Mission Statement

The mission of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is to provide students with a challenging learning environment focused on math, science, and technology, to inspire joy at the prospect of discovery, and to foster a culture of innovation based on ethical behavior and the shared interests of humanity.

Beliefs

At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, we believe:

1. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital in addressing the complex societal and ethical issues of our time.
2. Students learn best in a community where academic disciplines are integrated, fostering an appreciation of how they interact and form a whole.
3. Global interdependence compels us to understand the languages, systems and diverse cultures of people throughout the world.
4. Literature, music and the arts are essential, timeless aspects of human existence.
5. The methods of science provide discipline to our search for structure in the world.
6. Research stems from a combination of fundamental knowledge, individual creativity, and curiosity.
7. Effective communication is often the only difference between a good idea and a successful initiative.
8. Collaborative learning, athletics, and extracurricular activities develop leadership and interpersonal skills.
9. Responsibility and integrity are core principles in the pursuit of excellence.
10. Learning never ends.

School History

Established in 1985, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is a partnership among businesses and schools created to improve education in science, mathematics, and technology. Representatives from business and industry and staff of the Fairfax County Public Schools worked together in curriculum and facilities development for the school.

As the Governor's School for Science and Technology in Northern Virginia, the school is also supported by the Virginia Department of Education. Unlike other magnet schools, TJHSST has a four-year, full day program.

In 1999, local business leaders, parents, and alumni formed the TJ Partnership Fund (TJPF) as a nonprofit public foundation to help raise money to support TJHSST’s academic mission and role as a STEM education leader. After the renovation the TJPF expanded its focus to enhance STEM outreach efforts and alumni engagement in addition to its support for the school.

In addition to providing a specialized education for selected students in Fairfax County, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology also serves other school districts including Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

In 2017, TJHSST completed an extensive renovation.

TJHSST is a Digital Citizenship Common Sense School

TJHSST is a 2020 Journalism Education Association First Amendment Press Freedom Award Winner