According to the U.S. News Report, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is the #1 school in Virginia and the Nation.
"Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is ranked first within Virginia. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is 100%. The total minority enrollment is 79%, and 2% of students are economically disadvantaged. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is 1 of 30 high schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools." - U.S. News
TJHSST is an admissions only school servicing the Northern Virginia Region, and specializes in STEM. "Established in 1985, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is a partnership among businesses and schools created to improve education in science, mathematics, and technology. Representatives from business and industry and staff of the Fairfax County Public Schools worked together in curriculum and facilities development for the school.
As the Governor's School for Science and Technology in Northern Virginia, the school is also supported by the Virginia Department of Education. Unlike other magnet schools, TJHSST has a four-year, full day program.
In addition to providing a specialized education for selected students in Fairfax County, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology also serves other school districts including Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church."
Although the report states the total minority enrollment at 79%, it's important to note the actual breakdown of students who were approved years past. The graph below shows demographic data by ethnicity for three recent school years:
As you'll see from the screenshot above, the percentage of Black students can be rounded up to 2%. However, the percentage of Black students accepted into the class of 2024 is ZERO - out of 160 Black students who applied.
To learn more about admissions statistics on the incoming class to Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology and to learn about issues to address its blatant racial inequities, please read this article posted on Blue Virginia.
There's no time like the present to take a stand, use your voice, and hold those who support inequities, and practices of structural racism accountable; especially when it comes to our children. Black children are brilliant, capable, and worthy! We need answers as to why none of the 160 applicants were accepted, and how they plan to change in the future.
Update: TJHSST news release on admissions.