was among fifteen high-school bands invited to the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/music-festivals/mfa-national-festival/2013-music-for-all-national-festival |title=2013 Festival Ensembles |publisher=Music for All |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120803075319/http://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/music-festivals/mfa-national-festival/2013-music-for-all-national-festival |archive-date=August 3, 2012}}</ref>

==Merit award controversy==
In December 2022, it was reported that during the previous five years,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www.fox5dc.com/news/top-ranked-virginia-high-school-accused-of-depriving-students-of-merit-awards |title=Top-ranked Virginia high school accused of depriving students of merit awards |first1=Sierra |last1=Fox |publisher=Fox 5 Washington D.C. |date=December 27, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228000249/https://www.fox5dc.com/news/top-ranked-virginia-high-school-accused-of-depriving-students-of-merit-awards |archive-date=December 28, 2022}}</ref> some students at the school who had been named [[National Merit Scholarship]] Commended Scholars had not been notified of their achievement until several months after the school was given the awards to distribute to the students, too late for the students to include with their college applications. A lawyer named Shawnna Yashar, whose son was one of the students at the school whose commendation information had not been reported by the school, said, "Keeping these certificates from students is theft by the state."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/top-u-s-high-school-deprived-students-of-national-merit-awards-as-part-of-equity-policy/ |title=Top U.S. High School Delayed National Merit Award Notifications |first1=Ari |last1=Blaff |work=[[National Review]] |date=December 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229091224/https://www.nationalreview.com/news/top-u-s-high-school-deprived-students-of-national-merit-awards-as-part-of-equity-policy/ |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.city-journal.org/war-on-merit-takes-bizarre-turn |title=The War on Merit Takes a Bizarre Turn |first1=Asra Q. |last1=Nomani |work=City Journal |date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222005549/https://www.city-journal.org/war-on-merit-takes-bizarre-turn |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> School officials stated that the issue was a "one-time human error."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/12/29/thomas-jefferson-high-national-merit/ |title=Thomas Jefferson High under fire for delay in notifying students of national merit award |first1=Lauren |last1=Lumpkin |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231023757/https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/12/29/thomas-jefferson-high-national-merit/ |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> This led to an investigation of 17 Virginia schools and prompted Governor [[Glenn Youngkin]] to propose legislation mandating immediate notification of such opportunities to parents and students.<ref name=":3" />

== Notable alumni ==
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
* [[Yohannes Abraham]], government official<ref>{{cite news |last1=Woolsey |first1=Angela |title=White House staffer from Springfield reflects on working for Obama |newspaper=Fairfax County Times |url=https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/white-house-staffer-from-springfield-reflects-on-working-for-obama/article_9a4c2e92-d44b-11e6-99ca-8770cf4f15d5.html |access-date=August 20, 2022 |date=January 6, 2017 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820095922/https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/white-house-staffer-from-springfield-reflects-on-working-for-obama/article_9a4c2e92-d44b-11e6-99ca-8770cf4f15d5.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Chris Avellone]], game designer<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/chris-avellone-may-be-teasing-a-new-fallout-game/ |title=Chris Avellone may be teasing a new Fallout game |work=pcgamer |access-date=December 26, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226131013/http://www.pcgamer.com/chris-avellone-may-be-teasing-a-new-fallout-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Praveen Balakrishnan]], Chess Grandmaster<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.uschesschamps.com/bio/praveen-balakrishnan-1 |title=Praveen Balakrishnan &#124; www.uschesschamps.com |website=www.uschesschamps.com |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123091101/https://www.uschesschamps.com/bio/praveen-balakrishnan-1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Sandra Beasley]], poet<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rajput |first1=Aryan |title=Guest speaker visits Jefferson Poets |newspaper=tjTODAY |url=https://www.tjtoday.org/32362/news/guest-speaker-visits-jefferson-poets/ |access-date=August 19, 2022 |date=April 23, 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811201433/https://www.tjtoday.org/32362/news/guest-speaker-visits-jefferson-poets/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Bob Bland]], fashion designer and activist<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bland |first1=Bob |title=Curriculum Vitae |url=https://www.bobbland.net/resume |access-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123091048/https://www.bobbland.net/resume |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Hung Cao]], [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] candidate in the [[2024 United States Senate election in Virginia]] and nominee for [[United States Under Secretary of the Navy]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cao |first1=Hung |title=The erosion of excellence at Thomas Jefferson High School |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/04/21/erosion-excellence-thomas-jefferson-high-school/ |access-date=20 August 2024 |work=The Washington Post |date=21 April 2022}}</ref> 
* [[Ian Caldwell]], author<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tjpartnershipfund.org/2015/03/94-alum-writes-second-bestseller/|title=Alum Writes Another Bestseller {{!}} TJ Partnership Fund|website=tjpartnershipfund.org|language=en-US|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826082944/http://tjpartnershipfund.org/2015/03/94-alum-writes-second-bestseller/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Mark Changizi]], theoretical cognitive scientist<ref>{{cite web |last1=Changizi |first1=Mark |title=About |url=https://www.changizi.com/about.html |access-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724184915/https://www.changizi.com/about.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Mike Elias]], baseball executive<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/11/14/orioles-reportedly-choose-astros-executive-mike-elias-new-general-manager/ |title=Orioles reportedly choose Astros executive Mike Elias as new general manager |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115030743/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/11/14/orioles-reportedly-choose-astros-executive-mike-elias-new-general-manager/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Mark Embree]], mathematician and [[Rhodes Scholar]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Newsworthy |publisher=Thomas Jefferson Partnership Fund |date=2013 |url=http://tjpartnershipfund.org/docs/newsletter/winter-13-14.pdf |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123091050/http://tjpartnershipfund.org/docs/newsletter/winter-13-14.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 11, 1995 |title=Rhodes Scholarships Go To Four With D.C. or VA. Ties |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1995/12/11/rhodes-scholarships-go-to-four-people-with-dc-or-va-ties/6790e84a-9f4b-4f54-8b12-a416e6591fb2/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051558/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1995/12/11/rhodes-scholarships-go-to-four-people-with-dc-or-va-ties/6790e84a-9f4b-4f54-8b12-a416e6591fb2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Eric Froehlich]], professional [[poker]] and ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' player<ref>{{cite news |last1=de Vise |first1=Daniel |title=Poker becomes a sport for young American males |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/poker-becomes-a-sport-for-young-american-males/2011/10/04/gIQAn247aL_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 19, 2022 |date=October 10, 2011}}</ref>
* [[Sara Goldrick-Rab]], sociologist<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Goldrick-Rab |first1=Sara |last2=Levy Thompson |first2=Saskia |date=May 7, 2020 |title=Sara Goldrick-Rab on Making College More Successful for Students |url=https://www.carnegie.org/topics/topic-articles/student-success/sara-goldrick-rab-making-college-more-successful-students/ |access-date=August 19, 2022 |website=Carnegie Corporation of New York |archive-date=September 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922221356/https://www.carnegie.org/topics/topic-articles/student-success/sara-goldrick-rab-making-college-more-successful-students/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Stephanie Hannon]], CTO of [[Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhannon/ |title=Stephanie Hannon LinkedIn Profile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814180902/https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhannon/|archive-date=August 14, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Darius Kazemi]], programmer, artist, and co-founder of [[Feel Train]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wweek.com/arts/2016/01/27/the-oscar-wilde-of-bots-now-lives-in-portland/ |access-date=February 2, 2018 |language=en |title="The Oscar Wilde of Bots" Now Lives in Portland |work=Willamette Week |first=Adrienne |last=So |date=January 26, 2016 |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203065000/http://www.wweek.com/arts/2016/01/27/the-oscar-wilde-of-bots-now-lives-in-portland/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Sophia Kianni]], climate activist<ref name="Natanson2">{{Cite news |last1=Natanson |first1=Hannah |title=Their schools and streets empty, teen climate activists find new ways to strike |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/teen-climate-activists-coronavirus-strike/2020/04/10/521a0e5a-7448-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html |access-date=August 19, 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=April 10, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621082634/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/teen-climate-activists-coronavirus-strike/2020/04/10/521a0e5a-7448-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Andrew Kirmse]], game developer and computer programmer<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://psmag.com/environment/makes-smart-computer-programmer-video-game-development-google-andrew-kirmse-94112 |title=What Makes You So Smart, Computer Programmer? |work=Pacific Standard |access-date=December 26, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226130759/https://psmag.com/environment/makes-smart-computer-programmer-video-game-development-google-andrew-kirmse-94112 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Ehren Kruger]], screenwriter<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1999/07/09/the-reliable-source/39a102ad-e1c7-4b26-bf57-77d0b60b3c7b/|title=The Reliable Source|last=Grove|first=Lloyd|date=1999-07-09|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=2023-02-19|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
* [[Christo Landry]], professional long-distance runner<ref>{{cite web |title=Wait a Minute, was That? Go Christo! |publisher=RunWashington.com |url=http://www.runwashington.com/2015/02/09/wait-minute-go-christo/|access-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414220936/http://www.runwashington.com/2015/02/09/wait-minute-go-christo/|archive-date=April 14, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Howard Lerman]], entrepreneur, co-founder of [[Yext]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.yext.com/about/leadership/howard-lerman/|title=Howard Lerman {{!}} Founder & CEO - Yext|work=Yext|access-date=November 26, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042421/http://www.yext.com/about/leadership/howard-lerman/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Jose Llana]], actor<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/08/17/jose-llana-an-actor-in-a-regal-role-whos-whistling-a-happy-tune/ |title=Jose Llana, an actor in a regal role who's whistling a happy tune |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206145900/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/08/17/jose-llana-an-actor-in-a-regal-role-whos-whistling-a-happy-tune/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Geoffrey von Maltzahn]], biological engineer, founder of [[Indigo Agriculture]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Geoffrey von Maltzahn |url=https://lemelson.mit.edu/award-winners/geoffrey-von-maltzahn |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702202102/https://lemelson.mit.edu/award-winners/geoffrey-von-maltzahn |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Mehret Mandefro]], film/television producer, writer, physician, anthropologist<ref>{{cite AV media |date=May 3, 2017 |title=The Most Potent Forms of Fear Come in the Name of Love {{!}} Dr. Mehret Mandefro {{!}} TEDxPaloAlto |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUC9ui1HiLg |access-date=August 19, 2022 |time=2:08 |publisher=TEDx Talks |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819223344/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUC9ui1HiLg |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Ashley Miller (screenwriter)|Ashley Miller]], screenwriter<ref>{{cite web |title=FEATURED ENTERTAINER: ASHLEY MILLER |date=January 22, 2015 |url=http://scienceandentertainmentexchange.org/article/featured-entertainer-ashley-miller/ |publisher=The Science and Entertainment Exchange |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123091052/http://scienceandentertainmentexchange.org/article/featured-entertainer-ashley-miller/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Kathryn Minshew]], CEO and co-founder of [[The Muse (website)|The Muse]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cabot |first1=Heather |last2=Walraven |first2=Samantha |title=This Entrepreneur A/B Tested Her Clothes to Combat Sexism |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/05/entrepreneur-ab-tested-clothes-combat-sexism/ |access-date=August 19, 2022 |magazine=Wired |date=May 26, 2017 |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819213553/https://www.wired.com/2017/05/entrepreneur-ab-tested-clothes-combat-sexism/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Anthony Myint]], restaurateur<ref>{{cite web |title=TJ Partnership Fund Newsletter, November 2015 |url=https://www.tjpartnershipfund.org/uploaded/photos/Newsletters/TJPF_Newsletter_Fall_2015.pdf |access-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113203340/https://www.tjpartnershipfund.org/uploaded/photos/Newsletters/TJPF_Newsletter_Fall_2015.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Aparna Nancherla]], comedian<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2016/11/07/501017521/comedian-aparna-nancherla-makes-light-of-the-heavy-stuff |title=Comedian Aparna Nancherla Makes Light of the Heavy Stuff |work=National Public Radio |access-date=November 26, 2017 |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040303/https://www.npr.org/2016/11/07/501017521/comedian-aparna-nancherla-makes-light-of-the-heavy-stuff |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-09-07/aparna-nancherla-s-failed-science-career |title=Aparna Nancherla's failed science career |work=Public Radio International |access-date=November 26, 2017 |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033636/https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-09-07/aparna-nancherla-s-failed-science-career |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Amna Nawaz]], broadcast journalist<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cleary |first1=Tom |title=Amna Nawaz: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |url=https://heavy.com/news/2019/12/amna-nawaz/ |website=Heavy |access-date=August 19, 2022 |date=December 19, 2019 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820034200/https://heavy.com/news/2019/12/amna-nawaz/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Thao Nguyen]], singer-songwriter<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Dan |title=Thao Nguyen Rejects 9-to-5 Life for Music Career |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041601538.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=August 19, 2022 |date=April 17, 2009 |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204101917/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041601538.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Michael Hun Park]], [[United States circuit judge]] of the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ny.koreatimes.com/article/20181015/1208637 |title=연방항소법원 판사에 한인 2명 지명 - 미주 한국일보 |language=ko |trans-title=2 Korean nominations to judge of the Federal Court of Appeals |date=October 15, 2018 |author1=Lee Jong-kook |website=[[Korea Times]] |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123091054/http://ny.koreatimes.com/article/20181015/1208637 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Emma Pierson (computer scientist)|Emma Pierson]], computer scientist and [[Rhodes Scholar]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Kunkle |first=Fredrick |date=November 24, 2013 |title=Four Virginian students among Rhodes Scholarship recipients |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/four-virginian-students-among-rhodes-scholarship-recipients/2013/11/24/f994612e-5543-11e3-835d-e7173847c7cc_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=December 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217014659/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/four-virginian-students-among-rhodes-scholarship-recipients/2013/11/24/f994612e-5543-11e3-835d-e7173847c7cc_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Conor Russomanno]], creator of [[OpenBCI]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gocolumbialions.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9600&ATCLID=883958 |title=Football Welcomes 31 Recruits to 2007 Squad - GoColumbiaLions.com—Official Web Site of Columbia University Athletics |website=Gocolumbialions.com |date=May 11, 2007 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519110619/http://www.gocolumbialions.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9600&ATCLID=883958 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Robert Sarvis]], lawyer<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/third-option-gets-some-traction-in-va-governors-race-libertarian-rob-sarvis/2013/10/02/ef9d7fda-2a04-11e3-8ade-a1f23cda135e_story.html |title=Third option gains some traction in Va. governor's race |last=Schwartzman |first=Paul |date=October 2, 2013 |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=December 26, 2017 |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226131303/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/third-option-gets-some-traction-in-va-governors-race-libertarian-rob-sarvis/2013/10/02/ef9d7fda-2a04-11e3-8ade-a1f23cda135e_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Monika Schleier-Smith]], experimental physicist and [[MacArthur Fellow]] (2020)<ref name=SfS>{{cite web |title=Conversations with Maya: Monika Schleier-Smith |url=https://www.societyforscience.org/blog/conversations-with-maya-monika-schleier-smith/ |website=Society for Science & the Public |date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820043130/https://www.societyforscience.org/blog/conversations-with-maya-monika-schleier-smith/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Andrew Seliskar]], swimmer<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/jefferson-swimmer-andrew-seliskar-tries-to-do-it-all/2014/02/19/04adfae4-98b9-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html |title=Jefferson swimmer Andrew Seliskar tries to do it all |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305073449/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/jefferson-swimmer-andrew-seliskar-tries-to-do-it-all/2014/02/19/04adfae4-98b9-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Joshua Specht, author of ''[[Red Meat Republic]]'', history professor at [[University of Notre Dame]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=Students Are Scholarship Semifinalists|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2002/11/14/students-are-scholarship-semifinalists/41b3a112-e1d9-4b70-9b7b-d1eb888d11e2/|access-date=2021-07-27|issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dame|first=Marketing Communications: Web {{!}} University of Notre|title=Joshua - Specht {{!}} Department of History {{!}} University of Notre Dame|url=https://history.nd.edu/people/joshua-specht/|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Department of History|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Graybill |first1=Andrew R. |date=September 2020 |title=Better (and Worse) Living through Agribusiness |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/763795 |journal=[[Reviews in American History]] |volume=48 |issue=3 |pages=432–438 |doi=10.1353/rah.2020.0058 |s2cid=226500259 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |name-list-style=vanc|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
* [[Meagan Spooner]], author<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nachum |first1=Stav |title=Jefferson alumnus Meagan Spooner answers questions about her writing career |url=https://www.tjtoday.org/11237/entertainment/jefferson-alumnus-meagan-spooner-answers-questions-about-writing-career-2/ |newspaper=tjTODAY |access-date=August 20, 2022 |date=March 23, 2014 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820090559/https://www.tjtoday.org/11237/entertainment/jefferson-alumnus-meagan-spooner-answers-questions-about-writing-career-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Chris Sununu]], former [[Governor of New Hampshire]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.richmond.com/news/local/richmond-s-maggie-walker-governor-s-school-might-produce-an/article_7d7b177d-6d26-576f-aed6-d33fb9d1a6a7.html |title=Richmond's Maggie Walker governor's school might produce an actual governor on Nov. 8 - just not in Virginia |last=Times-Dispatch |first=SARAH KLEINER Richmond |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |access-date=November 26, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518150229/https://richmond.com/news/local/richmond-s-maggie-walker-governor-s-school-might-produce-an/article_7d7b177d-6d26-576f-aed6-d33fb9d1a6a7.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Vlad Tenev]], co-founder of [[Robinhood (company)|Robinhood]]<ref>{{Cite twitter |user=tjcolonials |number=684903151997157376 |title=Congrats to TJ Class of 2004's Vlad Tenev and Divya Nettimi for their @Forbes "30 under 30" recognition! https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-2016/finance/#41a33dde55cc |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820043129/https://twitter.com/tjcolonials/status/684903151997157376 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Owen Thomas (writer)|Owen Thomas]], journalist<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Noah |title=WHAT MAKES YOU SO SMART, WEB EDITOR? |url=https://psmag.com/environment/makes-smart-web-editor-owen-thomas-readwrite-say-media-tempest-96156 |magazine=Pacific Standard |access-date=August 20, 2022 |date=December 11, 2014 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820175505/https://psmag.com/environment/makes-smart-web-editor-owen-thomas-readwrite-say-media-tempest-96156 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Dustin Thomason]], author<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weeks |first1=Linton |title=For Two Young Authors, a Happy Beginning |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2004/05/28/for-two-young-authors-a-happy-beginning/2931c3f1-2004-4f6f-b598-688bc28db399/ |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 19, 2022 |date=May 28, 2004}}</ref>
* [[Anne Toth]], Head of Data Policy at the [[World Economic Forum]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewellesleynews.com/2016/11/03/anne-toth-93-forges-her-way-to-the-top-of-the-tech-industry/|title=Anne Toth '93 forges her way to the top of the tech industry {{!}} The Wellesley News|website=thewellesleynews.com|date=November 4, 2016|language=en-US|access-date=December 26, 2017|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920101403/http://thewellesleynews.com/2016/11/03/anne-toth-93-forges-her-way-to-the-top-of-the-tech-industry/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/anne-toth/ |title=Anne Toth - Agenda Contributor |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925084043/https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/anne-toth/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 
* [[Greg Tseng]], entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of [[Tagged (website)|Tagged]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.linkedin.com/pub/greg-tseng/0/0/8a9 |title=Greg Tseng |publisher=LinkedIn |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717000142/http://www.linkedin.com/pub/greg-tseng/0/0/8a9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Helen Wan]], novelist and lawyer<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Krissah |date=February 13, 2014 |title="I've always thought your people were very bright." N. Va. native's novel explores the "bamboo ceiling" |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/author-n-va-native-helen-wan-on-the-bamboo-ceiling/2014/02/12/89cc0b76-5151-11e3-9e2c-e1d01116fd98_story.html |access-date=August 19, 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201082257/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/author-n-va-native-helen-wan-on-the-bamboo-ceiling/2014/02/12/89cc0b76-5151-11e3-9e2c-e1d01116fd98_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Staci Wilson]], soccer player, Olympian<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vadcsoccerhof.org/hall-of-fame-inductees/hall-of-fame-bios/staci-wilson |title=Staci Wilson |website=VADCSoccerHoF |date=January 31, 2017 |language=en |access-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118225113/http://vadcsoccerhof.org/hall-of-fame-inductees/hall-of-fame-bios/staci-wilson/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Bronx High School of Science]]
* [[Coalition for TJ v. Fairfax County School Board]]
* [[Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy]]
* [[Lowell High School (San Francisco)]]
* [[Stuyvesant High School]]

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
* Lindsey, Drew. "[http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/education/13591.html Success Factory: Inside America's Best High School]", ''Washingtonian'', October 1, 2009.

{{Category commons}}

{{Governor's Schools (Virginia)}}
{{AAA Northern Region}}
{{Fairfax County Public Schools}}
{{Fairfax County, Virginia High Schools}}{{Loudoun County Public Schools}}{{authority control}}

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[[Category:1985 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:Education in Loudoun County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1985]]
[[Category:High schools in Fairfax County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Magnet schools in Virginia]]
[[Category:Public high schools in Virginia]]