Academics

Learn about our Curriculum, Departments, and more

Curriculum Overview

TJHSST provides a comprehensive curriculum, emphasizing the sciences, mathematics, and technology. Please keep scrolling towards bottom of the page for links to specific subject areas.

All seniors are required to complete a technology laboratory project as the culmination of their TJHSST academic experience, either in one of the specialized Research Laboratories, or through the Mentorship Program.

The TJHSST school day begins at 8:40 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Seven periods are devoted to academic coursework and one period is designated for student activities and activity-related coursework. Student and faculty research is supported by the Geoff Jones Library. Many online resources are made available to students and staff, including numerous online databases.

The foundation of the curricular program at TJHSST focuses on an interdisciplinary approach aimed at maximizing the full potential of each student's intellectual, technological and affective skills. Course work such as the ninth grade IBEST program and humanities courses are driven by six learning methodologies:

  1. acquiring powerful communication skills
  2. developing collaborative skills
  3. thinking and working in the context of systems
  4. working with real projects and problems
  5. managing change
  6. developing an ethical culture

The following programs are unique to TJHSST and are among some of the specialized course work required of our students:

 

Computer Science

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology offers six years of computer science. Our goal is to provide a world class computer science education to our students and to disseminate curriculum materials to other academic institutions.

Fine Arts

The Fine Arts department offers courses in performance and visual art. Students must fulfill a one credit fine arts requirement for graduation.

Global Classroom Project

Learn about our collaboration with Belize High School in Belize City, Belize to promote integration of science and government, and the ethical considerations of science

Humanities (English and Social Studies)

The Thomas Jefferson Humanities Division includes teachers of English and Social Studies.

Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum is a comprehensive program, which includes the study of statistics, algebra, geometry, topics in discrete mathematics, trigonometry, functions, and calculus.

Mentorship

The mentorship program permits students to test their interests and apply their knowledge and aptitude in a real-life setting, working with professionals who have chosen to share their insights and expertise.

PE, Health, and Driver Education

The two-year physical education and health program emphasizes health and physical fitness, as well as individual and team sports.

Research Program at TJ

Our unique research program consists of specialized research laboratories, a mentorship program, and tjSTAR.

Science and Technology

Each student will complete four years of laboratory science beginning with Biology (integrated with English as well as Design and Technology) followed by Chemistry, Physics, and Geosystems.

World Languages

The World Languages Department goal is to develop oral proficiency in the modern languages while instilling an awareness and appreciation of the cultures.

Choosing Courses for Next School Year 2025-26

Information on the Academic Advising Timeline, as well as courses for the 2025-26 school year.

TJ Academic Frequently Asked Questions

Check here for Frequently Asked Questions about TJ's different academic departments!

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