introducing “tj” thomas jefferson high school for science and technology

Introducing “TJ”Introducing “TJ”

Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson

High School High School

for for

Science and TechnologyScience and Technology

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 3355.2)

Where is TJ?

• 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA • Bus transportation to TJHSST Bus transportation to TJHSST

provided by FCPS & most other provided by FCPS & most other jurisdictionsjurisdictions

• Late Buses – 2 x week for FCPSLate Buses – 2 x week for FCPS• Carpooling helps if you are involved Carpooling helps if you are involved

in any after-school activities in any after-school activities (especially sports)(especially sports)

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.”

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.

What makes TJ different?

• 5 additional credits for graduation: – 4 technology

– 1 extra math (Calculus)

• All courses gifted and challenging

What makes TJ Special?

• IBET Integrated

Biology,

English &

Technology • (9th Grade Research Block)

Courses Unique to TJHSST (examples)

• DNA Science

• Neurobiology

• Numerical Analysis

• Nature of Materials

• Bio Nanotechnology

• Artificial Intelligence

• Organic Chemistry

• Computational Physics

Research Laboratories

• Astronomy• Biotechnology• Computer Systems• Energy Systems• Modern Physics • Oceanography

• Automation & Robotics• Chemical Analysis• Computer Assisted Design • Microelectronics• Neuro Science • Prototyping

Mentorship Program

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.

The TJ Day

• School Hours– 8:30 AM until 3:50 PM

• 8 Periods

• Block Scheduling

• No Bells!

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.

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

What is TJ looking for?

• Aptitude for successful study of – science, math, computer science

– technological

• Prior academic Achievement.

• 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

October

Applications are due

An Absolute Deadline!

Oct. 26, 2007

Eligibility Requirements

• Eighth grade (public or private)

• Residency (Fairfax, Fauquier, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties; Falls Church City)

• Algebra 1 or higher in 8th grade

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.

DecemberTest Day is

December 1, 2007

• 15 sites (most at middle schools in Fairfax County)

• Testing accommodations and alternate date testing available upon written request

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

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.

Semifinalist Pool Determination

• Based on a sliding scale of grade point average and test score

• GPA: 7th grade final marks and 1st quarter 8th grade marks (core subjects)

January

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.

MarchSelection committees meet and consider:

– Application Form

– Information Sheet

– Teacher Recommendations

– Marks in Core Subjects– 7th grade final marks – first two quarters of 8th grade

– Test Scores and Essay Scores

April

Notifications mailed out early April.480 students will be admitted.

Getting

Prepared

How can you be a

candidate for admission to TJ?

To Prepare for TJ

Work hard and get the best grades possible in all 7th and 8th grade core courses:

MathScienceEnglishSocial Studies

Preparation for TJ

• Be an enthusiastic learner!

• Pursue interests in – Science – Math– Technology

• Work on writing & communication skills

• Take at least Algebra 1 in 8th grade

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

Can be downloaded at www.TJAdmissions.org

under “Resources.”

What else? In-school and Out-of-school Activities

during the school year and the summer

both organized and self-initiated

School Programs

Class ProjectsScience Fair

Odyssey Odyssey of the of the

MindMind

Math Teams

Summer Enrichment Programs

• TJ Summer Tech

• Adventure Camps

QUEST

Summer Programs

Community Service

• NJHS

• Tutoring

• Scouts etc.

To learn more about

TJHSST

Visit us at Open House!

Saturday, September 29, 2007 (8:30 a.m. to Noon)

• available after September 24th from middle school liaison counselors

The Admissions Website

www.TJAdmission.org

Information/Contacts

• Judy Howard, Admissions Director [email protected]– 703-658-5824

• Joshua Strong, Admissions Specialist

[email protected]– 703-658-5806

introducing “tj” thomas jefferson high school for science and technology

Documents

school activities

tj different

tj special

private school

school publications

successful study of

english technology

study of math