Thomas Jefferson High School is a public high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is the eighth largest high school in Iowa. The school's mascot is Jeffy the J-Hawk and the official school colors are Columbia Blue and white.
Serving 1,501 students in grades 9-12, Thomas Jefferson High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 44% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,501 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Thomas Jefferson High School serves the southern part of Cedar Rapids, IA, covering an area of approximately 27.4 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive to the school of 5-10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 7.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Thomas Jefferson High School's student population of 1,501 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 85 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,501 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
85 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
School Rankings
Thomas Jefferson High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Thomas Jefferson High School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1122 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
12%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
28%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
49%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
81%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
J-hawk
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Jefferson High School's ranking?
Thomas Jefferson High School is ranked #1122 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Thomas Jefferson High School often compared to?
Thomas Jefferson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like John F Kennedy High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson High School?
The graduation rate of Thomas Jefferson High School is 81%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Thomas Jefferson High School?
1,501 students attend Thomas Jefferson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Thomas Jefferson High School students are White, 28% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas Jefferson High School?
Thomas Jefferson High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Iowa 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 Cedar Rapids Comm School District.
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