Updated April 01, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the commonly asked questions by incoming 9th grade families to TJHSST.

Summer School and Summer Programs

Q: Is summer school even happening?

A: We are continuing to plan to run TJHSST Summer School. If this changes, we will be sure to notify all. Please continue to check in on the TJHSST Summer Programs website for the most updated information about Summer Programs and Summer School.

Q: Can a student still take the Self- Paced EPF online course (which starts 3/30/2020) and also register for a TJ summer course?

A: As a current 8th grader, you would secure this permission from your FCPS middle school. This will not impact whether you can take a Summer course or not.

Q: What will happen to my student’s math course if they are not able to take TJ Summer School?

A: Information about Summer School will be published later as we receive guidance from FCPS about summer learning programs. Please consult the Choosing Your Ninth Grade Courses webpage for more detailed specifics.

Q: During the summer is one able to take a semester course through TJ in addition to a course through FCPS?

A: No. Only one credit during the summer will be approved.

Q: What if I choose my courses and then taking summer school changes what I would want to take next year? 

A: We will try and make any necessary adjustments to your schedule for next year once we’ve confirmed your registration for Summer School.

Q: Can rising 9th graders take Computer Science over the summer?

A: No, this course is for rising 10th and 11th grade students.

Q: Can I take the Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance class this year?

A: Yes, but it is only open to FCPS students at this time. Please check with your middle school to see if it is an option at your school or in your district.

Curricular Questions

Q: If a student wanted to try out/audition for a sport or musical studies, like orchestra or band, how would they do so?

A: More information will be shared at the upcoming Welcome Event.  Visit the Fine Arts page here or reach out directly to your Transition Counselor who can connect you with the appropriate staff.

Q: I want to take orchestra for 4 years, and also plan to take a foreign language for 4 years. How is it possible to meet all the graduation requirements such as CS and other mandatory courses? 

A: Please refer to this helpful four year plan and graduation requirement information.

Q: Does an online class for LCPS taken in middle school (i.e. Geometry) count towards the TJ diploma requirement?

A: Yes, as long as that credit has been awarded high school credit and is included on the student’s middle school transcript as a high school credit.

Q: Is there a way I can take orchestra in 9th grade since we have to take computer science?

A: First off, you do not have to take computer science in 9th grade. You just have to take before or during Junior year. It is important that you choose something that interests you and refrain from focusing on a diploma requirement. All ninth grade options fulfil some type of diploma requirement.

Q: Will there be placement tests for Foreign Language and, if so, when?

A: Not at this time.

Q: What’s the deal with taking a 4th social studies class?

A: FCPS requires four social studies credits to earn an Advanced Studies diploma. Because TJ students do not take social studies during 9th grade, they need to fit it in somewhere else during the 4 years.  Popular choices include Ancient Civilizations (available during the year and summer school), World History/Geography 1 , and any of the non-AP Social Studies electives (a variety of history and social science) TJ offers during the year.

Q: I am interested in a language other than what is offered by TJ; would I be able to meet the language requirement by taking courses outside of TJ (Such as through the Johns Hopkins CTY program)?

A: Yes - but it will require prior approval. Hopkins CTY is not an approvable program.

Q: I currently have 3 credits in one World Language through FCPS. Do I have sufficient language credits required at TJ?

A: Yes – you’ve met your TJ World Language graduation requirements.

Q: Does Law and Society count as an adequate replacement for the 4th social studies credit students must complete?

A: Yes, any non-AP social studies course will fulfill that diploma requirement. But only 10th-12th graders are permitted to take semester-long social studies courses.

Q: How many electives are offered in eleventh, tenth, and twelfth grade?

A: The course planning webpage reflects the available elective spots each year and may help you to look ahead to possible four year plans.

Other Topics

Q: When do we have to submit our course requests and how do we do so?

A: Ideally as soon as possible. Information will be sent with direction on how to formally select courses when students formally register for the school after Spring Break.

Q: When would we get our transportation information for TJHSST Summer School?

A: Information about Summer School, to include transportation, will be published online when we begin to formally register students with the school.

Q: I am currently not enrolled in FCPS. Will I be getting an FCPS student number?

A: Yes, after registrations have been processed. More information about registration will be sent out once we have more direction and guidance from the district and state.

Q: As I was told by a peer that classes used facebook-related messaging tools, I wanted to know: are students required to make a facebook account?

A: Facebook is not an instructional platform endorsed by FCPS. Many students use a variety of social media platforms to stay connected but it is not required or expected. All of the resources and materials one will need will be provided.  

Some of the most frequent questions we keep on the FAQ page:

Q: I hear I have to go to summer school to fit it all in? Is this true?

A: Technically, no. You can graduate from TJHSST in four years never having taken summer school. However, if you have an interest in pursuing four years of an elective (i.e. band, orchestra, journalism, photojournalism, art, drama, etc.), taking summer school may be something to consider to also take advantage of some of the higher level STEM coursework at TJHSST. 

Q: I still want to go to TJHSST summer school. Where can I learn more about the specifics – classes offered, dates, times, cost, etc.?

A: Visit the Summer School web page. Please be aware that incoming students will not be able to register for Summer School until after they have formally registered for TJHSST and we have processed the registration. We will notify you of the Summer School registration dates for the Class of 2024.  

Q: Which classes can I take online this summer via FCPS?

A: Econ and Personal Finance, Geometry Honors, and Health & PE 9 may be taken online for credit. For more information about the FCPS online summer campus, please refer to the FCPS Summer Learning Programs page. Please know that online classes are typically do not offer the same course/preparation as the ones offered at TJHSST over the summer. Permission to take these online classes must be granted by the TJHSST Director of Student Services.

Please be aware that students can only take ONE CREDIT in the Summer. 

Q: How can I verify that I’m enrolling in the right math and language classes for me next year?

A: TJHSST freshmen come from many different middle schools which have different curricula, syllabi, and expectations. To make certain that you’re going into the right math and language classes, we will be asking you what course you are CURRENTLY taking and will place you into the next course in the sequence we offer at TJHSST.  Remember also that high school is not a race; if you’re not completely confident in the student's understanding of a subject, consider repeating a course to ensure a strong foundation, especially in the sequential math and language areas.

Q: How do I expunge a high school class from my student record? What classes can be expunged? 

A: If your student  took a high school credit in middle school and wishes to have it removed from their transcript, there is a one-time window to do so next school year. Please talk to your student’s counselor within the first quarter of next year about the pros and cons of doing so. If you decide to expunge a credit earned in middle school (usually a foreign language or math credit), your counselor will provide you with the necessary paperwork to complete. Expunging the class also means that any verified credits (earned when you pass the class and pass the corresponding Standards of Learning-SOL test) are expunged too. 

Q: Is TJHSST’s course registration first come, first served? 

A: Summer school: yes - on a space available basis. Regular classes: no. No preference is given to those students who turn in registration paperwork one day versus another. The enrolling parent will receive an email about course selection after registration paperwork has been processed.

Q: Why are we asked to pick alternates? What if I want to change my mind after I’ve submitted online? 

A: It is likely that all students will get the classes they want. A small percentage of students will not receive their first choice due to schedule conflicts, hence why we require that all students select alternates just in case. Please make sure that you place your electives in the order you’d like to take them. Use this as an opportunity to explore areas of study which you may not have considered otherwise.

Q: What percent of incoming freshmen have traditionally taken Ancient Civilizations in summer? 

A: Approximately 45%.

Q: What percent of incoming freshmen will take Computer Science as their elective during the 9th grade? 

A: Approximately 55%. 

Q: What do I do with my student’s SOL scores? Am I responsible for getting them to TJHSST? 

A: If your student is coming from a Fairfax County Public School, we already have your student's SOL scores.

If your student attended a public middle school outside of Fairfax County, we are hopeful that your scores will come with your student’s records. Sometimes, however, they do not. Please retain copies of your student’s official score report that should be sent home by the middle school, just in case. If needed, your student’s counselor will contact you in the Fall.

If your student attended a private middle school or was homeschooled and has never taken SOL exams, your student will be scheduled to take them after the start of the school year.

Q: When is the last day to register for TJHSST? 

A: Admissions acceptances are due to the TJHSST Admissions office no later than April 3, 2020 at 4:00pm.  Information about registration will follow.  

Q: When can I expect to receive information about transportation? 

A: Transportation information for Fairfax County residents is generally available and mailed home in mid to late August.

For non-Fairfax County residents, each of the participating school districts manage their own transportation process. Please contact them directly for specific information about transportation to TJHSST.

Q: Can a student take World History & Geography 1 online via the Summer program through Loudoun County ?

A: Requests to take a non-FCPS course are approved on a case by case basis by the Director of Student Services. While we do not encourage students to take Summer School, if a student wants to do so, we would prefer that the student take a course offered and taught by FCPS. 

Q: Do I need to take World History & Geography 1 prior to taking World History & Geography 2 in 10th grade? 

A: No. World History & Geography 2 at TJHSST is a stand-alone course taken in 10th grade that does not have a prerequisite. Additionally, World History & Geography 2 begins with a brief overview of the World 1 material, so students have the necessary context for the course.

Q: What are the required courses for a 9th grader?  

 A: Biology 1, English 9, Design & Technology, Health & PE 9, Math, World Language, Elective.

Q: What course should I sign up for if I intend on trying to place out of a particular course? 

A: Please sign up for the course that you would naturally take without there being an assessment test.

Q: Can a 9th grader take Online Health & PE 9? 

A: Yes, but it is not recommended. Please be aware that should you choose to enroll in an online class that is also a diploma requirement, it must taken:

1. as one of the student’s seven classes and,

2. off-campus during first period 

Students will not be permitted to be on campus during this period, and parents will be responsible for transporting their student to school.  Please refer to the TJHSST Online Course Policy.

Q: Is there an online course requirement for the Class of 2024? 

A: No. There is no such requirement in FCPS. 

Q: Can I take Band or participate in a sport during 8th period?

A: There are over 100 academic opportunities, extracurricular clubs, and activities available for students during 8th period.  Learn more about 8th period activities here.  However, academic credit is not available to be earned via 8th period. 

 

 

Have more questions?

Please contact your Transition Counselor:

Student/Applicant Last Name	Transition Counselor	Counselor Email
A-Ch	Ms. Susan Martinez	@email
Co-G	Ms. Laurie Phelps	@email
H-Ki	Ms. Christina Ketchem	@email
Ko-Ma	Ms. Andrea Smith	@email
Mc-Q	Mr. Sean Burke	@email
R-Ta	Ms. Kacey McAleer	@email
Tc-Z	Ms. Kerry Hamblin	@email

_{**Please note Class of 2024 students will be assigned their permanent counselor when school begins in Fall 2020.}