Thomas Jefferson High School is a historic high school in Richmond, Virginia. It is part of the Richmond Public Schools. The Art Deco building, constructed in 1929 and opened in 1930, has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by architect Charles M. Robinson.
Serving 749 students in grades 9-12, Thomas Jefferson High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-79% (which is approximately equal to the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 85-89% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 749 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Thomas Jefferson High serves the north part of Richmond, VA, covering an area of approximately 13 square miles, with typical travel times of 5-10 minutes and an average distance of 2.4 miles to the zone's edge, reaching up to 3.4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thomas Jefferson High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Thomas Jefferson High School's student population of 749 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has grown by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
749 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1930
School Calendar
School Rankings
Thomas Jefferson High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Thomas Jefferson High School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#486 out of 1773 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)85-89%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)65-69%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Black
64%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
23%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
91%
88.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
4%
6%
Showing 2005–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Crimson & White
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Jefferson High School's ranking?
Thomas Jefferson High School is ranked #486 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Thomas Jefferson High School often compared to?
Thomas Jefferson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Huguenot High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 85-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson High School?
The graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson High School is 91%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 88.8%.
How many students attend Thomas Jefferson High School?
749 students attend Thomas Jefferson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Thomas Jefferson High School students are Black, 23% of students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas Jefferson High School?
Thomas Jefferson High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Thomas Jefferson High School offer ?
Thomas Jefferson High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Thomas Jefferson High School part of?
Thomas Jefferson High School is part of Richmond City School District.
In what neighborhood is Thomas Jefferson High School located?
Thomas Jefferson High School is located in the The West End neighborhood of Richmond, VA.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
THIS SCHOOL HAS BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO WILL BE A JUNIOR
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