Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
For a few weeks, Zak has been considering applying to TJHSST. While you may not recognize the name, you might have read about it in USA Today or other newspapers that report on the top students in America.
TJ is ranked the top school in America, and has the highest average SAT scores. It has been visited by Ronald Reagan, Al Gore, Jesse Jackson and Mandy Moore.
On Tuesday, we attended a presentation regarding the admissions process, which is just as rigorous as any college admissions process. Tomorrow morning is an Open House, where students can tour the labs (astronomy, robotics, biotech, chemistry, CAD, electronics, oceanography, physics, engineering, neuroscience) and talk to the teachers, including those that teach Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Latin. What we also found out from Tuesday's presentation is that Fairfax County High Schools are in the top 3% of the nation, and Zak's home school, West Springfield High School is really the top HS in the county.
Tonight, Zak decided he did not want to apply to TJ. While he understands the importance of a good education, he feels he will perform better under less pressure at WSHS. Of course, we'll still expect him to give 100%, but we're happy he is able to make his own decision in this.
Personally, I would have *loved* to attend this school at his age, but I am a little relieved he chose WSHS. I'm afraid I would have pushed too hard and lived vicariously through him for his HS career. :P
We love ya, Zak.
TJ is ranked the top school in America, and has the highest average SAT scores. It has been visited by Ronald Reagan, Al Gore, Jesse Jackson and Mandy Moore.
On Tuesday, we attended a presentation regarding the admissions process, which is just as rigorous as any college admissions process. Tomorrow morning is an Open House, where students can tour the labs (astronomy, robotics, biotech, chemistry, CAD, electronics, oceanography, physics, engineering, neuroscience) and talk to the teachers, including those that teach Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Latin. What we also found out from Tuesday's presentation is that Fairfax County High Schools are in the top 3% of the nation, and Zak's home school, West Springfield High School is really the top HS in the county.
Tonight, Zak decided he did not want to apply to TJ. While he understands the importance of a good education, he feels he will perform better under less pressure at WSHS. Of course, we'll still expect him to give 100%, but we're happy he is able to make his own decision in this.
Personally, I would have *loved* to attend this school at his age, but I am a little relieved he chose WSHS. I'm afraid I would have pushed too hard and lived vicariously through him for his HS career. :P
We love ya, Zak.
Labels: Zak
posted by Tonya at
10:11 PM
My 
1 Comments:
good for him for making a well-thought-out decision! sounds like he really considered the different options, and chose the one that is ultimately best for him.
you know I would have been so psyched to talk to him about TJ though ;)
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