Black and Hispanic students remained significantly under-represented at the school through the 2000s and 2010s. 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. 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. The admissions process and the demographics of the student body it produces, in particular the under-representation of black and Hispanic students relative to the school system overall, have been a source of controversy throughout the school's history.Īfter 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. Demographics and exam controversy Data are based on the 2020-2021, 19academic years. īefore the 2020–21 school year, the admissions process also included a math, reading, and science exam. During the admissions process, students are identified only by a number admissions officers do not know their race, ethnicity, sex, or name. 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. 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. 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. Students from Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and from the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church are eligible for admission. The school is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system of Fairfax County, Virginia. The school underwent renovations from 2013 to 2017, adding additional research labs, internet cafes, three-dimensional art galleries, a black box theater, and a dome reminiscent of President Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. 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. Hazleton Laboratories, Honeywell, AT&T, Virginia Power, Sony Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, and Xerox, among other companies, made significant contributions in equipment or finances to the school before it opened. 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. 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, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and from the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church to attend as well. The school was originally intended to only serve Fairfax County students, but after Virginia governor Charles S. The school board chose Thomas Jefferson High School as the location for the new magnet school in June 1984 and approved the funding in February 1985. Burkholder announced the plans for the magnet school in January 1984. 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. Fairfax County Public Schools' superintendent William J. Thomas Jefferson High School was constructed and opened in 1964. Before the 2020–21 school year, the admissions process also involved a math, reading, and science exam. High Schools" list.Īttendance at the school is open to students in six local jurisdictions based on academic achievement, essays, and socio-economic background. News & World Report ranked the school first in its annual "Best U.S. It is one of 18 Virginia Governor's Schools, and a founding member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology. A selective admissions program was initiated in 1985 through the cooperation of state and county governments, as well as corporate sponsorship from the defense and technology industries. The school occupies the building of the previous Thomas Jefferson High School (constructed in 1964). Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (also known as TJHSST, TJ, or Jefferson) is a Virginia state-chartered magnet high school in Fairfax County, Virginia operated by Fairfax County Public Schools.
0 kommentar(er)
