Updated May 13, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Before the School Year Starts Questions

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

A: Rising 9th graders can take Econ and Personal Finance, Geometry Honors, World Language, or Health & PE 9 online for credit via FCPS or another approved program. For more information about the FCPS online summer campus, please refer to the FCPS Summer Learning Programs page. Permission to take these online classes must be granted by the TJHSST Director of Student Services.

(Students may only enroll in one course for transfer credit for advancement purposes during the summer. The only exception to this is Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance, which can be taken alongside another summer course for transfer credit.)

Q: Can I take a summer class from a non-FCPS program?

A: Some courses are permitted, however you must seek approval from the Director of Student Services to ensure that the class and program are verified for transfer credit to TJHSST. Please submit this form to request permission to earn summer school credit for programs outside of FCPS. (Students may only enroll in one course for transfer credit for advancement purposes during the summer. The only exception to this is Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance, which can be taken alongside another summer course for transfer credit.)

Q: What if I choose my courses now, and then my plans for summer school change 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 only available for rising 10th and 11th grade students only.

Q: Will There be a Freshman Orientation?

A: Yes. The date is tentatively set for August 15, 2024 in the morning. We will be in contact later in the summer to confirm that and give you more information.

Curricular Questions

Q. Can rising 9th graders take Geometry or Geometry Honors over the summer if they have completed Algebra 1?  (or similarly) Can rising 9th graders take Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors, or Algebra 2 with Trigonometry over the summer if they have completed Geometry?

A. The course will be approved as long as you submit a transcript from an accredited instructional program that awards a high school credit for the course. BUT, we strongly encourage you to consider why you are wanting to do so? What goal are you trying to accomplish by accelerating your path in mathematics? Our counselors and math department advise students not only to complete the 4 credits of high school math required for graduation from TJHSST (AP Calculus AB or BC must be among these), but also strongly encourage students to take 4 years of mathematics in sequence while in high school. This important not only for the college application and admissions process, but especially important for success in college where students will continue to progress in their mathematics sequence. If your intention is to continue with mathematics at the advanced levels throughout your 4 years at TJHSST, without a gap or disruption to the sequence, that would be a compelling decision-making factor. 

Q. Can rising 9th graders “double-up” in mathematics during freshman year and take math as an elective?

A. Students who have already completed Algebra 2 and are enrolling in Math 4 (the first half of PreCalculus) may indicate on their course selection form the desire to take Research Statistics 2. If we are able to accommodate this elective course request, then the course sequence would be Fall Semester: Math 4 and Research Statistics 1; Spring Semester: Math 5 and Research Statistics 2. Keep in mind that the curriculum of Research Statistics 1 and 2 are the equivalent of taking AP Statistics. Please refer to the response above regarding considerations for acceleration in mathematics during 9^th grade.

Q: I currently have 3 credits in one World Language through FCPS. Do I have enough language credits to fulfill the requirement at TJ?

A: Yes. Three sequential credits in a World Language fulfills the TJHSST graduation requirements.

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: Information will be shared at the upcoming Preview Event.  Visit the Fine Arts page here or reach out directly to Student Services who can connect you with the appropriate staff.

Q: I have multiple electives I would like to fit into my four years. How can I accomplish this?

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

Q: Does a class for a non-FCPS course taken in middle school (i.e. Geometry) count towards the TJ diploma requirement?

A: Yes, as long as that class 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: You do not have to take computer science in 9th grade. It is offered in the summer after ninth and 10th grade, and during the school year; you will need to complete this requirement by the end of your Junior year. 

Q: Do credits earned from the World Language Credit Exam meet graduation requirements?

A: Yes, however keep in mind that three years of one language are required. This test is offered in November.

Q: What is the 4th social studies class requirement at TJ?

A: FCPS requires four social studies credits to earn an Advanced Studies diploma. The fourth social studies credit may be earned during any of the 4 years depending on the course(s) selected. The first three credits are earned in 10th grade - World History/Geography 2, 11th grade - American History, and 12th grade - American Govt.  TJ students may fulfill the 4th credit by choosing a yearlong (non-AP) elective such as African American History, Ancient Civilizations or History of Science; or 2 semester (non-AP) electives, which cover topics such as psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and history.

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?

A: Yes - but it will require prior approval by the Director of Student Services and must be from an accredited program. FCPS offers additional approved online world languages.

Other Topics

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

A: The deadline to submit the course request form was April 26, 2024. Student Services needs this information as soon as possible to ensure that all TJHSST students have an optimal school schedule. Exception - students offered TJ Admission after April 26 were given different deadlines based on when they were offered admission. More information can be found here.

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

A: Yes, after registrations have been processed. 

Q: Are students required or recommended to have social media accounts for communicating with peers?

A: No. 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 students need will be provided, and parents will sign a consent form for FCPS approved digital tools. 

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

A: 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. Sample four-year plan.

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 world language or math credit), your counselor will provide you with the necessary paperwork to complete by the end of the first nine weeks. 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: No. There is no preference given to students who turn in registration paperwork one day versus another. However, staffing decisions have been made for the year and there may be space limitations. We encourage students and parents to complete the course request form together.

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

A: A large majority of students will get the classes they want. A small percentage of students will not receive their first choice due to schedule conflicts, and will be scheduled into an alternate class. 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 will take Computer Science as their elective during the 9th grade? 

A: In general, approximately 60% of students take CS as freshmen, however it has been as much as 75%.

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: My child went to a private middle school or an out of state school. Will they need to take the SOLs?

A: Yes. Our assessment coach will be in touch once your child has arrived.

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

A: Fairfax County Residents need to accept their offer to TJ before requesting transportation. Once Fairfax County residents have accepted the offer, we will be in contact with you in early May with signup instructions for bus transportation. We will send you a google form created by FCPS Transportation that shows you the locations of all the bus depots for the 2024-25 school year and allow you to make a choice. Families can choose different depot selections for pick-up in the morning and drop-off in the afternoon if they wish.

Non-Fairfax County Residents should contact their county school transportation department directly for information about transportation to TJHSST.   

Families in Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties should contact those school transportation departments directly for transportation information:

• Arlington County: Mr. Deriba Reba (@email)
• Loudoun County: Ms. Madelin Spier (@email)
• Prince William County: Ms. Mary Hayes (@email)

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, Research Statistics 1, Math, World Language, Elective. More Information.

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

A: Yes, but it is not recommended. Please be aware that if you choose to enroll in an online class that is also a diploma requirement, it must be 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: Can I take Band or participate in a sport during 8th period?

A: No, academic credit and VHSL activities are not available during 8th period. There are over 100 academic opportunities, extracurricular clubs, and activities available for students during 8th period.  Learn more about 8th period activities here. 

Q: I have completed Algebra 2. Can I take both RS1 and RS2 (as my elective) and Math 4 and 5 at the same time? How do I select that?

A: Yes. Indicate that is your elective choice on the course request form.

Q: If my student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), who should I contact?

A: Please reach out to Chuck Lord via the contact form or at 703-750-8354.

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