TJ Admissions Applications To Open With New Policy Continuing

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Applications will open Monday for the next freshman class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, a top-rated governor's school serving Northern Virginia. The new admissions policy that has drawn a mix of support and opposition will continue for this class as a court battle plays out.

The class of 2027 will include 550 seats offered to the highest-evaluated students, according to the admissions policy. The holistic review under the new admissions policy evaluates students on their grade point average, student portrait sheet demonstrating their Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st century skills, a problem-solving essay, and experience factors such as economically disadvantaged, English language learner, or special education backgrounds.

The new admissions policy approved by the Fairfax County School Board in 2020 eliminated the standardized admissions test as well as the $100 application fee, raised the minimum grade point average and increased the freshman class size from 480 to 550.

The admissions policy changes were aimed at removing barriers for underrepresented student groups. Black and Hispanic students particularly have made up small groups in past classes but increased in the first class under the new admissions policy. Asian students still represent the majority of admitted students, but the percentage of the student group fell.

The Coalition for TJ, a group of parents, students, alumni and other community members, opposed the admissions policy changes, claiming the policy discriminates against Asian American students. The coalition filed a lawsuit to challenge the admissions policy, and in February, U.S. District Judge Claude Hilton provided a summary judgment in favor of the Coalition for TJ.

Now, FCPS is seeking an appeal of the ruling in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. While the appeal is being decided, a stay pending appeal was granted by the federal appeals court in April. That means the federal judge's ruling against the admissions policy is temporarily suspended as the appeal is decided in court. The same month, Supreme Court denied an emergency petition sought by the Coalition for TJ to vacate the stay granted by the appeals courts.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is often a top-ranked high school in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. Admissions are open to students in Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, Arlington County, City of Falls Church, Loudoun County and Prince William County.

Applications open at 4 p.m. this upcoming Monday and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Nov. 18. Final decision notifications will happen in late April 2023.