Introducing “TJ” Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Page 2 What is TJ? A 4-year comprehensive high school for “those who have demonstrated high achievement, aptitude, commitment, intellectual curiosity, and creativity in mathematics, science, and technology.” (FCPS School Board Policy )
Page 3 Where is TJ? 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA Bus transportation to TJHSST provided by FCPS & most other jurisdictionsBus transportation to TJHSST provided by FCPS & most other jurisdictions Late Buses – 2 x week for FCPSLate Buses – 2 x week for FCPS Carpooling helps if you are involved in any after-school activities (especially sports)Carpooling helps if you are involved in any after-school activities (especially sports)
Page 4 TJHSST Mission “…is to provide students 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 in ethical behavior and the shared interest of humanity.”
Page 5 What makes TJ different? TJ is the Virginia Regional Governor’s School for Science and Technology for Northern Virginia. Students are selected through a competitive selection process.
Page 6 What makes TJ different? 5 additional credits for graduation: –4 technology –1 extra math (Calculus) All courses gifted and challenging
Page 7 What makes TJ Special? IBET Integrated Biology, English & Technology (9 th Grade Research Block)
Page 8 Courses Unique to TJHSST (examples) DNA Science Neurobiology Numerical Analysis Nature of Materials Bio Nanotechnology Artificial Intelligence Organic Chemistry Computational Physics
Page 9 Research Laboratories Astronomy Biotechnology Computer Systems Energy Systems Modern Physics Oceanography Automation & Robotics Chemical Analysis Computer Assisted Design Microelectronics Neuro Science Prototyping Mentorship Program
Page 10 Is it just science and tech? Electives in all subject areas Art, band, orchestra, choir, drama, journalism, photography yearbook, etc. Foreign languages including Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.
Page 11 The TJ Day School Hours – 8:30 AM until 3:50 PM 8 Periods Block Scheduling No Bells!
Page 12 Eight Periods?! Period 8 is an activity period –guidance activities, clubs, study, tutoring, mentoring, lab work, school publications, etc. Over 125 activities offered A chance to try something new.
Page 13 Life at TJHSST Homecoming, pep rallies, sock hops, etc. Newspaper, Yearbook & Magazines Dance (Swing, Hip Hop & DDR) Chorus, Orchestra & Band Theater Program 25 Varsity Sports
Page 14 What is TJ looking for? Aptitude for successful study of –science, math, computer science –technological Prior academic Achievement.
Page 15 Interest/ Curiosity/ Creativity in study of math, science, and technology. “Background, skills or experiences that promote the School Board’s goal of providing diversity in the student body to enhance a unique learning experience and to develop future leaders.” TJ looking for
The Admissions Process
Page 17 October Applications are due An Absolute Deadline! Oct. 26, 2007
Page 18 Eligibility Requirements Eighth grade (public or private) Residency (Fairfax, Fauquier, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties; Falls Church City) Algebra 1 or higher in 8 th grade
Page 19 Initial Application One-page application seeks general information. You choose your Test Site for December. You pay a Processing Fee ($90. Reduced fee and waivers available on request). If private school, you must verify residency.
Page 20 December Test Day is December 1, sites (most at middle schools in Fairfax County) Testing accommodations and alternate date testing available upon written request
Page 21 The TJ Test – 2 ½ hour aptitude test – 70 Verbal questions Word meanings Logical reasoning Analogies Reading comprehension –50 Math questions Word problems and computations Relationships between quantities
Page 22 Essays On test day, applicants also write two one-page long essays in response to specific essay prompts. Essay 1 focuses on real-world problem solving with an ethical component. Essay 2 requires self-reflection and self- assessment.
Page 23 Semifinalist Pool Determination Based on a sliding scale of grade point average and test score GPA: 7 th grade final marks and 1 st quarter 8 th grade marks (core subjects) January
Page 24 February All Semifinalists then must: –Get 3 Teacher Recommendations. –Prepare Student Information Sheet. All materials are due to your middle school’s TJ liaison counselor later in February.
Page 25 March Selection committees meet and consider: –Application Form –Information Sheet –Teacher Recommendations –Marks in Core Subjects –7 th grade final marks –first two quarters of 8 th grade –Test Scores and Essay Scores
Page 26 April Notifications mailed out early April. 480 students will be admitted.
Page 27 Getting Prepared
Page 28 How can you be a candidate for admission to TJ?
Page 29 To Prepare for TJ Work hard and get the best grades possible in all 7 th and 8 th grade core courses: Math Science English Social Studies
Page 30 Preparation for TJ Be an enthusiastic learner! Pursue interests in –Science –Math –Technology Work on writing & communication skills Take at least Algebra 1 in 8 th grade
Page 31 How can you prepare for the TJ Test? – Read for comprehension and vocabulary – Work on math skills do hard problems in math go the extra mile – Practice essay writing skills – Review Student Handbook
Page 32 Can be downloaded at under “Resources.”
Page 33 What else? In-school and Out-of-school Activities during the school year and the summer both organized and self-initiated
Page 34 School Programs Class Projects Science Fair Odyssey of the Mind Math Teams
Page 35 Summer Enrichment Programs TJ Summer Tech Adventure Camps QUEST Summer Programs
Page 36 Community Service NJHS Tutoring Scouts etc.
Page 37 To learn more about TJHSST Visit us at Open House! Saturday, September 29, 2007 (8:30 a.m. to Noon)
Page 38 available after September 24th from middle school liaison counselors
Page 39 The Admissions Website
Page 40 Information/Contacts Judy Howard, Admissions Director – Joshua Strong, Admissions Specialist –