TJ provides a world-class STEM experience, but beyond that it provides a well-rounded education, allowing students to explore all their interests.

Below are videos and links to information for each of TJ's departments.

Humanities Department

Publications Electives

TJ offers its students three different, year-long publications courses that are open to all grade levels with no prerequisites. Each of the three courses gives students the opportunity to chronicle the stories of the year - the only difference is in the format.

If you're not sure which publication you'd like to work for, sign up for Journalism 1. It's our intro course, and you'll get a little bit of everything. After Journalism 1, if you've decided writing and reporting is your thing, sign up for Journalism 2, and become a full-fledged member of the tjTODAY staff.

If you love graphic design and photography, sign up for Photojournalism. There, you'll dive deep into digital photography, InDesign and Photoshop, and help produce the award-winning TJHSST yearbook, which serves as a permanent historical record of the year.

If multimedia, audio, and video are your specialty, sign up for Broadcast Journalism and join the TJTV  staff. There's a home for everyone in TJ Publications - we hope you'll join us. Email Lisa Hampton (@email) with questions.

Math and Computer Science Department

• CS Information for Rising 9th Graders
• Computer Science (CS) Readiness Assessment Information - The readiness assessment is for students who want to take Data Structures as their first Computer Science course at TJ. Students who have already scored a 5 on the AP Computer Science A exam (this is rare) may enroll in Data Structures without also taking the TJ readiness assessment. 
• A second administration of the 2024 CS Readiness Assessment only for those who have not yet attempted it will be given on June 13th at TJ at 9:00am. The test will take 2 hours and 30 minutes. Please meet in the Dome of TJ at 8:45am.
• The assessment is a written test made up of multiple choice and free response questions. It is entirely in Java. The topics covered include: Object Oriented Programming, inheritance, loops, Strings, arrays, ArrayLists, recursion, sorting algorithms(selection and insertion sort), conversion between number systems(binary, hexadecimal, decimal), and Boolean algebra.
• Those interested in taking the assessment should complete the CS Readiness Test Verification Form by June 11th. 
• As part of your request, you will need to submit the following Sample Program for the CS Readiness Assessment. Please make sure to carefully follow all instructions. The program is due by June 18th.
• On the day of the assessment, please bring the completed CS Readiness Assessment Parental Verification.
• If you pass the Readiness Assessment, you should complete the Java exercises in CodingBat and be prepared to show your Data Structures teacher the work on the first day of class. 
• Any questions, please email Math/CS assistant division leader, JeanMarie Stewart, at @email

ALEKS - Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces

All ninth-grade students have access to ALEKS. They will get their accounts to use the system in the fall. Email questions to Ms. Schmitt at [email protected]. 

Science and Technology Department

World Language, Fine Arts, and PE

World Language Department

Fine Arts Department

TJ Orchestra

Welcome to TJ Orchestra! Everything you need to know about TJ Orchestra including placement auditions can be found here.  For now, just select "orchestra" as an elective course and you will be placed into the appropriate ensemble later on. If you have any questions, please contact Orchestra Director, Ms. Bailey. Join us, we’re saving you a seat!

TJ Bands

Select “band” as an elective course and you will be placed into the appropriate ensemble later on.  Visit our website for comprehensive program info. Direct questions to Band Director, Steve Ballard. We'd love to have you aboard!

TJ Theatre Arts

The theatre arts department at TJHSST is a dynamic program offering Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre classes at multiple levels. The theatre department produces several shows throughout the year, including our fall play, spring musical, and the VHSL one-act competition.  Check out our website! If you have any questions, please reach out to our Theatre Arts Director Ms. Murray.

TJ Visual Arts

Whether you are new to art or an experienced artist, we have a place for you in one of our studio art and design, photography, or digital art classes. Visual Art classes are a great way to balance a heavy academic schedule, explore new media, and express yourself creatively. For more information please contact Jayne Matricardi, Art Teacher and check out the TJ Visual Arts Website!

Physical Education Department

Athletics and Activities

On behalf of TJ Director of Student Activities, Dylan Forshay, please see the message and dates below regarding TJ Athletics:

Congratulations on your admittance to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology! There are some important dates I would like to share regarding the TJ Athletics seasons, athlete registration, and open house opportunities to meet our coaching staffs. TJ has 28 very competitive athletic programs that compete during the school year, with 3 separate sport seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring).

• All student-athletes are required to complete a Virginia High School Physical.
• Sport Season Dates (2024-25 school year)
  • Fall Sports
    • Golf – August 1
    • Football, Cheer, Field Hockey, Cross Country (Boys and Girls), Volleyball (Boys and Girls), Dance – August 5
  • Winter Sports
    • Basketball (Boys and Girls), Gymnastics, Swim & Dive (Boys and Girls), Track & Field (Boys and Girls), Wrestling (Boys and Girls), Dance – November 12
  • Spring Sports
    • Softball, Baseball, Soccer (Boys and Girls), Tennis (Boys and Girls), Track & Field (Boys and Girls), Lacrosse, Crew (Boys and Girls) – February 25

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Director of Student Activities Dylan Forshay or contact our Head Athletic Trainer Heather Murphy 

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