Thomas Jefferson High School
School Profile
School Website: http://www.fwps.org/tj/
4248 S. 288th Street |
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What is Special About Our School?
At Thomas Jefferson High School, students are encouraged to develop their potential academically, personally, and socially. The school is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, which means that the staff has adopted ten principles that are believed to be crucial to all students achieving at their highest level.
TJ’s Raiderlinks laptop program continues to build on its reputation as a 1998 Computer World Smithsonian Award for Excellence winner. Raiderlinks is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program that prepares students for their preferred career path. Raiderlinks is aligned with the Washington Assessment for Student Learning (WASL) and Federal Way Public Schools’ literacy goals. Recent graduates have gained entrance to prestigious universities, art schools, community colleges, and technical schools and have been hired by corporations.
The International Baccalaureate Program, a two-year program that requires students to challenge themselves at a high academic level, is an option for all students. The program can be a full-diploma choice or an option for earning certificates in specific subjects in which a student wishes to excel. The assessments are sent to external assessors, assuring that student work conforms to “world-class” standards.
Thomas Jefferson High School has an innovative modified six-period daily schedule that allows for more personalization, greater access to electives, and extended instructional time. TJ offers an after-school tutoring program called Raider Advantage, two hours per day four days a week, where students can receive individual tutoring.
The Construction Apprenticeship Preparation Program (CAPP) is an integrated 4-year program for students interested in careers and apprenticeships in the construction industry. Construction, Language Arts and Math instructors team to take students through the four-year curriculum. Free college credit is available to enrolled students.No Child Left Behind Report Card
The No Child Left Behind Act requires all schools and school districts in the United States to prepare annual reports for parents and the public detailing their academic achievement. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s web site makes this information available on-line. Find your school’s report card on-line at http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/, Click on Federal Way in the “Summary” box, then choose your school from the list. You may also request a paper copy of the report card at your school’s office. For more information about the NCLB Act, go to http://www.nclb.gov/index.html
Academic and Student Programs
- Associated Student Body
- Annual/Yearbook
- Athletic training
- Band, Marching Band, Choral Music, Orchestra
- International Baccalaureate
- Drill Team and Cheer Staff
- Debate & Math Team
- Drama
- Driver’s Education
- Honors/Advanced Placement classes
- National Honor Society
- Knowledge Bowl
- English Language Learner (ELL)
- Student Council
- Full-time counselors
- Special Education (consultant, inclusion, resource room, MMR, and self-contained)
- Key Club
- Emergency Response Class
- Track/Soccer
- Gymnastics & Volleyball
- Football & Wrestling
- Baseball & Softball (fast pitch)
- AmeriCorps
- Latino Night School
- Summer School
- Student Store
Student Characteristics
Distribution of Student Ethnicity |
2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
| African American | 9.99 | 10.35 | 10.20 |
Asian American |
15.23 | 18.05 | 20.20 |
Hispanic |
13.10 | 13.74 | 15.80 |
Native American |
1.40 | 1.28 | 1.20 |
White |
58.62 | 54.31 | 49.80 |
| Pac Islander | 1.14 | 1.18 | 1.20 |
| Multi-Racial | .16 | .41 | .60 |
Other Student Characteristics |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Number of Students (Oct.) |
1,838 |
1,908 |
1,999 |
Free/Reduced Meals |
29.6% |
35.8% |
38.8% |
How Are We Using Our Financial Resources?
| Our District | Our School | ||
| “Per Pupil” Expenditures for 2006-07 | Funding | ||
Total Expenditure |
$8,296.00 | Building Expenditures |
$402,258.25 |
Supplies & Instructional Materials |
$432.00 | ASB (Associated Student Body) Expenditures |
$567,896.76 |
Equipment |
$52.00 | ||
Thomas Jefferson High School used resources to enhance student curriculum and programs. Purchases included, classroom books and materials, in-service activities, emergency management training, and day-to-day operations.
High School Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2008
Because student learning is the critical product of education, the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Education has established grade level expectations for students to receive a high school diploma.
With the Class of 2000 and beyond, students shall achieve 23.5 high school graduation credits to be eligible to receive a high school diploma. The equivalent of 90 class periods of 50 minutes each equals 0.5 credits toward graduation.
To qualify for high school graduation in Federal Way Public Schools, students must receive at least a “C-“ grade in each of the required courses. For information on specific course requirements, see the following web site: www.fwps.org/info/policies/2000/2410.htm
Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL)
Percentage Meeting Standard in:
| Grade 10 |
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Math |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
School |
47.6 |
57.0 |
62.0 |
63.0 |
District |
42.0 |
51.0 |
54.0 |
53.0 |
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Reading |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
School |
67.5 |
79.0 |
90.0 |
93.0 |
District |
66.4 |
79.0 |
87.0 |
87.0 |
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Writing |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
School |
69.9 |
74.0 |
83.0 |
90.0 |
District |
70.1 |
75.0 |
84.0 |
87.0 |
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Science |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
School |
23.7 |
36.0 |
41.0 |
51.0 |
District |
24.3 |
33.0 |
36.0 |
38.0 |