This year admissions policies were changed at the highest-ranked high school in the nation, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Fairfax County changed the admission policies to decrease the number of Asians attending the school and increase the number of Blacks and Hispanics. No longer were admission tests, teacher recommendations, or essays required for acceptance to the prestigious high school. A lottery was instituted for all student applications. Approximately 80% of all 8th students qualified for the lottery. This year’s class of students looks very different from previous years. Fairfax county has met its goal of decreasing Asian acceptance rates (20%) and increasing admission for Blacks and Hispanics.
The class of 2024 was admitted under the old admission requirements and looked like this:
Asians were the big losers in this year’s TJ acceptance rates, losing almost 20% compared to previous years. Whites increased by 5% while the school reached its goal in changing admissions by greatly increasing Black and Hispanic rates of acceptance. Students accepted who came from private schools or were homeschooled dropped by 7%.
Black and Hispanics will have larger gains in the years to come.
How long will TJHSST remain the best school in the nation? One more year? Public schools in Virginia have little interest in students who excel. It’s all about the color of their skin.
Republican candidate for Governor Glenn Youngkin has said he will stop this ridiculous lottery at TJHSST and go back to the way admissions have always worked there. Because TJ is a Governor’s school he would the power to do that. McAuliffe would never do it, nor would he oppose any other program the educrats want in your schools. For instance, Youngkin will not allow Critical Race Theory to be taught in our schools, McAuliffe will. McAuliffe will support boys be allowed in girl’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers at our schools. Youngkin would not support those changes. Elections have consequences. Our kids’ and our country’s future depend on who we elect in November. Let’s hope TJ isn’t allowed to reject the man/woman who will in the future cure cancer or heart disease because he/she is the wrong color.