TJ High School Admissions Open For Next Freshman Class

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Public Schools has opened admissions for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's next freshman class. This will be the second year of admissions under the new admissions policy.

In late 2020, the Fairfax County School Board changed the TJ admissions policy, eliminating the standardized admissions test and the $100 application fee as well as increasing the freshman class size from 480 to 550.

Class of 2026 applicants must undergo a holistic review of their completed student portrait sheet, problem-solving essay, Grade Point Average, and experience factors. Applicants will submit a STEM problem-solving essay and an essay on their life experience factors. Life experience factors evaluated can include economically disadvantaged students, English Language Learners, special education students, and students attending historically underrepresented schools. The minimum Grade Point Average for applicants is 3.5. The average GPA for the admitted class of 2025 was 3.95.

FCPS students applying to TJ must be taking honors classes or identified as a Young Scholar. Students from other participating school divisions, private schools, or who are homeschooled, and do not have access to honors classes, must demonstrate they are taking the highest level of courses available.

According to a FCPS news release, the application process is race-neutral, as admissions evaluators do not know the race, ethnicity, or gender of applicants. The class of 2025 had increases in Black, Hispanic and white student percentages. Asian students continue to represent the majority, but the percentage of admitted students declined. The changes in the admissions policy drew backlash from a group of parents, students, alumni, staff called the Coalition for TJ.

TJ is a governor's school established in 1985 with a focus on math, science, and technology. It is often named the top high school in the U.S. School divisions where students can apply to TJ include Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Arlington County, Falls Church City, Loudoun County and Prince William County. Alexandria, Manassas Park, Manassas and Fauquier County do not participate.

Applications for the class of 2026 are open until 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.