Ann Bonitatibus[email protected]
School SummaryThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is the product of a partnership forged between the business community and Fairfax County Public Schools to improve education in science, mathematics, and technology. This unique Fairfax County Public School offers a comprehensive program that focuses on scientific, mathematical, and technological fields. The core skills and values infused throughout the curriculum emphasize and promote critical inquiry and research, problem solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility. As the regional magnet Governor's School for Science and Technology in Northern Virginia, the school serves applicants from five different participating school districts: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the City of Falls Church.
Since its very first graduating class in 1985, student research has played an essential role in learning at TJHSST. Requirements for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Diploma include the completion of an original engineering or experimental research project in an on-campus laboratory or off-site through a Mentorship program at a government, corporate, or university research laboratory. Jefferson's science and technology research laboratories include:
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Automation & Robotics
- Biotechnology & Life Sciences
- Chemical Analysis & Nanochemistry
- Communication Systems
- Computer Systems
- Energy Systems
- Engineering Design
- JUMP Lab
- Microelectronics
- Mobile and Web Application Development
- Neuroscience
- Oceanography & Geophysical Systems
- Quantum Physics & Optics
- Prototyping & Engineering Materials
Selected outstanding research projects are published in TJHSST's annual student-produced research journal, TEKNOS, which has won numerous national awards.
Admissions
Through a competitive admissions process that selects students based upon their demonstrated aptitude and passion for studies in the scientific, mathematical, and technological fields, the TJHSST Admissions Office evaluates and considers prospective students' admission test scores, academic achievement, personal essays, and teacher recommendations. Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees composed of school administrators, counselors, and teachers from schools within the participating school districts.
Last Updated: 2019-02-01