Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What can you tell me about the K-5 School?
    The K-5 Thomas Jefferson Classical Grammar School – A Challenge Foundation Academy opened August 20, 2007. The school is chartered for 460 plus students, with plans for four classrooms per grade level, with no more than 20 students per class. The grammar school uses the Core Knowledge Curriculum based on ideas presented by E.D. Hirsh, Jr. In each grade students will be exposed to a broad range of historical, scientific, and cultural topics that will build on one another to prepare them for educational success. Go to www.coreknowledge.org for more information. Click here for Applications for employment and student registration.
    Should we have more applications than spots available in any one grade, students for that grade will be selected by lottery.
    Deadline for applications is the same as TJCA. March 17, 2009
  2. Is there tuition charged to attend TJCA and TJCG-CFA?
    NO! TJCA and TJCG-CFA are public schools! Parents will need to purchase the required school uniform items and provide transportation for their children.
  3. What is the curriculum focus at TJCA?
    TJCA is a COLLEGE PREPARATORY public school, which means that we only offer the College/University Prep Diploma track for high school graduates. Students who are serious about completing a four-year college degree program after high school should attend. We believe that all students have the ability to complete college preparatory work, but that a strong work ethic is necessary for success. The classical Curriculum focuses on critical thinking skills with required classes in logic, composition and rhetoric.
  4. When did the school open?
    Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy opened it’s doors on August 23, 1999 with 110 students. Thomas Jefferson Classcial Grammar School – CFA opened its doors in August 20, 2007.
  5. How many students do you have in attendance this year?
    This year we have 425 plus students in attendance in grades K-5
    And 521 plus students in attendance in grades 6 – 12.
  6. How many available spots do you have for next year?
    This will vary by grade. Lotteries are conducted by each grade level, with a numerical wait list drawn for applications received by March 17, 2009.
    We currently have 79 in sixth grade, 91 in seventh grade, and 93 in eighth grade, 74 in ninth grade. Last year we had to hold a lottery for our seventh, eighth and 9th grade applications.
    TJCG-CFA opened its doors for the first time last year, and we accepted all applications received by the deadline of March 15th.
    This year we have 65 students in kindergarten, 54 in first grade, 51 in second grade, 65 in third grade, 53 in fourth grade, and 62 in fifth grade.
    Next years enrollment by grade will depend on acquiring additional classroom space.
  7. What is the application Deadline?
    The Application deadline is March 17, 2009
  8. How will you choose the students in the lottery?
    We will hold a PUBLIC lottery early April, a week or two after the Easter break. Every applicant will receive either a letter of acceptance, or a letter confirming the upcoming lottery. Names of all the applicants for grades that require a lottery except siblings of students already in TJCA or TJCG-CFA will be placed in a box, and will be selected in rank order. When all available slots have been filled, the remaining students will be selected for a wait list.
    Applicants who have siblings already in the school, or a parent as a staff or board member, are automatically accepted and enrolled for the next year. BUT WE MUST HAVE A COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM IN PLACE BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF MARCH 17, 2009
  9. Will you let us know whether our child was accepted?
    What about all the information about the school requirements:
    We will send you a letter letting you know about the results of the lottery within a week from the drawing. You will be expected to confirm with us that you plan to accept this allotted spot by the date indicated on the letter. If we do not hear from you by the specified date, the next student on the wait list will be offered the spot. You will then receive a welcome package in mid-June that will include information on uniform requirements, classroom requirements and the summer reading list.
  10. Can I apply to attend for grades 10-12?
    Applicants for grades 10-12 must provide evidence of having completed college preparatory courses in their prior high schools, and must meet with the Guidance Counselor to assure that an appropriate course of study can be followed to meet the TJCA graduation requirements, which include two years of Latin, two years of Logic, and one year of Rhetoric.
  11. What about sports and other activities at TJCA and TJCG-CFA?
    TJCG-CFA offers group violin lessons, art club, and crochet. The YMCA offers an after school program at a cost per month.
    TJCA offers the following interscholastic sports for middle and high school students: football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, tennis, golf, softball and baseball. Elective club activities include; drama, chorus, orchestra, yearbook, academic teams, science Olympiad, battle of the books, fencing, creative writing, debate, and multiple tutoring activities. Students are invited to join the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Thespian Society, and may be elected to student council positions.